U-2 ready to go in Southwest Asia

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | A U-2 Dragon Lady assigned to the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is parked in a hangar for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia on May 19. The 99th ERS, as part of the 380th AEW, supports operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.19.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A U-2 Dragon Lady assigned to the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is parked in a hangar for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia on May 19.

U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft and the Airmen who support and fly them in the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing are deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

According to its Air Force fact sheet, the U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of U.S. and allied forces. It delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict and large-scale hostilities.

Additionally, the fact sheet shows the U-2S is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude/near space reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft providing signals, imagery, and electronic measurements and signature intelligence, or MASINT. Long and narrow wings give the U-2 glider-like characteristics and allow it to quickly lift heavy sensor payloads to unmatched altitudes, keeping them there for extended periods of time.

The U-2 is capable of gathering a variety of imagery, including multi-spectral electro-optic, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar products which can be stored or sent to ground exploitation centers. In addition, it also supports high-resolution, broad-area synoptic coverage provided by the optical bar camera producing traditional film products which are developed and analyzed after landing.

The 99th ERS, as part of the 380th AEW, supports operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragonlady E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of five groups and 18 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, air battle management, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2010
• Date Posted: 06.17.2010 04:36
• Story ID: 51526
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)