RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

Conceived during World War I and baptized in the skies of Baron Von Richtofen (the Red Baron), the 99th has a long and colourful history. Following activation in 1917, the 99th rapidly moved to France to perform corps observation duties with the French 8th Army and the American V Army Corps. Following the war, the squadron returned to the United States and demobilized. Shortly thereafter, the 99th was reconstituted a corps observation squadron performing duties in the North-eastern United States.

In 1928, the 99th moved to Mitchell Field, N.Y., to perform observation duties and participate in aerial demonstrations and manoeuvres. In 1940, the squadron moved to the Canal Zone, then on to Trinidad to fly antisubmarine patrols. The squadron moved to Florida in 1942 and started training cadres for bombardment units. In 1944, the 99th flew combat missions in the Western Pacific and carried food and medicine to POW camps. Redesignated a reconnaissance squadron in 1949, and based in California, the 99th flew B/RB-17s and, later, B/RB-29s. The 99th was re-designated a bombardment squadron in 1950, moved to Idaho in 1953, and received B-47s in 1954 making several deployments to England and Guam. In 1966, the 99th again became a reconnaissance squadron and moved to California conducting category I, II and III testing of SR-71 aircraft through 1967. Global Strategic Reconnaissance was flown until 1971 when the squadron inactivated. In November 1972, the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron activated at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand. The squadron relocated at Beale Air Force Base in 1976 and began flying U-2 missions.

Operational missions include extensive reconnaissance efforts during OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM as well as humanitarian efforts covering fire and earthquake damage in California and Midwestern U.S. floods. 99th personnel are currently temporarily assigned to  overseas detachments

 GAGGLE PATCH

RECONNAISSANCE WING

STRAT RECON SQ

RECON SQDN

RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

HERITAGE PATCH

WWI design

TOWARDS  THE  UNKNOWN 

I HAVE IT

DESERT DRAGONS

DESERT DRAGONS

I HAVE IT

DRAGON LADY

DESERT DRAGONS

GLOBAL HAWK / U-2

DESERT DRAGONS

GLOBAL HAWK / U-2

Different style Hawk/ colours

GLOBAL HAWK / U-2

LOCKHEED MARTIN

USAF /CIA

SERPIENTES DEL SOL

CODAK

COATIMUNDI