Overview

• A TU-2S from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing flew more than 6,000 nautical miles over 14 hours across all 48 contiguous U.S. states, establishing new endurance and distance benchmarks for the platform.
• Piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew and Lt. Col. “JETHRO,” the mission pushed crew and aircraft to the edge of physiological and operational limits at altitudes above 70,000 feet.
• The sortie tested and validated the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron’s new mission planning software, guiding enhancements for future long-range and high-altitude operations.
• Personnel from the 9th Physiological Support Squadron and 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron provided critical pressure-suit support and meticulous maintenance to sustain the record-breaking flight.
• The mission doubled as a legacy tribute by flying dedicated routes over fallen pilots’ homes and reinforced Beale AFB’s capacity to project global airpower.