Actor Gary Sinise, a longtime supporter of the military, flew backseat in a TU-2S, the two-seat trainer version of the Dragon Lady high altitude reconnaissance aircraft at Beale AFB, California, on 8 June 2011. A film crew documented Sinise's trip to Beale, including altitude chamber and egress training, as well as his flight above 70,000 feet altitude with a 1st Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, for an upcoming TV special that will highlight the U-2 story and the base’s mission. Sinise is best known for his role as Lt. Dan in the movie Forrest Gump, and regularly performs with his rock music band for military audiences around the world.
