Aviation News – In a groundbreaking mission, a TU-2S Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing completed the longest single flight in the U-2’s 70-year history. The aircraft, flown by two of the most experienced pilots in the U-2 community, took off from Beale AFB and traversed all 48 contiguous U.S. states, flying over 6,000 nautical miles in more than 14 hours.
The mission, commemorating seven decades of U-2 operations since its first accidental flight in 1955, was flown by Lt. Col. “JETHRO” and Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, the U.S. military’s longest-serving flying unit. Together, they hold the most combined U-2 flight hours.
Designed for high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, the U-2 soared above 70,000 feet, pushing the aircraft and crew to their physiological and operational limits.
Behind the scenes, the mission demanded extensive planning. Mission planner Stephen “SCOTCH” Johnson coordinated every aspect—routing, contingencies, weather, and airspace. This also marked the most complex use yet of the squadron’s new mission planning software.
Support from the 9th Physiological Support Group and 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was vital. These teams ensured the safety and readiness of the pilots and aircraft—dubbed “Dragon Keepers”—with precision and dedication.
The mission also served as a tribute to the U-2’s legacy and honored fallen pilots, including flyovers near their families’ homes.
“This flight demonstrates not just the U-2’s unmatched endurance, but the power of teamwork and innovation,” said Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th RW commander. “Our people remain our greatest strength.”
Photo Rob Vogelaar
