Laughlin AFB

“Toward the Unknown” was their motto. The U-2A was capable of reaching altitudes in excess of 67,000 feet. The U-2C, with an updated engine could fly higher, up to 74,000 feet. Airlines today rarely fly over 40,000 feet, and for anyone to fly over 50,000, federal regulations require a pressure suit.

James M. Burkeen of Del Rio lingered a little after the May 23, 2008 historical marker dedication for the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He wasn't the only one. There were others greeting old friends.

Chris Pocock, and aviation journalist and writer spearheaded much of the recording of the U-2’s history with countless hours of interviews and research. Before Pocock, many of the people involved in the program were unknown, unsung heroes who had accomplished a great bit in the defense of the United States and the rest of the free world at great risk to themselves, but they received little recognition.

U-2 tail number 56-6707 was a special bird. She sits today as a U-2 memorial static display at Laughlin AFB and, to my knowledge, is the only one that sports the signature gray paint job and the 4080th Dragon Lady and Black Knight patch on it’s vertical stabilizer. It is one of only twelve of the fifty-three U-2 early birds built still exists today, on static display, somewhere in the world.

The 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing was celebrated May 23, 2008 at Star Park. The unit formerly stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base was praised for its work throughout its history, but especially for its work during the Cuban Missile Crisis. With Podcast!

LUBBOCK, Texas -- An Air Force T-1 Jayhawk assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base’s (Del Rio, Texas) 86th Flying Training Squadron landed short of the runway near Preston-Smith International Airport in Lubbock, Texas, shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday night (May 21, 2008).

Among the highlights of this weekend's reunion of the 4080th SRW from Laughlin AFB will be the dedication of the Texas Historical Marker honoring the unit. Click here for a full lineup of activities open to the public.

The work of the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing of the Strategic Air Command continues to be honored in Del Rio. On Friday, May 16, Mayor Efrain Valdez signed a proclamation declaring May 18 to May 24 as 4080th SRW Week.

Lt. Col. Ed Hanson (USAF, ret.) began his career as an ROTC graduate in the Pacific Northwest, and ended it as the man in charge of the Del Rio High School Junior ROTC. In the 30 years between the two assignments, Hanson trained hundreds of other Air Force pilots, showed bravery under fire in Vietnam, then later welcomed home compatriots shot down during hostilities.

Jets roared across Laughlin Air Force Base and Del Rio on Saturday, May 10 at the "Thunder Over the Amistad" 2008 air show. People of all ages lined up against the railing to see the planes upclose while many avoided the sun by seeking shelter under the wings of planes on display. With Podcast!