Two U-2 pilots have just achieved a milestone in their careers—2,000 flying hours in the high-flying reconnaissance aircraft. Maj. Brian Peck, a U-2 instructor with the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif., is No. 20, and Maj. Michael Means, 1st RS operations officer, is No. 21. Only 19 other pilots in the history of the U-2 program have reached 2,000 hours, reports A1C George Cloutier.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
