Intelligence

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady assigned to the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron flew over Beale Air Force Base on Jan. 14, 2026, after being launched by Airmen from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during Exercise Dragon Shield. The exercise evaluated the unit’s ability to generate aircraft in a simulated contested environment under austere conditions, requiring the use of Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear at varying levels.

U.S. Air Force: Dragon Shield Exercise tests U-2 intelligence aircraft launch readiness in contested conditions at Beale

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady assigned to the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron flew over Beale Air Force Base on Jan. 14, 2026, after being launched by Airmen from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during Exercise Dragon Shield.

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