U-2 fate up in the air

Posted on: Jan. 14th, 2006 || Source: appeal-democrat.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Air Force officials won't comment on reports that the U-2 reconnaissance plane, stationed at Beale Air Force Base, will be phased out by 2011.

United Press International, citing anonymous sources, said the spy plane's fate is spelled out in the yet-to-be released Quadrennial Defense Review.

“The Air Force has not released any official reports (on the U-2) as the budget is actually sort of in its pre-decision stage, and won't be announced until February of this year,” said Capt. Michelle Lai, an Air Force spokeswoman.

“It's kind of premature at this point to draw any conclusions or comment on any items that may be in that budget,” she said.

The U-2 has been stationed at Beale since 1976. The 9th Reconnaissance Wing operates and maintains the 30-plane fleet, although the aircraft is deployed in several other locations around the world.

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