Page 14 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, June 2 2017

14 June 2, 2017 Desert Lightning News www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb
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A U-2 Dragon Lady pilot adjusts his helmet during preflight at exercise Northern Edge 17 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Tech Sgt. Ryan Allan, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs a pre- flight inlet inspection May 8 of a U-2 Dragon Lady at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richard- son, Alaska.
Reconnaissance Squadron, school development branch U-2 has participated in Nor have forward deployed to A personnel from the 9RW and is an achievement.”
The diverse team of Airme sent to Northern Edge 17 wo mission at JBER.
“The comradery with ever working together to get the really smoothly,” said Staff S ological Support Squadron f supervisor. “It was very rewa that launched the first (U-2)
Operating the U-2 progra temporary environment bro in contrast to being back at
“There are several differe working out of a smaller sho deployed here,” said Labarg in hand with maintenance back at Beale.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Schultze
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
JOINt BASe elMeNDOrf-rIchArDSON, Alaska
— Looking across the flightline at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson, Alaska during previous Northern Edge exer- cises one would have seen a mass of gray and white aircraft, but this year the distinctly black U-2 Dragon Lady from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., made its presence known for the first time at Northern Edge, and showcased the unique capabilities it can bring to the joint fight.
Northern Edge is Alaska’s premier joint training exer- cise, hosting approximately 6,000 service members, 200 fixed wing aircraft and maritime forces represented by every branch of the military. The focus of the exercise is on interoperability, and it takes place throughout the state and surrounding waterways.
The two-week exercise was utilized by the 9th Recon- naissance Wing to test new experimental technology on the U-2. This technology fully integrated the Dragon Lady with 4th and 5th generation aircraft.
“It’s a big stepping stone for us,” said Maj. Dustin, 99th
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A U-2 Dragon Lady pilot climbs to the cockpit May 9 during the exercise.
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