Some 450 people sat down for dinner at the “ReU2nion” that took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino near Beale AFB on 6th-9th October. They included myself. It was organized by the Dragon Lady Association (DLA), led by the redoubtable Lt Col (retd) Jon Huggins. Prior events included a visit to Beale AFB for briefings and a BBQ at the flight line, and a poolside party.

The banquet was a glitzy affair, hosted with elan by U-2 pilots Darryl Smith (callsign “Egg”) and Matt Beaubien (“Nova”). Former pilot Ross Franquemont provided most of the visual backdrops. The guest speaker was Mike Masucci, former U-2 squadron and test pilot. “Sooch” is now a pilot with Virgin Galactic, and has co-piloted the VSS Unity into space, as well as flying White Knight 2, the launch aircraft.

Various folks were recognized. I was mentioned for my research and writing on the long history of the U-2. The hosts noted that “had it not been for Chris, many great stories would have been lost to the sands of time.” Thanks guys!

Others who were recognized included:

– Tony Bevacqua, one of the first USAF pilots to check out on the U-2 in 1957. Tony later flew the SR-71, retired to Yuba City near Beale, and became a key member of the Beale Military Liaison Committee. “He has been a strong advocate for Beale and its mission”, the hosts said. Tony celebrated his 90^th birthday on the same weekend as the reunion.

– Bill Bonnichsen, the Lockheed tech rep who in 1992 helped ensure that U-2C 56-6692 was restored for display and transferred to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, UK. In 2008, Bill’s quick response to a hydrazine fire in U-2S 80-1099 prevented destruction of the hangared aircraft. It is now being restored to flight.

– Ken Hall, whose efforts to add reservist or air national guard pilots to the U-2 ranks finally succeeded in 2021, when the employment of some civilian U-2 instructor pilots was approved. There are currently four, all former active duty U-2 drivers.

– Pat Halloran, the oldest surviving U-2 pilot at 94 years of age. Pat checked out in 1957, later flew the SR-71, and became a Major-General. Pat is still going strong! At the banquet, and according to a U-2 tradition, he was served drinks by the latest pilot to qualify (solo #1094).

– Brandon Jones, U-2 pilot from 2013 who has flown for UPS since retirement for UPS. “Brandon has made extraordinary efforts in helping former U-2 pilots that also want to begin a career at UPS,” the hosts said.

– Bruce and Karyl Marlow, local citizens who reside near Beale AFB and are honorary commanders of the 99^th Reconnaissance Squadron. “They have done so much to make squadron life better for everyone,” the hosts said.

– Bob Ray, U-2 pilot from 1979 who also became a classroom instructor at Beale AFB after his active duty. Bob researched and compiled the list of U-2 pilots by their solo dates. Each pilot now proudly bears his solo number. “Bob’s efforts greatly contributed to U-2 program history, as well as a very unique morale item,” the hosts noted.

– Merryl Tengesdal, the first black female U-2 pilot, who solo’d in 2004. Merryl retired as a Colonel, since when she has become a fitness instructor, author, and television star, thanks to her participation in the American reality competition series Tough As Nails.

– Bill Williams, who flew the U-2 from 1978, and later became a classroom instructor at Beale. Also known as “The Reverend”, Bill has taught every U-2 pilot for the last 25 years. He also tells great stories about the Dragon Lady, as I can testify!

– Chuck Wilson, U-2 pilot 1987 onwards, 5th RS and 4402nd RS squadron commander, and “the biggest cheerleader for the U-2 program,” said the hosts. Chuck established an emailing list that keeps hundreds of people informed about events connected with the aircraft.

A 4,000-hour certificate was presented to Greg Nelson, who first flew the Dragon Lady in 1992. “Coach” is still flying the ER-2 for NASA, and by my reckoning is only the seventh U-2 pilot to reach that milestone.

There was also a short presentation by John Clark, the recently-appointed head of the Skunk Works at Lockheed Martin.

On a personal note, the reunion was the first time since 1995 that I had seen Brandon King. He was the instructor pilot who flew me that year to above 70,000 feet in one of the two-seat U-2 training jets.

The next ReU2nion will be in 2025, to mark the 70^th anniversary of the first U-2 flight.

Below are some photos, taken by myself and Angella Raisian, who is a key participant in the Flight Test Historical Foundation (FTHF) at Edwards AFB.  Angella has posted more photos of the reunion events on her Facebook page.