About this Unit
The **9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing** (9th SRW) was activated on November 25, 1948, at Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base, California, as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Initially equipped with RB-29 Superfortress aircraft, the wing transitioned to more advanced reconnaissance platforms over time, playing a crucial role in gathering intelligence during the Cold War. In 1966, the 9th SRW became the first operational unit to fly the SR-71 Blackbird, providing unparalleled high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance capability worldwide. The wing was later redesignated as the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and continues its vital intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions today from Beale Air Force Base, California.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (9th SRW) traces its lineage to the 9th Bombardment Group, originally activated in 1940 and seeing combat in the Pacific theater during World War II.
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Redesignation and Cold War Mission: The unit was redesignated as the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing in 1955, becoming a key part of Strategic Air Command (SAC) and focused on high-altitude reconnaissance during the Cold War.
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SR-71 Blackbird Operators: The 9th SRW famously operated the SR-71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft, from 1966 until its final retirement in 1990.
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Beale AFB Home: Since 1966, the 9th SRW (now 9th Reconnaissance Wing) has been based at Beale Air Force Base, California, serving as the hub for America’s high-altitude reconnaissance missions.
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U-2 Dragon Lady Missions: The wing has flown the U-2 "Dragon Lady" for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) since the 1970s, supporting national defense operations across the globe.
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Secret Vietnam War Operations: During the Vietnam War, 9th SRW aircraft conducted covert surveillance missions over North Vietnam and neighboring countries, gathering crucial intelligence on enemy activities.
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Global Reach: The wing deployed aircraft and personnel to forward locations such as RAF Mildenhall in the UK and Kadena Air Base in Japan, providing strategic reconnaissance worldwide.
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Role in Desert Storm: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the 9th SRW's U-2s delivered vital imagery and signals intelligence, shaping coalition air campaign planning and battlefield awareness.
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Transition to Modern Reconnaissance: The 9th SRW evolved into the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and incorporated RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles, remaining at the forefront of ISR technology.
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Distinguished Unit Honors: The wing and its predecessors have received numerous Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and other decorations for their contributions to national security and reconnaissance innovation.
