“…It’s a completely different world here…” Published April 17, 2017 By Airman 1st Class Douglas Lorance 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- “I’ve been in Public Affairs for about six years and I’ve been at Beale for a good six months. When I was in tech school they told me about this place and I dreaded it. I had no film processing experience whatsoever before I came to Beale, but then I ended up getting assigned here and I’ve been enjoying it. Normally in regular PA we go out, find something to photograph, and work with different squadrons, but it’s a completely different world here. The work environment is a lot more hands-on. The U-2’s go out and fly, they bring the film back here and we go in the dark and make things happen before handing it off to Intel. It’s really interesting to watch how everything unfolds and to know that we’re part of a bigger mission. I think a lot of people who come here are worried about being out of PA for a few years, but I’m excited to see how the field changes and how much more I can learn.” Senior Airman Ashley Gardner, 9th Intelligence Squadron aerial film processor Hometown: Hartsville, South Carolina