Visit to Beale AFB Air Show (April 2009) PDF Print

Knowing your interest in national defense issues, I wanted to let you know about the visit I recently made to Beale Air Force Base.  From April 17 to 19, Beale AFB opened its doors to the public and put on a fabulous Air Show highlighting the best in military and civilian aeronautics.  The Base was flooded with spectators, servicemen, civilian performers and vendors from all over world.

Beale AFB is vital to our national security efforts as it is home to the U-2 spy plane and Global Hawk, the latest and most sophisticated unmanned surveillance aircraft in the US military.  The Base showcased an operational Global Hawk as well as many other military and civilian craft for spectators to enjoy during this memorable weekend.

Below you can see me discussing the Air Show and Beale issues with Colonel Soren Jones from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (left) and Colonel Dorothy Hogg, 9th Medical Group Commander (center).  I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that Global Hawk receives sufficient support for its even more capable advanced models, and that the U-2 remains operational so long as it provides an unmatched service to the Air Force.