{"history":[],"article":{"id":"5e01b003-8f95-458c-bd24-d9912bf80d9d","title":"99th Reconnaissance Squadron","slug":"99th-reconnaissance-squadron","content":":::summary\n![U-2 Dragon Lady 80-1089 from the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron taxis to the runway for takeoff](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/99th///Reconnaissance///Squadron///-///U-2R///-///2010.jpg)\n**Unit Name:** 99th Reconnaissance Squadron \n**Image Size:** 300 \n**Dates:** 21 Aug 1917 – 9 June 1919 2 July 1919 – 31 July 1927 9 Nov 1928 – 20 Oct 1948 1 May 1949 – 1 Apr 1971 1 Nov 1972 – present \n**Country:** 🇺🇸 [United States](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states) \n**Role:** [Reconnaissance](https://bliptext.com/articles/aerial-reconnaissance) \n**Size:** Squadron \n**Command Structure:** ACC Shield.svg [Air Combat Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-combat-command) \n**Garrison:** [Beale Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/beale-air-force-base), California \n**Equipment:** [Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-u-2) \n**Battles:** World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png
World War I · WW II American Campaign (Antisubmarine) Streamer.jpg
World War II - Antisubmarine · Asiatic-Pacific Streamer.png
World War II - Asia-Pacific Theater · Vietnam Service Streamer.jpg
Vietnam War · Southwest Asia Service Streamer.png
1991 Gulf War (Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation of Kuwait) · Streamer AFE.PNG
Operation Urgent Fury
Operation Just Cause · Iraq Campaign streamer (USMC).svg
Iraq Campaign \n**Decorations:** Streamer PUC Army.PNG
Distinguished Unit Citation (2x) · Streamer PUC Army.PNG
Presidential Unit Citation · AFOUA with Valor.jpg
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat \"V\" Device (2x) · US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - Stremer.jpg
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (16x) · Vietnam Gallantry Cross - Streamer.jpg
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm \n**Identification Symbol:** 99th_Reconnaissance_Squadron.png \n**Identification Symbol Label:** 99th Reconnaissance Squadron Emblem (approved 4 March 1924) \n**Identification Symbol 2:** BB \n**Identification Symbol 2 Label:** Squadron Code \n:::\n\n# \nThe **99th Reconnaissance Squadron** is a squadron of the [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force).\nIt is assigned to the [9th Operations Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/9th-operations-group), [Air Combat Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-combat-command), stationed at [Beale Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/beale-air-force-base), California.\nThe squadron is equipped with the [Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-u-2-dragon-lady) reconnaissance aircraft.\nThe 99th is one of the oldest units in the United States Air Force, first being organized as the [99th Aero Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/99th-aero-squadron) on 21 August 1917 at [Kelly Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/kelly-field), Texas.\nThe squadron deployed to France and fought on the [Western Front](https://bliptext.com/articles/western-front-world-war-i) during [World War I](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-i) as a Corps observation squadron.\nDuring [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii) the unit served both in the [Panama Canal Zone](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone) as an anti-submarine unit and in the [Pacific Theater of Operations](https://bliptext.com/articles/asiatic-pacific-theater) (PTO) as part of [Twentieth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/twentieth-air-force) as a [Boeing B-29 Superfortress](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-29-superfortress) bomber squadron.\nDuring the [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war) was part of [Strategic Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/strategic-air-command) equipped with [Boeing B-47 Stratojet](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-47-stratojet) medium bombers, and later with the [Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-sr-71-blackbird) strategic reconnaissance aircraft.\n[Harvard Business School](https://bliptext.com/articles/harvard-business-school) profiled the 99th and its innovation efforts in a 2019 case study.\n\n# Mission\nThe 99th Reconnaissance Squadron is responsible for providing critical [intelligence](https://bliptext.com/articles/military-intelligence) for use by the highest levels of the U.S. government.\nSquadron pilots fly the [Lockheed U-2S](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-u-2s) aircraft as they continuously train to upgrade from normal aircraft commander status to that of instructor pilot status.\nThe current mission statement of the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron is \"To deploy and employ warrior Airmen and execute effective and sustained U-2 operations globally in support of National Objectives.\"\n\n# History\n\n## World War I\nOrganized at [Kelly Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/kelly-field), Texas, on 21 August 1917, the **99th Aero Squadron** moved to [Garden City](https://bliptext.com/articles/mitchel-air-force-base), New York, in early November and sailed for [France](https://bliptext.com/articles/france) on the fourteenth.\nAfter training in the [Sopwith 1½ Strutter](https://bliptext.com/articles/sopwith-1-strutter) and the [Salmson 2](https://bliptext.com/articles/salmson-2), the squadron began flying combat missions in June 1918.\nAssigned to the [V Corps Observation Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/v-corps-observation-group), United States First Army Air Service, the **99th Aero Squadron** (Corps Observation) was assigned to the [Toul Sector](https://bliptext.com/articles/toul) of the French [Western Front](https://bliptext.com/articles/western-front-world-war-i) on 22 June.\nIt served as a school squadron with V Army Corps Infantry Liaison School.\nOn 19 July, was assigned to the [St. Die sector](https://bliptext.com/articles/st-die) during which time one flight of unit, operating in [Vosges](https://bliptext.com/articles/vosges) region of Alsace and Lorraine where it participated in combat with French XXXIII Corps.\nBetween 12 and 16 September the squadron flew reconnaissance missions and directed artillery fire in support [French 8th Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/eighth-army-france) and the [American V Army Corps](https://bliptext.com/articles/v-corps-united-states) during the [St. Mihiel offensive](https://bliptext.com/articles/st-mihiel-offensive).\nIt also participated in the [Meuse-Argonne offensive](https://bliptext.com/articles/meuse-argonne-offensive) between 26 September – 11 November 1918 when the Armistice with Germany was reached.\nThe 99th Aero Squadron remained in France until 8 May 1919, then moved to [Mitchel Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/mitchel-field), New York, where the unit was demobilized; the men who had served in France were returned to civilian life.\n# [Men of the 99th Aero Squadron with their Salmson 2A2s at Parois Airdrome, France, November 1918. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/99th///Aero///Squadron///-///4.jpg]\n\n## Inter-war period\nThe 99th was retained after World War I as part of the permanent [United States Army Air Service](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-army-air-service), and after a series of administrative moves in which the squadron was an administrative unit, was assigned to [Bolling Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/bolling-field), District of Columbia, where it was organized as 99th Corps Observation Squadron.\nIt was manned largely with veterans of the AEF who remained in the Air Service and was equipped with war surplus [Dayton-Wright DH-4s](https://bliptext.com/articles/dayton-wright-dh-4) and some British Royal Aircraft Establishment [Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5s](https://bliptext.com/articles/royal-aircraft-factory-s-e-5) that had been shipped from Britain during the war as engineering models to license produce in the United States.\nAt Bolling Field, the pilots of the squadron trained in aerial reconnaissance and also trained with Army units in Northern Virginia on battlefield observation maneuvers and artillery spotting and adjustments, similar to the combat missions the squadron flew on the Western Front during the way.\nHowever lack of funding for training and the general feeling in the United States that the peace lessened the need for a strong military led to many of the combat veterans to leave the service.\nAs a result, the proficiency of squadron aircrews deteriorated until the 99th had no one proficient enough to participate in the 1929 bombing and gunnery matches.\nIn 1927, the 99th moved to Kelly Field, Texas, where it was assigned to the [Air Corps Training Center](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-corps-training-center).\nIt was inactivated on 31 July.\nOn 9 November 1928, it was reactivated at Mitchell Field, New York, and was equipped with a series of observation aircraft, and performed operational testing on the planes, and various variants over the next several years.\nWith the creation of the [GHQ Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/ghq-air-force) on 1 March 1935, the group became the [9th Bombardment Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/9th-bombardment-group) and the 99th became a bombardment squadron.\nWith the new mission came new airplanes.\nThe new bombardment squadron received American-made [Martin B-10s](https://bliptext.com/articles/martin-b-10) in 1936 and [Douglas B-18 Bolos](https://bliptext.com/articles/douglas-b-18-bolo) in 1938.\nSquadron members trained hard learning the tactics and maneuvers of their new aircraft and new mission.\n\n## World War II\n\n### Antisubmarine warfare\nAs part of the buildup of Air Corps forces in the [Panama Canal Zone](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone) prior to the United States entry into World War II, the 99th was transferred to [Rio Hato Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/rio-hato-field), Panama on 13 November 1940.\nIt was almost immediately redesignated as the **99th Bombardment Squadron** (Heavy), and equipped with Douglas B-18 Bolos.\nIts mission was to patrol the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal.\nTragedy struck the 99th early in its Panama assignment.\nOn 27 February 1941, one of its B-18As, piloted by 1st Lieutenant Jack L. Schoch and with six other crew members aboard, crashed into Panama Bay just off [Venado Beach](https://bliptext.com/articles/venado-beach), with the loss of all on board.\nThe cause of this mysterious loss were never determined, although rescue efforts continued late into the night.\nWith its remaining four B-18As, the unit continued its intensive training program from its base at Rio Hato until, on 25 August 1941, it received one of the new [Boeing B-17B Flying Fortresses](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-17b-flying-fortress) assigned to the Command.\nJust before the [Pearl Harbor Attack](https://bliptext.com/articles/pearl-harbor-attack), on 3 December, the Squadron was ordered to distant [Zandrey Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/zandrey-field), Dutch Guiana (by way of [Piarco Airport](https://bliptext.com/articles/piarco-airport), Trinidad), under an agreement with the Netherlands government-in-exile, by which the United States occupied the colony to protect bauxite mines.\nHowever, to the disappointment of the crews, the squadron had to leave its B-17 behind.\nIt was, however, reinforced with additional B-18As, bringing squadron strength up to six aircraft.\nAt Zandry, the unit shuttled from Zandery to Atkinson Field, British Guiana and, by January 1942, had eight [Curtiss P-40C Warhawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/curtiss-p-40c-warhawk) assigned.\nThe P-40s were, in actuality detached for airfield defense by the Trinidad Base Command, under which the 99th fell at the time.\nThe intensive flying of the first two months of the war soon took its toll, however, and by the end of February 1942, the squadron was forced to report that it had but three B-18A's operational at Zandery and that \" .... none of them are airworthy at this time.\"\nApparently the unit was quickly reinforced and by 1 March strength was back up to six aircraft, and seven combat crews, all of whom had more than 12 months experience.\nOperations From Zandry Field consisted of coastal, convoy and anti-submarine patrols until 31 October 1942.\nJust prior to which time the 4th Antisubmarine Squadron was attached to the Squadron between 9 and 16 October.\nAt this point [AAF Antisubmarine Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/aaf-antisubmarine-command) took over the mission of the 99th and the men and aircraft of the squadron were reassigned.\nThe squadron was detached from [Sixth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/sixth-air-force) and reassigned to [Orlando Army Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/orlando-army-air-base), Florida, without personnel or equipment, where it became part of the [Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics](https://bliptext.com/articles/army-air-forces-school-of-applied-tactics) (AAFSAT) in central and northern Florida.\nAt the AAFSAT, the squadron trained units at various airfields in central and northern Florida, the squadron trained cadres for 44 bomb groups in organization and operations, performed bombing pattern tests, experimented with 3-plane formations to attack moving ships, and performed over a hundred equipment tests.\n# [A Douglas B-18A Bolo assigned to the 99th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on patrol from Zandery Field, Dutch Guiana, 1942. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Douglas///B-18A///assigned///to///99th///Bomb///Squadron.jpg]\n\n### B-29 Superfortress era\nOn 3 March 1944, the squadron was again moved without personnel or equipment to [Dalhart Army Air Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/dalhart-army-air-field), Texas, where the 99th was assigned to the [313th Bombardment Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/313th-bombardment-wing), with a mission to organize and train for [Boeing B-29 Superfortress](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-29-superfortress) operations in the Western Pacific.\nThe 99th helped to develop operational bombardment tactics and tested special devices and equipment during this time.\nIn 1944 the 99th moved to [Dalhart Army Air Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/dalhart-army-air-field), Texas, where it began training on the new Superfortress as part of the 313th Bombardment Wing, to organize and train for B-29 operations in the Western Pacific.\nThe 99th helped to develop operational bombardment tactics and tested special devices and equipment during this time.\nIt then moved to [McCook Army Air Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/mccook-army-air-field), Nebraska, in May 1944 where it trained in earnest for its own combat deployment.\nAfter six months in the new B-29, the 99th transferred to [North Field (Tinian)](https://bliptext.com/articles/north-field-tinian), in the [Mariana Islands](https://bliptext.com/articles/mariana-islands), just east of the Philippines.\nArriving at Tinian on 28 December 1944, the **99th Bombardment Squadron**, Very Heavy flew its first bombing raids on 27, 29 and 31 January 1945, against Japanese installations in the northern Marianas.\nOn 25 February the 99th joined an all-out Allied effort against [Tokyo](https://bliptext.com/articles/tokyo)'s port and industrial areas.\nFor the remaining months of the war, squadron B-29s repeatedly struck Japanese aircraft factories, chemical plants, naval bases and airdromes.\nIt also participated in night, low-level incendiary bombing attacks on urban areas.\nDuring these months the 99th won two [Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation).\nThe first came for 15–16 April 1945 bombing raids on Kawasaki, Japan's industrial center, which furnished components for Tokyo and Yokohama's heavy industry.\nThe squadron won the second award in mine-laying operations beginning in mid May 1944 in the Shimonoseki Straits, which controlled access to the Inland Seas.\nThis operation crippled Japan's efforts to ship food, raw materials, war supplies, troops, and combat equipment to and from the homeland.\nThe 99th Bomb Squadron continued its attacks on Japan until flying its last mission, a low-level night incendiary attack on Kumagaya on 14 August 1945.\nWith the end of World War II, the squadron moved to Harmon Air Force Base, Guam on 17 March 1946 and inactivated there on 20 October 1948.\n\n## Strategic Air Command\nThe Air Force established the [9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/9th-strategic-reconnaissance-wing) at [Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/fairfield-suisun-air-force-base) (later Travis Air Force Base, California, on 25 April 1949 and activated it on 1 May as a [Strategic Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/strategic-air-command) (SAC) unit. **99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron** flew Boeing RB-17 Flying Fortresses and, later, Boeing RB-29 Superfortresses, and a few [Convair RB-36 Peacemakers](https://bliptext.com/articles/convair-rb-36-peacemaker). Their mission was to conduct visual, photographic, electronic, and weather reconnaissance operations.\nSquadron reconnaissance operations were short-lived, however, as on 1 April 1950, the Air Force redesignated the wing as the 9th Bombardment Wing and the 99th as a bombardment squadron.\nThe 99th continued to fly B-29s at Travic until 1 May 1953, when SAC moved the wing and its squadrons to [Mountain Home Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/mountain-home-air-force-base), Idaho.\nBy June 1955, the 99th Bombardment Squadron had replaced its B-29s with new [Boeing B-47 Stratojets](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-47-stratojet).\nIn November 1955 the 99th and other wing squadrons demonstrated SAC's ability to strike anywhere in the world making several deployments to England and [Guam](https://bliptext.com/articles/guam).\nSquadron B-47s flew nonstop from the 8,300 miles from Mountain Home to New Zealand.\nThe 99th flew nuclear deterrent missions for ten years.\nIn November 1965, SAC agreed to transfer Mountain Home to [Tactical Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/tactical-air-command).\nThe 99th's B-47s were retired and by 1 February 1966 all squadron aircraft were gone.\nIn January 1966 the first production [Lockheed SR-71 Blackbirds](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-sr-71-blackbird) had landed at [Beale Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/beale-air-force-base), California.\nThis new aircraft gave SAC a reconnaissance capability that far exceeded any then available in terms of speed, altitude, and coverage.\nThe SR-71 flew at more than three times the speed of sound (Mach 3+) at altitudes above 80,000 feet.\nIt carried the most advanced observation equipment in the world.\nThe [4200th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/4200th-strategic-reconnaissance-wing) was activated at Beale AFB on 1 January 1965 as the SR-71's parent unit.\nIn October 1965 [Fifteenth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/fifteenth-air-force) suggested the Air Force redesignate the 9th Bombardment Wing as the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing to continue the wing's proud history.\nThe Air Force agreed and on 25 June 1966 the wing became the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing and the 99th a strategic reconnaissance squadron.\nThe 9th replaced the 4200th SRW at Beale AFB.\nAt Beale, the 99th trained with the SR-71 to bring the aircraft and crews to mission-ready status.\nBy March 1967 the aircraft was ready.\nThe SR-71 quickly deployed to [Kadena Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/kadena-air-base), Okinawa, and began flying operational missions over [Southeast Asia](https://bliptext.com/articles/southeast-asia).\nSquadron pilots and reconnaissance systems operator gathered photographic and electronic data for U.S. commanders in South Vietnam from 1967 until 1 April 1971 when the squadron inactivated.\nIn November 1972, the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was re-activated at [U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield](https://bliptext.com/articles/u-tapao-royal-thai-navy-airfield), Thailand.\nThe squadron was equipped a combination of U-2s, DC-130s and CH-3s flying classified missions over Southeast Asia until 30 June 1976.\nWhen the U-2 joined the SR-71 under the 9th\nStrategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron returned to Beale.\nThe U-2, although slower than the SR-71, cost much less to operate and provided more \"on-station\" time.\nAs intelligence collection increased throughout the 1980s, 99th U-2 pilots manned detachments at sites around the world.\nWith the SR-71's retirement in 1990, the U-2 assumed responsibility for all of America's manned high-altitude reconnaissance.\nDuring [Operation Desert Shield](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-desert-shield), 99th Squadron pilots immediately deployed to Saudi Arabia and flew their first missions of 19 August 1990, just 17 days after Iraq invaded Kuwait.\nThroughout Desert Shield/Storm, squadron pilots provided vital reconnaissance that kept coalition commanders informed on the positions and movement of Iraqi troops.\nThis information made air attacks more effective and helped reduce casualties in the ground war.\n\n## Modern era\nOperational missions include extensive reconnaissance efforts during Operations [Urgent Fury](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-urgent-fury), [Just Cause](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-just-cause), [Desert Shield](https://bliptext.com/articles/gulf-war), [Desert Storm](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-desert-storm) and operation Iraqi Freedom as well as [humanitarian](https://bliptext.com/articles/humanitarian-aid) efforts covering [wildfire](https://bliptext.com/articles/wildfire) and [earthquake](https://bliptext.com/articles/earthquake) damage in California and [Midwestern United States](https://bliptext.com/articles/midwestern-united-states) [floods](https://bliptext.com/articles/flood).\n99th personnel are currently temporarily assigned to four overseas detachments.\nThe 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron deployed to [RAF Fairford](https://bliptext.com/articles/raf-fairford), [Gloucestershire](https://bliptext.com/articles/gloucestershire), in the [United Kingdom](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-kingdom) in September 2019.\n\n# Lineage\n\n## Assignments\n\n## Stations\n\n## Aircraft","current_revision":null,"created_by":"kACnuQmH5k9Nr5VNVEpVeg7XpvUmMctD","created_at":"2025-01-26T10:52:05.000Z","updated_at":"2025-01-26T10:52:05.000Z","search_vector":"'99th':1 'reconnaiss':2 'squadron':3","search_content":" \n \n**Unit Name:** 99th Reconnaissance Squadron \n**Image Size:** 300 \n**Dates:** 21 Aug 1917 – 9 June 1919 2 July 1919 – 31 July 1927 9 Nov 1928 – 20 Oct 1948 1 May 1949 – 1 Apr 1971 1 Nov 1972 – present \n**Country:** 🇺🇸 [United States](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states) \n**Role:** [Reconnaissance](https://bliptext.com/articles/aerial-reconnaissance) \n**Size:** Squadron \n**Command Structure:** ACC Shield.svg [Air Combat Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-combat-command) \n**Garrison:** [Beale Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/beale-air-force-base), California \n**Equipment:** [Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-u-2) \n**Battles:** World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png World War I · WW II American Campaign (Antisubmarine) Streamer.jpg World War II - Antisubmarine · Asiatic-Pacific Streamer.png World War II - Asia-Pacific Theater · Vietnam Service Streamer.jpg Vietnam War · Southwest Asia Service Streamer.png 1991 Gulf War (Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation of Kuwait) · Streamer AFE.PNG Operation Urgent Fury Operation Just Cause · Iraq Campaign streamer (USMC).svg Iraq Campaign \n**Decorations:** Streamer PUC Army.PNG Distinguished Unit Citation (2x) · Streamer PUC Army.PNG Presidential Unit Citation · AFOUA with Valor.jpg Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat \"V\" Device (2x) · US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - Stremer.jpg Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (16x) · Vietnam Gallantry Cross - Streamer.jpg Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm \n**Identification Symbol:** 99th_Reconnaissance_Squadron.png \n**Identification Symbol Label:** 99th Reconnaissance Squadron Emblem (approved 4 March 1924) \n**Identification Symbol 2:** BB \n**Identification Symbol 2 Label:** Squadron Code \n \n\n# \nThe **99th Reconnaissance Squadron** is a squadron of the [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force).\nIt is assigned to the [9th Operations Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/9th-operations-group), [Air Combat Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-combat-command), stationed at [Beale Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/beale-air-force-base), California.\nThe squadron is equipped with the [Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-u-2-dragon-lady) reconnaissance aircraft.\nThe 99th is one of the oldest units in the United States Air Force, first being organized as the [99th Aero Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/99th-aero-squadron) on 21 August 1917 at [Kelly Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/kelly-field), Texas.\nThe squadron deployed to France and fought on the [Western Front](https://bliptext.com/articles/western-front-world-war-i) during [World War I](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-i) as a Corps observation squadron.\nDuring [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii) the unit served both in the [Panama Canal Zone](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone) as an anti-submarine unit and in the [Pacific Theater of Operations](https://bliptext.com/articles/asiatic-pacific-theater) (PTO) as part of [Twentieth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/twentieth-air-force) as a [Boeing B-29 Superfortress](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-29-superfortress) bomber squadron.\nDuring the [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war) was part of [Strategic Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/strategic-air-command) equipped with [Boeing B-47 Stratojet](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-47-stratojet) medium bombers, and later with the [Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-sr-71-blackbird) strategic reconnaissance aircraft.\n[Harvard Business School](https://bliptext.com/articles/harvard-business-school) profiled the 99th and its innovation efforts in a 2019 case study.\n\n# Mission\nThe 99th Reconnaissance Squadron is responsible for providing critical [intelligence](https://bliptext.com/articles/military-intelligence) for use by the highest levels of the U.S. government.\nSquadron pilots fly the [Lockheed U-2S](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-u-2s) aircraft as they continuously train to upgrade from normal aircraft commander status to that of instructor pilot status.\nThe current mission statement of the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron is \"To deploy and employ warrior Airmen and execute effective and sustained U-2 operations globally in support of National Objectives.\"\n\n# History\n\n## World War I\nOrganized at [Kelly Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/kelly-field), Texas, on 21 August 1917, the **99th Aero Squadron** moved to [Garden City](https://bliptext.com/articles/mitchel-air-force-base), New York, in early November and sailed for [France](https://bliptext.com/articles/france) on the fourteenth.\nAfter training in the [Sopwith 1½ Strutter](https://bliptext.com/articles/sopwith-1-strutter) and the [Salmson 2](https://bliptext.com/articles/salmson-2), the squadron began flying combat missions in June 1918.\nAssigned to the [V Corps Observation Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/v-corps-observation-group), United States First Army Air Service, the **99th Aero Squadron** (Corps Observation) was assigned to the [Toul Sector](https://bliptext.com/articles/toul) of the French [Western Front](https://bliptext.com/articles/western-front-world-war-i) on 22 June.\nIt served as a school squadron with V Army Corps Infantry Liaison School.\nOn 19 July, was assigned to the [St. Die sector](https://bliptext.com/articles/st-die) during which time one flight of unit, operating in [Vosges](https://bliptext.com/articles/vosges) region of Alsace and Lorraine where it participated in combat with French XXXIII Corps.\nBetween 12 and 16 September the squadron flew reconnaissance missions and directed artillery fire in support [French 8th Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/eighth-army-france) and the [American V Army Corps](https://bliptext.com/articles/v-corps-united-states) during the [St. Mihiel offensive](https://bliptext.com/articles/st-mihiel-offensive).\nIt also participated in the [Meuse-Argonne offensive](https://bliptext.com/articles/meuse-argonne-offensive) between 26 September – 11 November 1918 when the Armistice with Germany was reached.\nThe 99th Aero Squadron remained in France until 8 May 1919, then moved to [Mitchel Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/mitchel-field), New York, where the unit was demobilized; the men who had served in France were returned to civilian life.\n# [Men of the 99th Aero Squadron with their Salmson 2A2s at Parois Airdrome, France, November 1918. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/99th///Aero///Squadron///-///4.jpg]\n\n## Inter-war period\nThe 99th was retained after World War I as part of the permanent [United States Army Air Service](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-army-air-service), and after a series of administrative moves in which the squadron was an administrative unit, was assigned to [Bolling Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/bolling-field), District of Columbia, where it was organized as 99th Corps Observation Squadron.\nIt was manned largely with veterans of the AEF who remained in the Air Service and was equipped with war surplus [Dayton-Wright DH-4s](https://bliptext.com/articles/dayton-wright-dh-4) and some British Royal Aircraft Establishment [Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5s](https://bliptext.com/articles/royal-aircraft-factory-s-e-5) that had been shipped from Britain during the war as engineering models to license produce in the United States.\nAt Bolling Field, the pilots of the squadron trained in aerial reconnaissance and also trained with Army units in Northern Virginia on battlefield observation maneuvers and artillery spotting and adjustments, similar to the combat missions the squadron flew on the Western Front during the way.\nHowever lack of funding for training and the general feeling in the United States that the peace lessened the need for a strong military led to many of the combat veterans to leave the service.\nAs a result, the proficiency of squadron aircrews deteriorated until the 99th had no one proficient enough to participate in the 1929 bombing and gunnery matches.\nIn 1927, the 99th moved to Kelly Field, Texas, where it was assigned to the [Air Corps Training Center](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-corps-training-center).\nIt was inactivated on 31 July.\nOn 9 November 1928, it was reactivated at Mitchell Field, New York, and was equipped with a series of observation aircraft, and performed operational testing on the planes, and various variants over the next several years.\nWith the creation of the [GHQ Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/ghq-air-force) on 1 March 1935, the group became the [9th Bombardment Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/9th-bombardment-group) and the 99th became a bombardment squadron.\nWith the new mission came new airplanes.\nThe new bombardment squadron received American-made [Martin B-10s](https://bliptext.com/articles/martin-b-10) in 1936 and [Douglas B-18 Bolos](https://bliptext.com/articles/douglas-b-18-bolo) in 1938.\nSquadron members trained hard learning the tactics and maneuvers of their new aircraft and new mission.\n\n## World War II\n\n### Antisubmarine warfare\nAs part of the buildup of Air Corps forces in the [Panama Canal Zone](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone) prior to the United States entry into World War II, the 99th was transferred to [Rio Hato Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/rio-hato-field), Panama on 13 November 1940.\nIt was almost immediately redesignated as the **99th Bombardment Squadron** (Heavy), and equipped with Douglas B-18 Bolos.\nIts mission was to patrol the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal.\nTragedy struck the 99th early in its Panama assignment.\nOn 27 February 1941, one of its B-18As, piloted by 1st Lieutenant Jack L. Schoch and with six other crew members aboard, crashed into Panama Bay just off [Venado Beach](https://bliptext.com/articles/venado-beach), with the loss of all on board.\nThe cause of this mysterious loss were never determined, although rescue efforts continued late into the night.\nWith its remaining four B-18As, the unit continued its intensive training program from its base at Rio Hato until, on 25 August 1941, it received one of the new [Boeing B-17B Flying Fortresses](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-17b-flying-fortress) assigned to the Command.\nJust before the [Pearl Harbor Attack](https://bliptext.com/articles/pearl-harbor-attack), on 3 December, the Squadron was ordered to distant [Zandrey Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/zandrey-field), Dutch Guiana (by way of [Piarco Airport](https://bliptext.com/articles/piarco-airport), Trinidad), under an agreement with the Netherlands government-in-exile, by which the United States occupied the colony to protect bauxite mines.\nHowever, to the disappointment of the crews, the squadron had to leave its B-17 behind.\nIt was, however, reinforced with additional B-18As, bringing squadron strength up to six aircraft.\nAt Zandry, the unit shuttled from Zandery to Atkinson Field, British Guiana and, by January 1942, had eight [Curtiss P-40C Warhawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/curtiss-p-40c-warhawk) assigned.\nThe P-40s were, in actuality detached for airfield defense by the Trinidad Base Command, under which the 99th fell at the time.\nThe intensive flying of the first two months of the war soon took its toll, however, and by the end of February 1942, the squadron was forced to report that it had but three B-18A's operational at Zandery and that \" .... none of them are airworthy at this time.\"\nApparently the unit was quickly reinforced and by 1 March strength was back up to six aircraft, and seven combat crews, all of whom had more than 12 months experience.\nOperations From Zandry Field consisted of coastal, convoy and anti-submarine patrols until 31 October 1942.\nJust prior to which time the 4th Antisubmarine Squadron was attached to the Squadron between 9 and 16 October.\nAt this point [AAF Antisubmarine Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/aaf-antisubmarine-command) took over the mission of the 99th and the men and aircraft of the squadron were reassigned.\nThe squadron was detached from [Sixth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/sixth-air-force) and reassigned to [Orlando Army Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/orlando-army-air-base), Florida, without personnel or equipment, where it became part of the [Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics](https://bliptext.com/articles/army-air-forces-school-of-applied-tactics) (AAFSAT) in central and northern Florida.\nAt the AAFSAT, the squadron trained units at various airfields in central and northern Florida, the squadron trained cadres for 44 bomb groups in organization and operations, performed bombing pattern tests, experimented with 3-plane formations to attack moving ships, and performed over a hundred equipment tests.\n# [A Douglas B-18A Bolo assigned to the 99th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on patrol from Zandery Field, Dutch Guiana, 1942. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Douglas///B-18A///assigned///to///99th///Bomb///Squadron.jpg]\n\n### B-29 Superfortress era\nOn 3 March 1944, the squadron was again moved without personnel or equipment to [Dalhart Army Air Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/dalhart-army-air-field), Texas, where the 99th was assigned to the [313th Bombardment Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/313th-bombardment-wing), with a mission to organize and train for [Boeing B-29 Superfortress](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-29-superfortress) operations in the Western Pacific.\nThe 99th helped to develop operational bombardment tactics and tested special devices and equipment during this time.\nIn 1944 the 99th moved to [Dalhart Army Air Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/dalhart-army-air-field), Texas, where it began training on the new Superfortress as part of the 313th Bombardment Wing, to organize and train for B-29 operations in the Western Pacific.\nThe 99th helped to develop operational bombardment tactics and tested special devices and equipment during this time.\nIt then moved to [McCook Army Air Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/mccook-army-air-field), Nebraska, in May 1944 where it trained in earnest for its own combat deployment.\nAfter six months in the new B-29, the 99th transferred to [North Field (Tinian)](https://bliptext.com/articles/north-field-tinian), in the [Mariana Islands](https://bliptext.com/articles/mariana-islands), just east of the Philippines.\nArriving at Tinian on 28 December 1944, the **99th Bombardment Squadron**, Very Heavy flew its first bombing raids on 27, 29 and 31 January 1945, against Japanese installations in the northern Marianas.\nOn 25 February the 99th joined an all-out Allied effort against [Tokyo](https://bliptext.com/articles/tokyo)'s port and industrial areas.\nFor the remaining months of the war, squadron B-29s repeatedly struck Japanese aircraft factories, chemical plants, naval bases and airdromes.\nIt also participated in night, low-level incendiary bombing attacks on urban areas.\nDuring these months the 99th won two [Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation).\nThe first came for 15–16 April 1945 bombing raids on Kawasaki, Japan's industrial center, which furnished components for Tokyo and Yokohama's heavy industry.\nThe squadron won the second award in mine-laying operations beginning in mid May 1944 in the Shimonoseki Straits, which controlled access to the Inland Seas.\nThis operation crippled Japan's efforts to ship food, raw materials, war supplies, troops, and combat equipment to and from the homeland.\nThe 99th Bomb Squadron continued its attacks on Japan until flying its last mission, a low-level night incendiary attack on Kumagaya on 14 August 1945.\nWith the end of World War II, the squadron moved to Harmon Air Force Base, Guam on 17 March 1946 and inactivated there on 20 October 1948.\n\n## Strategic Air Command\nThe Air Force established the [9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/9th-strategic-reconnaissance-wing) at [Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/fairfield-suisun-air-force-base) (later Travis Air Force Base, California, on 25 April 1949 and activated it on 1 May as a [Strategic Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/strategic-air-command) (SAC) unit. **99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron** flew Boeing RB-17 Flying Fortresses and, later, Boeing RB-29 Superfortresses, and a few [Convair RB-36 Peacemakers](https://bliptext.com/articles/convair-rb-36-peacemaker). Their mission was to conduct visual, photographic, electronic, and weather reconnaissance operations.\nSquadron reconnaissance operations were short-lived, however, as on 1 April 1950, the Air Force redesignated the wing as the 9th Bombardment Wing and the 99th as a bombardment squadron.\nThe 99th continued to fly B-29s at Travic until 1 May 1953, when SAC moved the wing and its squadrons to [Mountain Home Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/mountain-home-air-force-base), Idaho.\nBy June 1955, the 99th Bombardment Squadron had replaced its B-29s with new [Boeing B-47 Stratojets](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-47-stratojet).\nIn November 1955 the 99th and other wing squadrons demonstrated SAC's ability to strike anywhere in the world making several deployments to England and [Guam](https://bliptext.com/articles/guam).\nSquadron B-47s flew nonstop from the 8,300 miles from Mountain Home to New Zealand.\nThe 99th flew nuclear deterrent missions for ten years.\nIn November 1965, SAC agreed to transfer Mountain Home to [Tactical Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/tactical-air-command).\nThe 99th's B-47s were retired and by 1 February 1966 all squadron aircraft were gone.\nIn January 1966 the first production [Lockheed SR-71 Blackbirds](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-sr-71-blackbird) had landed at [Beale Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/beale-air-force-base), California.\nThis new aircraft gave SAC a reconnaissance capability that far exceeded any then available in terms of speed, altitude, and coverage.\nThe SR-71 flew at more than three times the speed of sound (Mach 3+) at altitudes above 80,000 feet.\nIt carried the most advanced observation equipment in the world.\nThe [4200th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/4200th-strategic-reconnaissance-wing) was activated at Beale AFB on 1 January 1965 as the SR-71's parent unit.\nIn October 1965 [Fifteenth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/fifteenth-air-force) suggested the Air Force redesignate the 9th Bombardment Wing as the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing to continue the wing's proud history.\nThe Air Force agreed and on 25 June 1966 the wing became the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing and the 99th a strategic reconnaissance squadron.\nThe 9th replaced the 4200th SRW at Beale AFB.\nAt Beale, the 99th trained with the SR-71 to bring the aircraft and crews to mission-ready status.\nBy March 1967 the aircraft was ready.\nThe SR-71 quickly deployed to [Kadena Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/kadena-air-base), Okinawa, and began flying operational missions over [Southeast Asia](https://bliptext.com/articles/southeast-asia).\nSquadron pilots and reconnaissance systems operator gathered photographic and electronic data for U.S. commanders in South Vietnam from 1967 until 1 April 1971 when the squadron inactivated.\nIn November 1972, the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was re-activated at [U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield](https://bliptext.com/articles/u-tapao-royal-thai-navy-airfield), Thailand.\nThe squadron was equipped a combination of U-2s, DC-130s and CH-3s flying classified missions over Southeast Asia until 30 June 1976.\nWhen the U-2 joined the SR-71 under the 9th\nStrategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron returned to Beale.\nThe U-2, although slower than the SR-71, cost much less to operate and provided more \"on-station\" time.\nAs intelligence collection increased throughout the 1980s, 99th U-2 pilots manned detachments at sites around the world.\nWith the SR-71's retirement in 1990, the U-2 assumed responsibility for all of America's manned high-altitude reconnaissance.\nDuring [Operation Desert Shield](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-desert-shield), 99th Squadron pilots immediately deployed to Saudi Arabia and flew their first missions of 19 August 1990, just 17 days after Iraq invaded Kuwait.\nThroughout Desert Shield/Storm, squadron pilots provided vital reconnaissance that kept coalition commanders informed on the positions and movement of Iraqi troops.\nThis information made air attacks more effective and helped reduce casualties in the ground war.\n\n## Modern era\nOperational missions include extensive reconnaissance efforts during Operations [Urgent Fury](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-urgent-fury), [Just Cause](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-just-cause), [Desert Shield](https://bliptext.com/articles/gulf-war), [Desert Storm](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-desert-storm) and operation Iraqi Freedom as well as [humanitarian](https://bliptext.com/articles/humanitarian-aid) efforts covering [wildfire](https://bliptext.com/articles/wildfire) and [earthquake](https://bliptext.com/articles/earthquake) damage in California and [Midwestern United States](https://bliptext.com/articles/midwestern-united-states) [floods](https://bliptext.com/articles/flood).\n99th personnel are currently temporarily assigned to four overseas detachments.\nThe 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron deployed to [RAF Fairford](https://bliptext.com/articles/raf-fairford), [Gloucestershire](https://bliptext.com/articles/gloucestershire), in the [United Kingdom](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-kingdom) in September 2019.\n\n# Lineage\n\n## Assignments\n\n## Stations\n\n## Aircraft","revisionCount":0},"hasMore":false,"nextCursor":null}