SecAF gains perspective of Beale's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission

by Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

8/12/2015 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Honorable Deborah Lee James, secretary of the Air Force, visited Beale Air Force Base, California, to get an up-close view of the high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission, Aug. 10-12.

In addition to James gaining knowledge of the base's mission, she was able to interact with Airmen, honorary commanders and the Beale Military Liaison Committee. She visited the 1st, 12th and 99th Reconnaissance squadrons, the 9th Physiological Support Squadron, and held an all-call at the community center.

During James' all-call, she spoke about her three priorities: taking care of Airmen, balancing today's readiness with tomorrow's modernization, and making every dollar count. Included at the all-call, she answered questions ranging from the new retirement plan to extended maternity leave.

"Days like today, where I can get out and see what you do, helps me go back to Washington and better tell the story and to better work problems as I see them," James said.

James added she was able to gain the full scope of Beale; the ISR airframes, the 7th Space Warning Squadron, the Distributed Common Ground System-2, and other Total Force units here.

"The unique operating environment, the demanding mission requirements and the tireless dedication of our Beale Airmen can best be understood in person," James said.  "ISR continues to be the number one most requested capability of combatant commanders. I want Beale Airmen to understand that their mission is vital to delivering airpower worldwide, and this will remain critical to our national security."

Beale's 9th Reconnaissance Wing is responsible for providing national and theater command authorities with timely, reliable, high-quality, high-altitude reconnaissance products. The wing is equipped with the U-2 Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk and MC-12 Liberty reconnaissance aircraft to accomplish the mission around the globe. Operations span eight other locations, and 14 percent of Air Combat Command's deployed personnel, including in garrison, are from Beale.

"I'm always impressed by the high caliber of our Airmen, and Beale Airmen are no exception," James said. "They couldn't do what they do without the great support from the community, and we truly appreciate it."