99th Observation Squadron

99th Reconnaissance Squadron
U-2 Dragon Lady 80-1089 from the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron taxis to the runway for takeoff
Active	21 August 1917 – 9 June 1919 2 July 1919 – 31 July 1927 9 November 1928 – 20 October 1948 1 May 1949 – 1 April 1971 1 November 1972 – Present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Reconnaissance
Size	Squadron
Part of	Air Combat Command
Garrison/HQ	Beale Air Force Base, California
Fuselage Code	"BB"
Engagements	World War I World War II - Antisubmarine World War II - Asia-Pacific Theater Vietnam War 1991 Gulf War (Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation of Kuwait) Operation Urgent Fury Operation Just Cause Iraq Campaign
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation (2x) Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device (2x) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (16x) Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Insignia
99th Reconnaissance Squadron Emblem

The 99th Reconnaissance Squadron (99 RS) is a squadron of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to the 9th Operations Group, Air Combat Command, stationed at Beale Air Force Base, California. The squadron is equipped with the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft.

The 99 RS is one of the oldest units in the United States Air Force, first being organized as the 99th Aero Squadron on 21 August 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas. The squadron deployed to France and fought on the Western Front during World War I as a Corps observation squadron.

During World War II the unit served both in the Panama Canal Zone as an anti-submarine unit and in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) as part of Twentieth Air Force as a B-29 Superfortress bomber squadron. During the Cold War was part of Strategic Air Command equipped with B-47 Stratojet medium bombers, and later with the SR-71 Blackbird strategic reconnaissance aircraft.

The 99th Reconnaissance Squadron is responsible for providing critical intelligence for use by the highest levels of the U.S. government. Squadron pilots fly the Lockheed U-2S aircraft as they continuously train to upgrade from normal aircraft commander status to that of instructor pilot status.

Pilots from the squadron frequently rotate overseas to support the wing's various operating locations. The squadron has one of the highest TDY rates in the Air Force, second only to that of the aircrews supporting the E-3 Sentry AWACS. This high operations tempo could not be effectively maintained without the crew chiefs assigned to the squadron who perform routine maintenance to keep the aircraft flying on a daily basis.