The U-2A first flew in August 1955, however newer versions were later made such as the U-2R which took its first flight in 1967. In any case, the high altitude, all weather surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft is an airframe that requires constant attention. That's where Master Sgt. John Prudente comes into the fold.
Prudente, the U-2 maintenance production superintendent in the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, said it's no secret the U-2 "Dragon Lady" is an older airframe and needs special care. However, he said he keeps busy meeting the mission needs for the plane in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
"Primarily, I have to manage flightline maintenance operations for the U-2 weapons system," Prudente said. "My deployed duties also require me to coordinate maintenance actions that generate sorties for the warfighters in three areas of responsibility and to interact with operations Airmen to ensure the aircraft are properly configured for missions."
Prudente, who is deployed from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., said he knows the importance of the role of the U-2 when it comes to the warfighter so he makes sure every day that the missions he helps prepare for are on time and the plane is ready to go.
"The fact that, daily, we support up to three areas of responsibility means we stay busy," said Prudente, whose hometown is New York City. "We are the 'eyes and ears' of ground forces."
According to its Air Force fact sheet, the U-2 is a single seat, single engine, high altitude/near space reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft providing signals, imagery and electronic measurements and signature intelligence. The plane, which flies up to altitudes of 70,000 feet, is also 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 23 year Air Force veteran said he's proud to be involved in such an important mission for deployed forces.
"I'm proud to serve and be a part of what we're doing," Prudente said. "We have unique aircraft and capabilities -- they're unmatched. We maintain a high demand, low density weapons system that requires extensive manpower. Putting it all together and watching each mission take off is thrilling."
The master sergeant added he has also enjoyed his deployment for what it has done to help his fellow maintenance Airmen.
"Being deployed allows us to put together all the training and experience together," Prudente said. "Deploying helps us to learn new skills and meet new people as well."
The 380th EMXS is part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The wing supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.