9th Reconnaissance Wing

• Origin during World War II: The 9th Reconnaissance Wing traces its lineage to the 9th Observation Group, activated in 1942, which performed photographic reconnaissance and mapping missions during WWII. • U-2 "Dragon Lady" Operators: The 9th RW is world-famous for operating the Lockheed U-2 spy plane, which can fly at altitudes over 70,000 feet for intelligence gathering. • SR-71 Blackbird Era: The wing operated the legendary SR-71 Blackbird from 1966 until its retirement in the late 1990s, setting multiple speed and altitude records. • Beale Air Force Base: The 9th RW has been headquartered at Beale AFB, California since 1966, establishing the base as a hub for reconnaissance operations. • Global Hawk Operations: The wing is a leading operator of the RQ-4 Global Hawk, a high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft used for wide-area surveillance. • Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, the 9th RW conducted critical intelligence-gathering flights over hostile territories, providing key data on adversary activities. • Support in Modern Conflicts: The 9th RW has played a vital role in operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing near real-time intelligence to military commanders. • Hazardous Missions: Pilots from the wing have conducted some of the most dangerous flights in history, including overflights of denied airspace during tense geopolitical periods. • Distinguished Unit Honors: The 9th RW and its predecessor units have earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for their exceptional performance and contributions to national security. • Iconic Motto: The wing’s motto is “Freedom Through Vigilance,” reflecting its enduring commitment to global reconnaissance and security.