91st SRS

• Origins in World War I: The 91st Squadron was first activated as the 91st Aero Squadron in August 1917, serving in France during World War I as a reconnaissance unit. • Distinguished Service: The squadron earned two French Croix de Guerre with Palm and a French Fourragere for its service during World War I. • Famous Alumni: Eddie Rickenbacker, America’s top World War I ace, served briefly with the 91st before commanding the 94th Aero Squadron, and many famous aviators have been associated with the unit. • Strategic Reconnaissance Redesignation: The 91st has been redesignated several times, but its key role as a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) has been central since the Cold War era. • Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, the 91st SRS operated aircraft like the RB-45 Tornado and RB-47 Stratojet, conducting critical intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance missions over hostile territories. • SR-71 Blackbird Era: The 91st SRS famously flew the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet-powered aircraft ever built, conducting high-altitude reconnaissance from the late 1960s until the 1990s. • U-2 Dragon Lady Operations: The unit currently operates the U-2S, one of the world’s most iconic high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, supporting global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. • Global Reach: The 91st SRS has participated in operations all over the world, including in the Middle East, Balkans, and Asia, providing vital intelligence for both peacetime and combat operations. • Emblem and Motto: The 91st SRS emblem features a winged globe and camera, reflecting its global reconnaissance mission, and its motto is "Always Out Front." • Beale Air Force Base: The squadron is currently based at Beale Air Force Base, California, and is a part of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, maintaining a vital role in U.S. Air Force intelligence gathering.