241108-F-TF632-1072 909th ARS refuels 84th RS A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 84th Reconnaissance Squadron conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the coast of Japan, Nov. 8, 2024. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker)

230819-F-MI946-1631 Agile Spartan 23.2: RJ’s stay on watch A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during Operation Agile Spartan above the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, Aug. 19, 2023. Agile Spartan demonstrated flexible response options through decisive combat airpower in air superiority, airlift, surveillance and reconnaissance. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

230819-F-MI946-1811 Agile Spartan 23.2: RJ’s stay on watch A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron taxis off the runway during Operation Agile Spartan at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, Aug. 19, 2023. The RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft participated in this exercise to demonstrate its support to theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

161030-F-XV591-9001 An Offutt-based RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint climbs into the air during Global Thunder 17, U.S. Strategic Command’s annual command post and field training exercise, Oct. 30, 2016, at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The exercise provided training opportunities for USSTRATCOM-tasked components, task forces, units and command posts to deter and, if necessary, defeat a military attack against the United States and to employ forces as directed by the President.

250821-F-GK113-9005 Riveting takeoff A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint, assigned to the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, departs RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Aug. 21, 2025. With 108 years of continuous service, the 95th RS stands as one of the oldest active units in the Air Force. Since its activation on Aug. 20, 1917, the squadron has carried a variety of missions through nearly every major conflict, including its historic role as a bombardment squadron during the Doolittle Raid of 1942. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Long)

250703-F-XK483-1116 A 55th Wing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint lands at Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh, South Australia July 3, 2025. The 55th Wing implements and tests the Air Force Force Generation model during an exercise, Talon Shield, to deploy as a unit from home station to another location to support down range operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

250331-F-BX586-9999 Eyes of the Pacific: Allied ISR strengthens deterrence at Kadena Air Base A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2025. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

190508-F-OQ776-9036 A U.S. Air Force RC-135S Cobra Ball aircraft assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., May 8, 2019. In 1994, all RC-135S aircraft and operations were transferred to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Skovo)

040618-F-JZ509-100 040618-F-JZ509-100 An RC-135U Combat Sent aircraft flies a training mission from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. There are only two Combat Sent aircraft in the Air Force inventory and both are assigned to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB.

211109-N-FA490-3158 JAVA SEA (Nov. 9, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to “The Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 participates in Cooperation Afloat and Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2021. In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/released)

210711-N-IJ992-0002 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 11, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, attached to the “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, taxis on a runway in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, July 11, 2021. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure stability, security, and the free flow of commerce in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean, and three strategic chokepoints. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andy A. Anderson)

220616-N-SU685-0034 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (June 16, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 prepares to take off on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sergio Montanez)

240425-N-FY142-1213 MISAWA, Japan (Apr. 25, 2024) A P-8A Poseidon assigned to the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 takes off on a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission flight. The P-8A is capable of supporting SAR missions by quickly securing, launching, and deploying the SAR kit to stranded persons and increasing the chances of survivability prior to rescue. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Ashley Guire)

210406-N-EJ241-1020 MISAWA, Japan (April 6, 2021) ? A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, lands at Misawa Air Base. VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jan David De Luna Mercado)

210511-F-UV276-1005 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 11, 2021) A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, based in Florida, refuels a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida above the Atlantic Ocean during sunset, May 10, 2021. The P8 operates in the anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and shipping interdiction roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany A. Emery)

240425-N-FY142-1003 MISAWA, Japan (Apr. 25, 2024) – The UNIPAC-III Search and Rescue (SAR) kit installed in the weapons bay of a P-8A Poseidon assigned to the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10. The P-8A is capable of supporting SAR missions by quickly securing, launching, and deploying the SAR kit to stranded persons and increasing the chances of survivability prior to rescue. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Ashley Guire)

230704-N-NY362-1313 PHILIPPINE SEA (July 4, 2023) A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon flies above a formation of surface ships and submarines from the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in the Philippine Sea during Pacific Vanguard 23, July 4, 2023. Pacific Vanguard is an opportunity for the four Indo-Pacific navies to strengthen their skills in maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, live-fire missile events, and advanced maneuvering scenarios in the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC). The U.S. military routinely operates in designated land, air, and sea areas of the Mariana Islands to safely train military service members in equipment use, tactics, joint operations, and humanitarian aid missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Santiago Navarro)

250625-F-OC707-9009 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II takes off June 25, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

250625-F-OC707-9007 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II prepares for take-off June 25, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

250710-F-F3962-0009 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II comes in for a landing on a dirt path July 10 on the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida range. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft is in its third month of developmental testing with the 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command. (Courtesy image)

250625-F-OC707-9009 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II takes off June 25, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

260121-F-KQ087-1147 355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, and a pilot assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing prepare to take off in an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. Redmond participated in a familiarization flight to better understand the Skyraider II’s mission set and capabilities, enhancing mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

250710-F-F3962-0008 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II comes in for a landing on a dirt path July 10 on the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida range. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with the 96th Test Wing and the U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (Courtesy image)

250128-F-LD209-1035 A U.S. Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II is parked on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan. 28, 2025. The OA-1K Skyraider II is a new, flexible, cost-effective crewed aircraft adaptable to deliver capabilities in support of defense priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli)

250128-F-LD209-1066 A U.S. Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II is parked on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan. 28, 2025. Air Force Special Operations Command Leadership announced the name for the OA-1K during the Special Air Warfare Symposium in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Feb. 27, 2025. The moniker renews the versatile nature of the A-1 Skyraider, which operated from 1946 through the early 1980s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli)

160323-F-NA343-265 U-2 Dragon Lady A U- 2 Dragon Lady approaches an altitude near 70,000 ft. above California, Mar. 23, 2016. The pilot must wear a full-pressure suit similar to NASA astronaut suits. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo)

250731-F-WX919-1003 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, prepare to fly a TU-2S Dragon Lady by spending an hour undergoing 100% oxygen exposure with the 9th Physiological Support Squadron at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250731-F-WX919-1158 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, is prepared for flight by members of the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, July 31st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1021 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1028 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1034 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1050 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

RQ-4グローバルホーク（Global Hawk）

200429-F-SP573-1219 A MQ-4C Triton taxis at Andersen Air Force Base

Jul 13, 2022 米海兵隊岩国航空基地 – 7月12日、米海兵隊岩国航空基地の滑走路に駐機するMQ-4Cトライトン。インド太平洋地域における継続した運用を支援するために、岩国基地に配備された。第19無人機哨戒飛行隊（通称「ビッグ・レッド」：VUP-19）は第72任務部隊を支援するために配備されており、フロリダ州ジャクソンビルに拠点を置いている。この配備を通じて、VUP-19は第7艦隊の担当地域内で海上哨戒、偵察活動を行う予定である。（写真：ランス・ケル兵長）

200112-F-SX156-1006 200112-F-SX156-1006 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Jan. 12, 2020) An MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) taxis after landing at Andersen Air Force Base for a deployment as part of an early operational capability (EOC) test to further develop the concept of operations and fleet learning associated with operating a high-altitude, long-endurance system in the maritime domain. Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, the first Triton UAS squadron, will operate and maintain two aircraft in Guam under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, the U.S. Navy’s lead for patrol, reconnaissance and surveillance forces in U.S. 7th Fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan Brooks/Released)

Oct 18, 2022 米海兵隊岩国航空基地 – 第19無人機哨戒飛行隊(VUP-19)所属の米海軍MQ-4Cトライトンが10月5日、米海兵隊岩国航空基地のフライトラインから離陸した。航空施設と港湾施設を併せ持つ地理的位置のため、岩国基地は地域の安全保障を支える先進の海軍海兵隊の統合を実現する、他に例をみない位置づけにある。（写真：デイビッド・ゲッツ兵長）

211216-N-QI061-1079 MAYPORT, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), lands at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard)

211216-N-QI061-1097 MAYPORT, Fla. (Dec.16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), lands at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard)

TU-2S 1065 Fini Flight The U.S. Air Force TU-2S Dragon Lady tail number 1065 performed its final flight Jan. 11, 2024, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Aircraft 1065 was originally delivered to the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing as a TU-1S in 1983 to serve as a training aircraft for the U-2 program, and was redelivered in 1995 after being converted to seat two pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Colin Smith)

TU-2S Dragon Lady 1078’s Resurrection: Rebirth of the “Silver Dragon” U.S. Air Force TU-2s Dragon Lady 1078 prepares to taxi out for its first high flight after almost three years of maintenance at Beale Air Force Base, California, Feb. 22, 2024. Aircraft 1078 was involved in an accident in 2021 that left it unable to move to U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, where normal Program Depot-level Maintenance for U-2’s occur, and after passing low flight and high flight tests, will be able to fly to Palmdale to be painted black and returned to service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Frederick Brown)

TU-2S Dragon Lady 1078’s Resurrection: Rebirth of the “Silver Dragon” U.S. Air Force TU-2s Dragon Lady 1078 prepares to taxi out for its first flight in 1030 days at Beale Air Force Base, California, Feb. 15, 2024. Before being cleared to return to service and be painted black at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, aircraft 1078 passed a taxi test, low flight, and high flight to evaluate systems, conduct safety checks, and check all components. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Frederick Brown)

TU-2S Dragon Lady 1078’s Resurrection: Rebirth of the “Silver Dragon” U.S. Air Force TU-2s Dragon Lady 1078 taxi’s out for its first high flight after almost three years of maintenance at Beale Air Force Base, California, Feb. 22, 2024. Aircraft 1078 was involved in an accident in 2021 that left it unable to move to U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, where normal Program Depot-level Maintenance for U-2’s occur, and after passing low flight and high flight tests, will be able to fly to Palmdale to be painted black and returned to service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Frederick Brown)

TU-2S Dragon Lady 1078’s Resurrection: Rebirth of the “Silver Dragon” U.S. Air Force TU-2s Dragon Lady 1078 flies to U.S. Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, California, where it will undergo normal Program Depot-level Maintenance (PDM) and be painted black, after almost three years of maintenance at Beale Air Force Base, California, Feb. 29, 2024. Aircraft 1078 was involved in an accident in 2021 that left it unable to move to Plant 42, and after passing low flight and high flight tests, was able to fly to Palmdale where Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Detachment 4 will oversee Lockheed Martin’s PDM of aircraft 1078. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

TU-2S Dragon Lady 1078’s Resurrection: Rebirth of the “Silver Dragon” U.S. Air Force TU-2s Dragon Lady 1078 prepares to taxi out for a flight to U.S. Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, California, where it will undergo normal Program Depot-level Maintenance (PDM) and be painted black, after almost three years of maintenance at Beale Air Force Base, California, Feb. 29, 2024. Aircraft 1078 was involved in an accident in 2021 that left it unable to move to Plant 42, and after passing low flight and high flight tests, was able to fly to Palmdale where Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Detachment 4 will oversee Lockheed Martin’s PDM of aircraft 1078. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

OL Plant 42 Breathes New Fire into TU-2S Dragon Lady A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

OL Plant 42 Breathes New Fire into TU-2S Dragon Lady A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

OL Plant 42 Breathes New Fire into TU-2S Dragon Lady A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

OL Plant 42 Breathes New Fire into TU-2S Dragon Lady A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)

A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

OL Plant 42 Breathes New Fire into TU-2S Dragon Lady A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, prepares to depart USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, after receiving final paint coatings, March 21. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by C.J. Raterman)

OL Plant 42 Breathes New Fire into TU-2S Dragon Lady A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, prepares to depart USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, after receiving final paint coatings, March 21. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by C.J. Raterman)

A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, departs USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, after receiving final paint coatings, March 21. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

Blackbird arrives at Beale A SR-71 Blackbird soars above northern California. The Blackbird arrived at Beale Air Force Base, Calif, Jan. 7, 1966. (Courtesy photo)

EC94-42883-2 SR-71 in-flight from tanker.

SR-71 Blackbird SR-71 taxi on ramp with engines.

EC95-43203-2 SR-71 in flight over Rogers Dry Lakebed.

EC97-43933-1 SR-71A in flight at takeoff.

EC97-44205-38 The Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE) before its first flight aboard NASA’s SR-71 No. 844. The initial test flight took place on 31 October 1997. The experiment was mounted on the SR-71 on Aug. 26, at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA.

Blackbird arrives at Beale A SR-71 Blackbird climbs skyward during a takeoff at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The Blackbird arrived at Beale, Jan. 7, 1966. (Courtesy photo)

SR–71 A Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. (Courtesy photo)

EC95-43203-1 SR-71 mid-air refueling with KC-135 tanker.

SR-71 Blackbird Extreme close-up of the SR-71B operated by NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, gives an unusual view of the twin cockpit of Dryden’s SR-71B, NASA 831, and its helmeted crew members.

This week in Beale History: SR-71 revealed SR-71 Blackbirds on display at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The Blackbird was an advanced, long-range, supersonic strategic reconnaissance aircraft that called Beale home from January 1966 to January 1990. (Courtesy photo)

Historic Photos A KC-135 Stratotanker (left), SR-71 Blackbird (middle) and a B-52 Stratofortress (right) sit on the flightline at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The aircraft were stationed at Beale during the Cold War-era. The B-52 was built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions. (Courtesy photo)

First Cold Flow Flight of SR-71 LASRE Successful The NASA SR-71A successfully completed its first cold flow flight as part of the NASA/Rocketdyne/Lockheed Martin Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE) at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA on March 4, 1998.

EC96-43419-21 The Linear Aerospike SR Experiment (LASRE) pod is shown on the back of a NASA SR-71. Pictured is the half-span lifting body model and linear aerospike rocket engine (white portion), which are sitting on the deflection plate that separates the experiment from the canoe (long black shape). The canoe held propellant tanks and instrumentation equipment, and serves as the mount for the experiment. The entire pod weighed just under seven tons.

SR-71A SR-71A 959 Big Tail (Lockheed Courtesy Photo # C76-1097-4)

U-2 Dragon Lady A U- 2 Dragon Lady approaches an altitude near 70,000 ft. above California, Mar. 23, 2016. The pilot must wear a full-pressure suit similar to NASA astronaut suits. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo)

Civilian U-2 Instructor Pilots, Making History and Training the Nation’s Future Fleet of U-2 Pilots A U-2 Dragon Lady piloted by retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Huggins, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 instructor pilot, flies over Beale Air Force Base, California July 31, 2020. The bicycle-type landing gear and low-altitude handling characteristics of the U-2 require precise control inputs during landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luis A. Ruiz-Vazquez)

U-2 Dragon Lady prepares to take off during WSINT 23-A A U-2 Dragon Lady prepares to take off and participate in the U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration Phase 23-A cycle on May 30, 2023 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The U-2, along with other aircraft, participated in the U.S. Air Force WSINT course, demonstrating the strategic advantage of multi-domain, integrated command and control. (U.S. Air Force photo taken by Maj. Robert Neal)

Civilian U-2 Instructor Pilots, Making History and Training the Nation’s Future Fleet of U-2 Pilots A U-2 Dragon Lady piloted by retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Huggins, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 instructor pilot, prepares for landing July 31, 2020 at Beale Air Force Base, California. The bicycle-type landing gear and low-altitude handling characteristics of the U-2 require precise control inputs during landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luis A. Ruiz-Vazquez)

9RW aircraft A U-2 Dragon Lady conducts a training sortie above Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Jan. 21, 2014. The Dragon Lady flies at altitudes more than 70,000 ft. and has a wingspan of 105 ft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released)

U-2 Dragon Lady takes center stage during Air Force celebrations A U-2 Dragon Lady from Beale Air Force Base, California, prepares to land at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sep. 17, 2015. The aircraft was on display during an air show Sep. 19, 2015. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the U-2, one of the oldest operational aircraft in the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bobby Cummings)

U-2 Dragon Lady Returns to Beale Skies A U-2 Dragon Lady takes off signifying the return to normal flying operations Sept. 23, 2016, at Air Force Base, California after an incident near the Sutter Buttes Sept. 20, 2016. Beale Air Force Base will continue providing high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

WSINT 23-A A U-2 Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission on May 30, 2023 at Nellis AFB, Nevada. The U.S. Air Force Weapons School teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers and enlisted specialists of the combat and mobility air forces.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wyatt Stabler)

1,000th pilot tames U-2 Dragon Lady A U-2 Dragon Lady piloted by Maj. J.J., 1st Reconnaissance Squadron student pilot, prepares to land Aug. 31, 2016, at Beale Air Force Base, California. J.J.’s flight qualified him as the 1,000 pilot to operate the U-2 in the aircrafts 61 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ramon A. Adelan)

NASA astronaut visits Beale Col. Phil Stewart, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, pursues a U-2 Dragon Lady in a mobile chase car at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 6, 2013. Stewart was escorting retired NASA astronaut Robert Gibson who was serving as a guest speaker at the wing holiday party. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released)

ACE exercise advances 9th Reconnaissance Wing and 55th Wing operations A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman and a 9th MXS Airman weigh on the wing of a U-2 Dragon Lady to place a pogo during Dragon Flag EAST, April 5, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. 9th MXS Airmen assisted 9th AMXS Airmen in retrieving pogos after launch and placing pogos after recovery to ensure steady taxi on the runway throughout the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

250720-F-WC934-1309 Team Beale showcases U-2 Dragon Lady at the nation’s premiere airshow A 9th Reconnaissance Wing U-2 Dragon Lady is piloted by Lt Col GOGO, 9th Reconnaissance Wing inspector general, at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 20, 2025. The U-2 landed one day before the beginning of Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, and remained on static display for the duration of the airshow, allowing attendees to learn more about the high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Burns)

250720-F-WC934-1384 Team Beale showcases U-2 Dragon Lady at the nation’s premiere airshow A 9th Reconnaissance Wing U-2 Dragon Lady piloted by Lt Col GOGO, 9th Reconnaissance Wing inspector general, approaches the runway in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 20, 2025. The U-2 landed one day before the beginning of Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, and remained on static display for the duration of the airshow, allowing attendees to learn more about the high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Burns)

Releasing the Dragon: 9th AMXS maintainers’ U-2 launch operations A U-2 Dragon Lady pilot prepares for a sortie June 26, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. U-2 maintainers provide support to 9th Reconnaissance Wing operations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

110321-F-HL308-036 U-2 Dragon Lady

240815-F-WX919-1031 TU-2S Dragon Lady flies at dusk A U.S. Air Force 99th Reconnaissance Squadron TU-2S Dragon lady performs takes off at sunset on Beale Air Force Base, California, Aug. 15, 2024. TU-2S are trainer aircraft used to gain proficiency before pilots deploy for operational missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Frederick A. Brown)

Back in a flash A NASA ER-2 takes off from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., to conduct terrestrial gamma-ray flash, or TGF, research in the Gulf of Mexico July 13, 2023. The Airborne Lightning Observatory for TGFs campaign is a collaboration between NASA and the University of Bergen, Norway, to study the advanced science of high-energy radiation emissions, also known as dark lightning, from thunderstorms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster)