9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.