On July 31, 2025, in a bold tribute to the U‑2 Dragon Lady’s accidental maiden flight nearly 70 years earlier, a TU‑2S from Beale AFB’s 9th Reconnaissance Wing embarked on a historic mission—co‑piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew and Lt. Col. “JETHRO.” From its takeoff through a nonstop journey across all 48 contiguous U.S. states, this iconic high-altitude spy plane flew for over 14 hours, covering more than 6,000 nautical miles—a new endurance record for its class.

This mission, conducted exactly seven decades after the U‑2 first took to the skies, was more than just a record—it demonstrated the enduring capabilities of this Cold War-era platform in modern operations. According to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron commander, “the character of war is changing, but our extreme ownership of our mission… will never change.”

The flight also highlighted Beale AFB’s readiness and resolve, showcasing its role as a power-projection hub that can respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats anywhere in the world.

The full story is packed with rich details—background on the planning, pilot profiles, mission logistics, and more insights into this one-of-a-kind flight. Read the complete article here to explore how this mission unfolded and what it means for the future of Air Force reconnaissance:

Beale AFB conducts historic U‑2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making — AF.mil
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4263709/beale-afb-conducts-historic-u-2-dragon-lady-flight-11-years-in-the-making/