High-Altitude Recon Aircraft On Week-Long Display

The U-2 Dragon Lady, a symbol of American reconnaissance and air power, was on display all week at the recent EAA AirVenture airshow and fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It was a homecoming of sorts for the aircraft but even more so for its pilot.

Lt. Col. GOGO, is a veteran U-2 pilot and inspector general of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. He flew the aircraft directly from Beale Air Force Base in Yuba County, California, assisted by instructor pilot John Huggins of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron following in the chase care to provide guidance via radio during the landing.

It was a personally significant flight for Lt. Col. GOGO, who has roots in Fond du Lac, 20 miles south of  Oshkosh.

He said, “The butterflies that came up as soon as I saw Oshkosh, it was surreal. I kept asking myself ‘is this actually happening?’ I feel incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity to showcase the U-2, its mission, and the Airmen tasked with making that mission happen every day.”

Personnel from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 9th Maintenance Squadron, and the 9th Physiological Support Squadron supported the mission to ensure a safe arrival and successful static display during its visit.

Huggins noted that flying the U-2 into a high-profile event such as Oshkosh is challenging, especially because of the crowd filled with experienced aviators. He said, “We’ve flown missions all around the world that are very stressful, but there’s nothing like coming up here.

“Looking down and seeing the Oshkosh crowd and going ‘there are a lot of pilots down there watching my landing and videoing every second of it, and if it doesn’t go well I’m going to hear about it for days.’”

This year’s event was also a significant milestone: the 70th anniversary of the U-2 program. It was originally developed during the Cold War in the 1950s, and it is still a critical national security asset that delivers ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) at high altitude for commanders around the world.

FMI:  www.airforce.mil