A major lands his U-2 aircraft after completing the final manned ISR flight over Iraq Dec. 18, 2011. Members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have been flying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq to provide senior leaders with the information they need to make decisions. The major, a native of Lake City, Fla., is deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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A major lands his U-2 aircraft after completing the final manned ISR flight over Iraq Dec. 18, 2011. Members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have been flying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq to provide senior leaders with the information they need to make decisions. The major, a native of Lake City, Fla., is deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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A recovery crew inserts wheel struts into the wings of a U-2 after the pilot completed the final manned ISR flight over Iraq Dec. 18, 2011. Members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have been flying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq to provide senior leaders with the information they need to make decisions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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Staff Sgt. Christopher Todd signals a thumbs up to the rest of the team as the recovery crew inserts wheel struts into the wings of a U-2 after the pilot completed the final manned ISR flight over Iraq Dec. 18, 2011. Members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have been flying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq to provide senior leaders with the information they need to make decisions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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A major climbs out of his U-2 aircraft after completing the final manned ISR flight over Iraq Dec. 18, 2011. Members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have been flying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq to provide senior leaders with the information they need to make decisions. The major, a native of Lake City, Fla., is deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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U-2 pilot flies final manned ISR mission over Iraq

Published Dec. 19, 2011
By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A U-2 pilot completed the final manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission over Iraq Dec. 18, as the last American troops withdrew into neighboring Kuwait.

Maj. Steve flew his first mission over Iraq during Operation Southern Watch in the early '90s, so it was fitting for the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron Airman to close out this chapter of his unit's history.

The major, deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., said he was proud to be part of this landmark event.

"The best part about it was it was quiet for the folks on the ground," said Steve, a Lake City Fla., native. "There were no issues as they were leaving so it was a good day. I'm proud to have been a part of it."

As a U-2 pilot, the major is responsible for flying missions between nine and 12 hours at a time. The Dragon Lady, as the U-2 is commonly known, carries some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world and provides data for coalition leaders to make informed decisions about any given situation.

"High-altitude ISR has been a part of operations in Iraq since Desert Storm, so it feels good to know that what we've done has made a difference for battlefield commanders and troops on the ground, said Lt. Col. Andy, the 99th ERS commander. "It's truly the end of an era."

While this part of their mission is completed, Airmen from the 99th ERS will continue supporting commanders in the field with flights over Afghanistan and other parts of Southwest Asia, as well as supporting units in the Horn of Africa.

"This is the busiest the U-2 has ever been in its storied 56-year career," the colonel said. "It amazes me to see what we've been able to accomplish so far. And as long as combatant commanders still need us, we'll keep flying."

(Last names have been omitted from this story for security purposes)

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