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U-2 pilot reaches 2,000-hour milestone

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Victoria B. Porto
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  On Feb. 9, there were only 29 pilots in the world who had ever reached 2,000 hours flying the U-2 throughout the program's 57-year history.

On Feb. 10, Maj. Mark made it 30 pilots.

The major, whose last name is withheld for operational security reasons, achieved the milestone while deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., to the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron.

"I was pretty excited because not a lot of guys reach that mile marker. I flew the B-52 (Stratofortress) before and left right at 1,900 so it's nice to get 2,000 in the U-2," he said.

The Mobile, Ala., native switched to the U-2 program in 2002 after six years flying the B-52. Pilots interested in joining the program undergo a rigorous interviewing process to ensure they are mentally and physically fit to fly the single-seat, high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. Because of its design characteristics and the demands it places on its crews, Airmen commonly refer to it as the Dragon Lady.

"It's difficult as is to get into such a small community, so it really takes a special individual to achieve that many hours," said Lt. Col. Brian, 99th ERS director of operations. "There aren't many who will even get close to that mark -- there's only 30 out of over 900 U-2 pilots -- so it's definitely something to be proud of."

Even with so many hours under his belt, Mark emphasized the need to stay focused while at the controls of the jet, especially during landings. He said coming in to land after 10 hours on a typical sortie is the most challenging part as pilots essentially conduct a blind landing, listening to guidance on the radio from their wingman driving alongside in a sports car, talking them down until the plane's bicycle-type landing gear touches the runway.

"You can never get complacent when it comes to landing the U-2," he said. "When you think you've got it squared away, she'll bite you."

But she didn't bite for this landing. Rather, Mark brought the Dragon Lady down smoothly, centered on the runway line, with the fuel balanced perfectly in each wing to prevent it from tipping; a feat he called "lucky," while others would it attribute to skill.

"To have someone with almost 10 years in the program, to have that much experience and that type of continuity is huge for our squadron," Brian said. "He is well-liked and respected in the community. There's a lot to be said about someone who keeps rising to the challenge, even after 15 U-2 deployments."

As he climbed out of the jet and others quickly worked to inspect and prepare it for its next journey, Mark thanked his teammates for their role in achieving this milestone.

"None of us would be able to fly without the hard work of the maintainers," he said. "We show up a few hours before takeoff, but maintenance has been there nine or 10 hours before that to get the jet ready."

After such a momentous sortie, will he strive for 2,500? To join only four Airmen who have ever reached that many hours?

He said he's not sure yet. But for now he will keep flying, collecting imagery and providing surveillance to help protect troops on the ground. And he will return again, to climb out after another successful landing to a crowd of his teammates cheering:

"Welcome back!"