Showgoers at the recent Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) were treated to the rare sight of a full U-2 flying display. A week later, the 99^th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (99^th ERS) held a change of command ceremony.

In front of nearly 50,000 spectators on Friday 19^th July, 80-1096 took off, climbed in the usual spectacular fashion, before returning for a touch-and-go, then a “high key” approach and circuit to landing. The jet was flown by the Lt Col whose callsign is “Hassle” (name withheld for security reasons). Former U-2 pilot and now reserve officer Lt Col Scott “Popeye” Thomson joined airshow commentator Ben Dunnell to explain the display, including the role of the “mobile” pilot in the chase car. Upon landing, the Dragon Lady went into the static park, where it was seen by another 100,000 spectators over the weekend. The three-day RIAT is the world’s largest and best-attended military airshow.

As a bonus, the Friday crowd also witnessed the return of “mission bird” 80-1070 carrying a full sensor fit a few hours later. It had taken off at 0630 and flown east on an eight-and-a-half hour mission, fitted with the ASARS radar, ASIP SIGINT system, and the PEG (Pylon Equipment Group eg the satcom pod). 

The change of command ceremony marked the departure of Lt Col Jonathan “Gump” Young and arrival of Lt Col Joe “Posit” Raisner. The presiding officer was Col Geoff “Mick” Cameron, commander of the 9^th Operations Group (OG) at Beale. The 99^th ERS has changed its nickname since I reported its arrival at Fairford in 2019. The unit is also designated as Detachment 3 of the 9^th OG. The Honor Guard at the ceremony came from the 422^nd Air Base Group, which is the host unit at Fairford.

The 99^th ERS commander and his director of operations serve two-year tours, whereas the handful of pilots and all the airmen do three-four months TDYs (Temporary Duties). During Lt Col Young’s two-year tour, the squadron flew 333 missions, a remarkable total considering that only two or three jets were assigned during the period. At present, the squadron has two Dragon Ladies, one configured for missions, and the other in “slick” configuration without sensors. It is used for pilots to maintain currency, especially in landings.

Lt Col Raisner is hoping that he will not be the one to close down the Red Dragons. On current USAF plans, operational U-2 missions will end in September of next year. But see my recent posts on this subject – it might not happen.

Please enjoy my photographs below from the airshow and the change of command ceremony.