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There she is...when you least expect her, proudly representing the Services Squadron at numerous special functions. She is a favorite of young and old alike. Did you ever wonder where she came from?
Pinon the Dragon Lady is the 9th Services Mascot. Using the call sign of the U-2 Dragon Lady, Pinon is a sight to behold. Although the source of the name "Dragon Lady" is not certain, local mythology traces its roots back to a character from a 50's comic strip about military aviators, "Terry and the Pirates".
The Dragon Lady was mysterious, beautiful, and dangerous, which are all characteristics of the U-2. In fact, the U-2 pilots say that they either dance with the lady, or fight with the dragon. "Terry and the Pirates" was also in its hey day when the U-2 secretly entered the reconnaissance world, which adds credence to the myth.
Where does the U-2 Dragon Lady get her call sign, Pinon? Simple enough. The pinon pine grows only at high altitude, which is where the dragon lady resides. Pinon provides the 9th Services Squadron with a corporate identity that has concrete ties to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing mission. |
