Launch and Recovery

Staff Sgt. Charlie Hemstock, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, connects a hose to the U-2 Dragon Lady meant to pump cool air to the electronics to keep it from overheating while grounded at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. Maintaining the serviceability of the U-2 ensures Beal’s readiness for worldwide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Justin Parsons/released)

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Launch and Recovery

Members of the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron make final preparations to a U-2 Dragon Lady before it departs for its flight at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. Crew Chiefs will use technical data to diagnose and solve maintenance problems on aircraft systems to keep the aircraft in serviceable condition.

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Launch and Recovery

Crew chiefs with the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a U-2 Dragon Lady for a high altitude flight at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. Beale AFB is the sole stateside base that houses the U-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Justin Parsons/released)

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Launch and Recovery

Airman 1st Class Dedrie Flowers, 9th Air Maintenance Squadron crew chief, reviews aircraft forms for serviceability during preparations for a high altitude flight at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. Crew chiefs are responsible for ensuring that the squadrons U-2’s are mechanically ready for scheduled missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Justin Parsons/released)

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Launch and Recovery

SrA Howard Reyes, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics, removes the upper cooling hose off of a U-2 Dragon Lady that has been prepped for a high altitude flight at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. U-2s are home based at the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB Calif., but are rotated to operational detachments worldwide.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Justin Parsons/released)

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Launch and Recovery

Airman 1st Class Dedrie Flowers, 9th Air Maintenance Squadron crew chief, gives the signal to apply engine start air to the U-2 Dragon Lady at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. The U-2 is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude/near space reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft providing signals, imagery, and electronic measurements and signature intelligence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Justin Parsons/released)

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Launch and Recovery

Airman 1st Class Dedrie Flowers, 9th Air Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals in a U-2 Dragon Lady for aircraft recovery at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. While on the ground, U-2 pilots rely on their chase car to guide and correct their direction.

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Launch and Recovery

Crew chiefs with the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron apply safing measures to a U-2 Dragon Lady after it has been recovered at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. The U-2 is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude/near space reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft providing signals, imagery, and electronic measurements and signature intelligence.

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Launch and Recovery

Airman 1st Class Dedrie Flowers, 9th Air Maintenance Squadron crew chief, takes an oil sample from a U-2 Dragon Lady after its high altitude flight at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. Preventative maintenance done by crew chiefs helps ensure any potential mechanical issues are mitigated and repaired.

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Launch and Recovery

Airman 1st Class Dedrie Flowers, 9th Air Maintenance Squadron crew chief, checks a section of a U-2 Dragon Lady for any mechanical defects at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. Crew chiefs are responsible for performing detailed inspections to the U2 prior to and after a flight to ensure that it is in serviceable condition.

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Launch and Recovery

Staff Sgt. Charlie Hemstock, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, uses specialized fuel to refuel a U-2 Dragon Lady before it is prepped for another flight at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 20, 2017. The U-2 Dragon Lady can reach an altitude of 70,000 feet.

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Launch and recovery

Published July 7, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Justin Parsons
9th Reconnaissance Wing

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif --

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery

Launch and Recovery