U-2 DRAGON LADY

After a ceasefire had been agreed both sides pulled their troops back to 32 miles either side of the canal. and both the CIA (Det G) and the USAF set about planning a "Fast Move" of a U-2 to monitor the situation.  The CIA were quicker of the mark and two U-2R's were dispatched to RAF Akrotiri by way of RAF Upper Heyford under the code name Even Steven.

August the 11th saw the first monitoring flight and these went on for three months.  These flights were risky due the fact the Egyptians had not agreed to them and there was the ever present SAM threat.  Although the CIA did collect some valuable data on both sides air-defence systems. .

In early October 1973 the Syrians and Egyptians attacked Israel during the period of Yom Kippur. This attack came as a surprise to Israel and the Egyptians  made ground in the Sinai , recapturing land that had been lost in previous wars.

Det G deployed to RAF Upper Heyford under Operation Forward Pass but as both the French and British governments stalled over the overflights and basing the SR-71 in Britain, the missions were re-tasked and flown by the SR-71 from Girffiss AFB on some of the longest missions flown by the Blackbird.  By October 22nd a ceasefire had been signed by all but the Syrians and the U-2's of DET G  departed Upper Heyford for Edwards AFB in December.

By April 1974 arrangements for a permanent monitoring of the ceasefire had been brokered and DET G deployed again this time to RAF Akrotiri. Missions parameters were agreed for the flights over the Suez/.Sinai with all parties having to agree that each flight could take place up to 48hours in advance of it actually taking place. Flight parameters were very tight. and the B-Camera and 12 H Camera missions each covered a 64 mile wide strip checking that either side had not moved fresh military hardware into the canal zone.

  Unfortunately the Syrians would not fully cooperate, and these mission were planned with the U-2 keeping away from the Syrian SAM site's and keeping over Israeli held territories.  Further missions were flown but DET G's time at Akrotiri was running out. and as members of the 100th SRW arrived to take over the operation, thing got a bit hotter on the island as the civil war between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots started.

"OPERATING LOCATION-

OLIVE HARVEST"

The  U-2 operation at RAF Akrotiri continued to be called  Operating Location -OH  until September 1980, then it became  DET 3 of the 9th SRW, although the name OLIVE HARVEST continued.

DET 3 / DET 1

99th / 1st ERS

PROJECT OLIVE HARVEST

There was also the detachment of the 99th RS at RAF Akortiri covering the middle eastern area of operation.  This detachment has been called  Det 3 and Det 1 of the 9th SRW/RW during it time at RAF Akrotiri.  A further Detachment (4) of the 99th RS is in the United Arab Emirates.  

The Sigonella / Akortiri  detachments were combined at Akrotiri as the 99th ERS.   This was later changed to the 1st ERS.

What was originally a 60 day deployment in 1974, has now lasted 32 years!

Two U-2's are stationed at RAF Akrotiri and they are still monitoring the ceasefire agreement between the Egypt and Israel  although the present crisis in the Lebanon required further missions .  The aircraft stationed can be configured with ASARS. SYERS and ELINT and can be mission ready in 2 hours.

The 1st ERS missions are tasked by the 401st EGS which is part of 16th Air Force. USAFE.

Man power, aircraft and support are from the parent 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB

While 16th AF inactivated today 01/12/00206, it will continue to exist through the 16th Air Expeditionary Task Force at Izmir Air Base, Turkey. The 3rd Air Force was reactivated in Europe at the same time 

401st AEG

RAF AKROTIRI

Name removed.

 "MOM's Place"

is the local watering hole on base.

Left is the entrance- Right is the sign celebrating 50 Years of the U-2 to the left of the door.