A pilot guides a U-2 Dragon Lady (upper right) from the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron through the air en route to a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility from a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, April 2. An E-3 Sentry from the 965th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron can also be seen. According to its Air Force fact sheet, the U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of U.S. and allied forces. It delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities. The 99th ERS, as part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.