Bergstrom's reconnaissance wing places second. In 1988, Reconnaissance Air Park is formally dedicated to commemorate 20 years of reconnaissance flights. In spite of spirited local protest, the closure list is approved in July by President Bush and endorsed by Congress. A question of ownership emerges when officials discover that no contract was ever signed between the City of Austin and the Air Force. In a January 1992 announcement, the Justice Department clears the way for transfer of all Bergstrom land and facilities to the City of Austin.
War interrupts the closure.
It will be their last mission under the BAF insignia. The Blackbirds fly 476 sorties over Iraq, photographing targets before and after they are struck. As closure activities proceed, the base is transferred to Air Combat Command. Units are combined or reassigned. Headquarters 12th Air Force moves to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, in Tucson, Arizona.