1st Reconnaissance Squadron

BEALE A.F.B.

The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is responsible for training all High-Altitude Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance aircrew for the U-2S Dragon Lady and the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Aircrew members consist of pilots and mission planners for the U-2S, and pilots and sensor operators for the RQ-4. Training for all U-2S pilots includes additional qualification in the T-38A Talon, the companion trainer to the U-2S.
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Pilots and sensor operators who complete the approximately three month RQ-4 training syllabus become experts in high-altitude Remotely Piloted Aircraft operations and are assigned to the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, or the 348th Reconnaissance Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Pilots interested in flying the U-2S apply to the program voluntarily. They undergo an intensive two-week interview process in which their flying ability, judgment, and professionalism are evaluated over three flights in the TU-2S two-seat trainer. The applicants who successfully pass the interview process are assigned to the 1 RS where they begin training in the T-38A. Once they are qualified in the T-38A, pilots will complete the initial and high-altitude mission qualification in the U-2S and are assigned to the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base.

Organization
Over 100 active duty airmen, civilians, and contractors are assigned to the 1 RS. The unit operates the world's only 5 TU-2S models in existence, and 11 T-38As. The 1 RS is aligned under the 9th Operations Group, 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California.

History
The 1 RS is the United States military's oldest flying unit, first established on 5 March 1913. The squadron has maintained an unbroken heritage from its founding to the present day. Originally organized in anticipation of a potential breach in security along the border between the U.S. and Mexico, General Pershing directed the 1st Aero Squadron to become the first tactical aviation unit to participate in American military action. During WWI, the 1st Aero Squadron participated in the four campaigns symbolized by crosses on the 9th Reconnaissance Wing patch. The 13 crosses on the squadron patch symbolize the 13 "kills" the 1st Aero Squadron won against German aircraft. While fighting in WWII, the then designated 1st Bombardment Squadron conducted low level incendiary attacks over Japan while flying B-29s, devastating a 15 square mile area of Tokyo. During the Vietnam War, the 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron operated the SR-71 Blackbird. Flying over 2,000 mph at approximately 80,000 feet, the Blackbird gathered photographic and electronic intelligence products of the Southeast Asian nations involved in the Vietnam conflict. Throughout its history, the 1 RS has flown 47 different airframes while being stationed at 52 locations throughout the world, including 4 stints at sea.

 

RECONNAISSANCE WING

RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

 HAWK TAMER- INSTRUCTOR 

DRAGON TAMER - INSTRUCTOR

Friday patch

1st RS  U-2  FTU

DRAGON TAMER - INSTRUCTOR

6.9Hrs

TALON DRIVER

5 inches tall

5 inches tall

3 1/2 inches tall

3 1/2 inches tall

Light Blue

WINGMAN FOR LIFE

1st RS