I was recently lucky enough to visit Beale AFB, near Marysville in Northern California. For many years Beale has been the home of the USAF's 9th Reconnaissance Wing - once home to the mighty SR-71, and more recently the U-2 Dragon Lady, and now also the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV. Also at Beale are a small fleet of T-38A Talons that provide continuity training for the U2 pilots of the 99th RS. Here are a few of the images from that day.
A TU-2S twin seat U-S trainer variant on completion of a sortie with a trainee pilot on board.
The ground crew fit the outer wing pogo wheels to allow the Dragon Lady to taxi back to parking
An older variant of the U-2 is this U-2C that is kept in pristine condition and on display near the Wing HQ.
Also on permanent display is this magnificent SR-71
Another view that shows the SR-71 alongside a Lockheed D-21 drone
Pre-flighting a T-38A Talon
9th RW flagship T-38
Hope these are of interest. C&C always welcome.
Mark