9th MXS AGE Flight, Essential to Providing Superior Reconnaissance Published Jan. 10, 2020 9th MXS BEALE AIR FORCE BASE Calif. -- Delivering superior reconnaissance capability in support of national objectives is one of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing’s main priorities. To accomplish this mission Beale is equipped with reconnaissance aircraft; the U-2 Dragon Lady, the RQ-4 Global Hawk, and aircraft that keep U-2 pilots proficient, like the T-38 Talon. Everyone plays a part in keeping these aircraft in the air, but it all starts on the ground with the 9th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment (AGE) flight. “Here at AGE we inspect, maintain, modify, deliver and repair all aerospace ground equipment that is used to support aircraft here at Beale” said Staff Sgt. Michael Yu, 9th Maintenance Squadron AGE floor lead. “We work with equipment that supplies electricity, hydraulic pressure, and air pressure to aircraft.” The AGE flight is responsible for over 500 pieces of equipment worth around $23 million. To get the job done the AGE flight is divided into four different sections; maintenance, inspection, service and delivery, and support. “What a typical day at AGE looks like depends on what section you’re in,” said Senior Airman Miguel Fraire, 9th Maintenance Squadron AGE technician. “The maintenance section preforms major fixes, inspection does preventative maintenance and minor fixes, service and delivery deliver the equipment to the requesting units, and support provides the tools needed to fix equipment.” Without a doubt airmen at AGE play a big part in helping the 9th reconnaissance wing achieve its mission regardless of what section they are in. “For me, the most rewarding part about being an Airman working at AGE is knowing what we do here supports Beale’s mission,” said Senior Airman Fraire. “Knowing that the aircraft wouldn’t take off without our support motivates me.”