Beale pilots honor healthcare workers Published May 9, 2020 By Senior Airman Colville McFee 9th Reconnaissance Wing Beale Air Force Base, Calif. -- Pilots take to the sky in T-38 Talons in part of Beale's contribution to the Air Force Salutes campaign as a sign of support to first responders and medical workers who risk their lives every day during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a perfect opportunity to salute all of our first responders and medical professionals and anybody else that are on the front lines battling COVID-19," said Col. Andy Clark, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. T-38 Talons are useful part of the mission at Beale Air Force Base, with the companion training program, it allows U-2 pilots to keep training and flight hours current.