The Air Force is taking a hard look at making major cuts to legacy weapons systems — potentially retiring entire aircraft inventories — to invest in the advanced technology needed to combat future threats.
The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the spy plane has meant that U-2 pilots and maintainers focused on sustaining the aircraft rather than improving it. Operators want to see that change.
The 99th Reconnaissance Squadron’s innovative leadership style has attracted the attention of Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein, who has made “revitalizing squadrons” one of the priorities of his tenure.