/ Published December 11, 2018
Leaders from the American Legion pose with a U-2 Dragon Lady during their visit to Osan Air Base, Dec. 11, 2018. The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in their respective communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
A U-2 Dragon Lady taxis down the flightline at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 11, 2018. As the U-2 taxis, takes off and lands on the flightline, a second U-2 pilot normally chases behind in a high-performance vehicle, assisting the pilot by providing radio inputs for runway and altitude alignment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
Brett P. Reistad, American Legion National Commander visits Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 11, 2018. Reistad served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman during the Vietnam War and is a retired law enforcement lieutenant with more than 26 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason, a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot with the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron, waits for final inspections before taxiing to the flightline at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 11, 2018. Long and narrow wings give the U-2 glider-like characteristics and allow it to quickly lift heavy sensor payloads to unmatched altitudes, keeping them airborne for extended periods of time. (Last name withheld for security purposes) (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason, a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot with the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron, prepares for flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 11, 2018. The U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of U.S. and allied forces. (Last name withheld for security purposes) (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
Leadership from the American Legion, including the national commander Brett P. Reistad, third from right, are briefed on the personal protective equipment worn by U-2 Dragon Lady pilots during an aircrew demonstration at Osan Air Base, Dec. 11, 2018. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by the U.S. Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason, a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot with the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron, waits in his pressure suit before his flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 11, 2018. The U-2 is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft that routinely flies 8 to 11-hour missions. (Last name withheld for security purposes) (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason, a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot with the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron, dons his pressure suit during an aircrew demonstration at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 11, 2018. U-2 pilots fly at altitudes over 70,000 feet and must wear a pressure suit, similar to those worn by astronauts, for safety measures. (Last name withheld for security purposes)(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)