Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics specialist and 9th AMXS support technician guide a U-2 Dragon Lady into a hangar following an evening flight in support of Dragon Flag EAST, March 27, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Approximately 60 maintainers, logisticians, intelligence analysts, pilots, and support career fields repositioned from Beale Air Force Base to Offutt AFB to prepare the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and 55th Wing for potential future collaborative reconnaissance operations in support of combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen position themselves to marshall in the U-2 Dragon Lady, March 27, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The U-2 and approximately 60 operational personnel arrived at Offutt AFB to execute Agile Combat Employment (ACE) maneuvers in support of Dragon Flag EAST. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot climbs out of the cockpit assisted by 99th RS U-2 pilot March 27, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The U-2 arrived at Offutt AFB to execute Agile Combat Employment (ACE) maneuvers in support of Dragon Flag EAST. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief directs a U-2 Dragon Lady on the flightline March 27, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Beale Airmen traveled to Offutt to participate in Dragon Flag EAST. This exercise was designed to simulate operating Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from non-standard operating locations for the U-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman guides a U-2 Dragon Lady into place after an evening sortie in support of Dragon Flag EAST, March 27, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Approximately 60 Beale AFB Airmen repositioned to Offutt AFB to operate Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from a non-standard operating location for the U-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief conducts a canopy inspection on the U-2 Dragon Lady after recovery from a night mission in support of Dragon Flag EAST, March 27, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Approximately 60 Airmen from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB repositioned to Offutt AFB to simulate operating Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from non-standard operating locations for the U-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron training management office personnel load trucks March 20, 2023, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Trucks moved equipment from Beale AFB to Offutt AFB for exercise Dragon Flag EAST, which is designed to simulate operating Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from non-standard operating locations for the U-2 Dragon Lady. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot taxis after a high-altitude flight April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. In support of Dragon Flag EAST, reconnaissance sorties were conducted throughout the exercise in accordance with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, 55th Wing, and combatant command guidance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron training management office personnel load equipment onto trucks March 20, 2023, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The equipment was sent to Offutt AFB in preparation for Dragon Flag EAST. The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and 55th Wing for potential future collaborative intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron gathers U-2 support equipment to load onto trucks, March 20, 2023, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The equipment was sent to Offutt AFB in preparation for Dragon Flag EAST. The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and 55th Wing for potential future collaborative intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron training management office personnel load equipment onto trucks, March 20, 2023, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The 9th LRS drove materials to Offutt AFB, demonstrating Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities and ensuring safe arrival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron training management office personnel haul equipment to be loaded onto trucks, March 20, 2023, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Trucks moved equipment from Beale AFB to Offutt AFB for exercise Dragon Flag EAST, which is designed to simulate operating Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from non-standard operating locations for the U-2 Dragon Lady. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron training management office personnel load operational equipment onto trucks in support of Dragon Flag EAST, March 20, 2023, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The 9th LRS drove materials to Offutt AFB, demonstrating Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities and ensuring safe arrival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Maintenance Squadron fuels systems craftsman cleans a pogo during Dragon Flag EAST, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Pogos are used under the wings of the U-2 Dragon Lady to keep the wings supported during taxi. 9th AMXS personnel adapted to flexible operations schedules, providing critical inspections and maintenance to the aircraft during all hours of the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron airframe and powerplant general technician inspects the fuselage of a U-2 Dragon Lady, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Thorough pre-flight inspections enabled 9th AMXS personnel to ensure the safety and efficiency of critical reconnaissance operations during the sortie. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot taxis on the flightline during Dragon Flag EAST, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Multiple high altitude sorties assessed the readiness and reconnaissance capabilities of 9th RW pilots, maintainers, and logisticians throughout all phases of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron airframe and powerplant general technician drives the pogo truck behind a U-2 Dragon Lady during Dragon Flag EAST, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Airmen follow the aircraft to retrieve the pogos that fall out of the wings of the aircraft once the U-2 launches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot communicates with 9th Physiological Support Squadron Airmen, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. This exercise was designed to allow 99th RS personnel to overcome equipment challenges and fill communication gaps in support of further high altitude sorties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Physiological Support Squadron Airman gathers U-2 Dragon Lady pilot equipment after a high flight during Dragon Flag EAST, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. 9th PSPTS Airmen assist U-2 pilots with donning their suits and loading into the aircraft throughout all phases of the exercise. The team of four executed Agile Combat Employment (ACE) by bringing limited equipment and manning to Offutt AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady takes off behind an RC-135V/W Rivet Joint during Dragon Flag EAST, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The integration of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and 55th Wing enabled stronger professional relationships and preparation for future potential collaborative reconnaissance missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs photojournalist documents the preparation of the U-2 Dragon Lady before a high altitude sortie during Dragon Flag EAST, April 3, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Delivering imagery and strategic communications for exercises amplifies the lines of effort of wings within Air Combat Command and the USAF to allies, partners, and competitors. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief secures panels on a U-2 Dragon Lady, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The engine bay panels were removed to service oil on the aircraft, ensuring proper engine longevity and performance during and after high altitude flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief inspects the cockpit of a U-2 Dragon Lady, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. 9th AMXS Airmen conducted full inspections of the aircraft after each sortie to maintain functionality for future flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman conducts an inlet inspection on a U-2 Dragon Lady in support of Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Maintenance Airmen conducted inlet and exhaust inspections on the aircraft after every sortie to ensure no damage occurred in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems craftsman guides a U-2 Dragon Lady into a hangar following an evening flight in support of Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. After each sortie, maintenance personnel conducted routine inspections on the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems craftsman guides a U-2 Dragon Lady into a hangar following an evening flight in support of Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Electrical and environmental system maintainers performed Multi-Capable Airmen tasks which incorporate functions outside of their core competencies.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman secures the engine bay panels on a U-2 Dragon Lady, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. U-2s are serviced after every sortie to achieve optimal performance in high-altitude flights.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady takes off during Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Reconnaissance sorties were conducted throughout the exercise to meet combatant command reconnaissance objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady taxis on the flightline during Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Reconnaissance sorties were conducted throughout the exercise to meet combatant command reconnaissance objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot waits in a chase car for a U-2 departure during Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. To maintain the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, pilots used a different chase car than normal to maintain required communications with the pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Physiological Support Squadron Airmen secure a pressurized suit on a 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The 9th PSPTS team employed Agile Combat Employment (ACE) tactics in support of Dragon Flag EAST using minimal, essential items to achieve mission objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)(This photo has been digitally altered for security purposes.)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen place pogos under the wings of a U-2 Dragon Lady, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Pogos are essential to keep the wings of the aircraft from tipping as it taxis on the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Physiological Support Squadron launch and recovery section supervisor prepares tube food, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Tube food is specially packaged for U-2 Dragon Lady pilots to eat while wearing the full-pressure suit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon lady pilot oversees flightline operations during Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Various pilots’ synchronization supported the safety of the U-2 high flight. Multiple pilots repositioned to Offutt AFB in support of Dragon Flag EAST, integrating with the 55th Wing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint pilots to prepare to meet potential future reconnaissance needs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Juliana Londono)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady taxis to the runway in preparation for high flight during Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The high-altitude sorties assessed maintainers, logisticians and pilots from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing on readiness capabilities while implementing Agile Combat Employment. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady taxis to the runway in preparation for high flight during Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Various high-altitude sorties throughout the exercise assessed the 9th Reconnaissance Wing’s maintainers’, logisticians’ and pilots’ readiness capabilities while employing Agile Combat Employment (ACE). (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force pilots and operators taxi the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint in preparation for launch during Dragon Flag EAST, April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. During Dragon Flag EAST, 55th Wing and 9th Reconnaissance Wing pilots worked to develop professional relationships, integrate lessons learned for the RC-135 and U-2 Dragon Lady, and prepare for potential future collaborative reconnaissance missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Physiological Support Squadron launch and recovery section NCO in charge speaks to a 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot as their suit pressurizes for a high flight April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The 9th PSPTS team stayed agile in supporting the U-2 mission with flexible logistics, manning a smaller team, and executing physiological support in an abnormal location. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Physiological Support Squadron Airmen test a 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot’s suit pressurization for a high flight April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Testing pilots’ suit pressure ensured safety during multi-hour reconnaissance sorties and missions throughout Dragon Flag EAST. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

U.S. Air Force 9th Physiological Support Squadron Airmen secure a 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot’s gloves and suit for a high flight April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The 9th PSPTS team executed the physiological support for multiple pilots, overcoming equipment challenges and employing flexible mission capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief marshals a 99th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot as they begin to taxi April 1, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Maintenance and operational crew safety remained paramount throughout Dragon Flag EAST in support of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay)

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Dragon Flag EAST

Published April 11, 2023

A U.S. Air Force 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics specialist and 9th AMXS support technician guide a U-2 Dragon Lady into a hangar following an evening flight in support of Dragon Flag EAST, March 27, 2023, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Approximately 60 maintainers, logisticians, intelligence analysts, pilots, and support career fields repositioned from Beale Air Force Base to Offutt AFB to prepare the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and 55th Wing for potential future collaborative reconnaissance operations in support of combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Londono)