Tony Landis' New book is now available

Probably one of the best resources for all those photos you wish you had. Incredible shots that only Tony (NASA Photographer) could capture of the Blackbird Family. I highly recommend this book to add to your collection of reference material. Leland

"Eagles may soar, but weasels do not get sucked into jet engines."

Sat, Dec 18 2010, 8:02 am PDT Sgt. Shayne Stewart writes: 

MSgt Leland Haynes has passed away.

11/21/2010, 6:06 pm, EST SMSgt Robert Molder Writes: 

SMSgt Robert Molder

Email: rmolder@verizon.net

Tue, Nov 16 2010, 1:49 pm, PST Dave Nolte Writes:

Lloyd Bruce Rayworth, Civilian: has passed away. His obituary follows:

Lloyd Bruce Rayworth born March 27, 1938 in Everett, Massachusetts entered into rest on November 13, 2010 at Rideout Memorial Hospital, Marysville California. He was a devoted and loving father and father in law to Cheryl and Dave Dawson of Asheville, NC, Kim Rayworth and Mauricio Gonzalez of Sacramento, Kathy Rayworth-Beltran and Jesse Beltran of Yuba City. Cherished Grandfather to Ben and Megan Murphy, Evan Gonzalez, Mia and Tayah Beltran. Great Grandpa to Zachary, Bailey & Caleigh Murphy. Loving brother to Neil Rayworth of Peabody, MA. Long time friend to Judy Heiden and many more close friends along with his boyz Mickey, Max and Mr. Hershey. Lloyd served one term in the Navy and 42 years of dedicated service to our country as Senior Field Service Engineer while supporting the SR71 and U2 Reconnaissance programs. He was also a Mason and Shriner. A visitation is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 18th from 4:00 â€" 7:00 PM at Ullrey Memorial Chapel. Services will be on Friday, Nov. 19th at 2:00 PM at Ullrey Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will be private. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriner's Hospital, PO Box 21-4477, Sacramento, CA 95821. Send Condolences www.appealdemocrat.com 

Editor's note: LLoyd worked on the OBC Camera and for Itek. 

11/14/2010, 6:36 pm, EST MSgt Lawrence Holley Writes: 

September 8, 2010 5:36 Rich Graham Writes: Colonel Thomas B. Estes, SR-71 pilot has passed away. Tom passed away Monday, September 6th, Labor Day.  There will not be a burial or memorial service per Tom's request.  He was in a San Francisco hospital for some time prior to his passing.  Jo's address is 859 Jones Road #30, Yuba City, California 95993.  Her phone number is 530-674-2337. (Email address tomandjo1@comcast.net)   Any contributions should go to your favorite charity.  Calls and cards will be much appreciated.

Col Estes and Ltc Vick received numerous awards for their record flight--at that time.  Col Estes held several staff positions after SR-71 crew duty.  Mort Jarvis

Colonel Estes' record achievement flight is documented here at this URL:

15,000 Miles Non-Stop in the SR-71

Mon, Sep 13 2010, 11:49 am, PDT Col Jon P Kraus [Ret] Writes: 

Passing of Tom Estes, great HABU loss.

Col Jon P Kraus [Ret] 

Email: mjkraus32@sbcglobal.net

9/2/2010, 2:30 pm, EDT MSgt (Ret) Mike Murphy Writes: I was in the 456 AMMS from 1966 trough 1968. It was always an amazing sight to see an early morning SR take off with the spectacular plumes of flame.

Our squadron barracks was temporarily relocated to the same barracks that Lockheed was located in. We lived on the lower floor to the left as one entered the building with our dayroom located on the second floor. To the right was the Lockheed portion behind locked doors. At night we would awakened by what sounded like a drag race followed by a loud booming roar that shook the building. Of course it was an SR-71 undergoing engine testing just a short distance away from our barracks. 

The AMMS (Airborn Missile Maintenance Squadron) was located close to where the Senior Bowl B-52s parked. At night the maintenance ramp would be closed down and all the lights turned off. We would watch as B-52 would taxi and park across the road from us. There was a lot of activity going on around the plane. We could barely make out a download from the plane's wing, but had no idea of what was being downloaded. It was of great interest to us because the "device" appeared to be in the same location as the AGM-28 Hound Dog missiles were carried. After a while the activity would cease and we were allowed to go back to work. There was a lot of speculation, but I didn't know for sure what was going on until many years later.

While I was at Beale I purchased a 1964 VW from a SR-71 flight crew member. I don't remember his name, but I am pretty sure he was a Major. 

MSgt (Ret) Mike Murphy

Email: biomed3@comcast.net

 



8/28/2010, 4:58 pm, EDT Sgt. Richard J. George Writes: This goes out to who ever was at Beale from '69 to '72.
I was in the hydraulic shop from those years. I'm actually looking for photographs from those years of the SR, or any of the grilling parties @ OL-8, any of the base ETC.
Why, because I'm putting together an album of all the SR-71's on static display. So far I've got pictures of the SR at Oregon, Utah and Nebraska. I'm getting close to retirement and we'll be traveling so I plan on seeing all the BIRDS, even the one in Duxford, England. So if you could help in any way I sure would appreciate it, thank you and have a great HABU day.
Sincerely,
Sgt. Dick George

Email:  crazyolmoon@sbcglobal.net



 

8/26/2010, 8:50 pm, EDT. Adam posted this for his father TSGT Armand Lessard:

Just wanted to say that my father, Armand "Skip" Lessard passed away August 10, 2010 due to "ALS". He was a great dad and will be missed. 

Adam Lessard

 

Email: hotmalessard@hotmail.com



8/11/2010, 11:59 pm, EDT SSgt David Aguilera Writes: 

 

I worked in the electric shop. 

Where is my Philippine motorcycle buddy? 

SSgt David Aguilera

 

Email: deagleistheone@yahoo.com



 

Wed, Jul 28 2010, 6:24 pm, PDT TSgt Joseph C. Hentz, NYANG,(Ret) Writes:

Stationed at Beale 69-73. 
Crew'd a Q model tanker. 
Had an 8 year break in service.
Finished 20 years of service with a Guard unit in New York which got activated for Desert Shield/Storm in '91.

TSgt Joseph C. Hentz

 

Email: upserccret@aol.com



Sun 7/25/2010 10:18 AM CMSgt Steve Pennington, USAF, (Ret) Writes: 

I was in the 9th FMS, Structural Repair Shop, '72-'73. 

I am interested in joining the Blackbird Association. 

 

 

CMSgt Steve Pennington, USAF, (Ret)

 

Email: gunfighter11@juno.com

7/23/2010, 1:37 am, EDT TSgt Ira B. Hulihee Writes:

 

I was assigned to Det 1, 9th SRW at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan from April 1976 to June 1983. I was the NCOIC of the Stock Control section of the units supply division where our SOPs was the SSM 400 rather than the standard base supply manual. 

TSgt Ira B. Hulihee

 

Email: khulihee@hawaii.rr.com



 

7/15/2010, 12:19 pm, EDT TSgt Maurice (Moe) Works Writes: 

I am entered in 1999, but thought I would update my email. 

I am totally retired and living in Thailand. 

I was a hydraulic tech on the Blackbird from 1976-1980 at Beale.

 

TSgt Maurice (Moe) Works

Email: pride545@hotmail.com



7/9/2010, 4:52 am, EDT Mark Hesling Writes: 

My great uncle Leon Morin worked on the SR 71 (Hydraulics). 

He said he was offered to fly in it, but he turned it down. 

If anyone knows of him, please email me. Thank You


Mark Hesling

Email: m_hesling@yahoo.com 



7/6/2010, 10:01 pm, EDT SRA David W. Johnson Writes: 

Looking for Anthony Birchem. 

If anyone knows were he is call me. (650) 388-0113. 

Thank you.

 SRA David W. Johnson

 

Email: djohnson5914@gmail.com



Fri, Jul 2 2010, 9:24 pm, PDT MSGT. John J. Mortlock ( RET. ) Writes: 

The SR-71 was the Greatest aircraft that I had ever worked on. 

Sorry to know that they are ALL gone . 

 

 

MSGT. John J. Mortlock ( RET. )

Email: TALLON_61@BELLSOUTH.NET



Tue 6/8/2010 10:52 PM Lew Williams Writes: 

I just received this "E" mail from Jim Cook.

KEN NUDSON was a Lockheed Field Service Rep and covered the Radio and Electrical systems as part of his duties at Beale AFB. Ken was on the SR program for at least 20 years and has several recovery trip's to Kunsan AB in Korea as well as some recoveries here in the states. He was on the first advance crew to aid the launch and recovery of the SR flight that did a triple loop over Israel 1987 (I think). I have had many fun times with this man and shared a Typhoon in Okinawa I will miss seeing him at our monthly lunches for which was really started for him and Jim Cook to get together.

I received  phone call at about 2:00 PM today from Char Nudson with the sad news that Ken had died a few days ago. He had been going down hill for some time. I, we have lost an old friend of many years and many experiences. I have sent this to all the friends of Ken that I can think of but,  I may have missed some.  So, please forward this to all you might want to know this sad news. Thanks, Jim Cook.



5/18/2010, 11:20 am, EDTWG 11/ WS 10/ GS 12/ Anthony W Raduazo  Writes: 

I served the 9th RECON Squadron at Beale AF base for 25 of my 40 years. Employed by the SOA, USAF Civil Engineering Services Agency, OLK, CEMIRT. HQ at Tyndall AFB. My task was to lead up grade projects to SR 71 sites World Wide. As well as to Supervise, Operate, Maintain, Modify, and Repair all CE Engineering and Electrical Power Projects at Beale AFB facilities at the 9th RECON BLOCK HOUSE facilities. POC.. Mr Gary Cambell dsn--837 5211 Travis AFB CA CEMIRT SUPER..verification..for Mr Anthony W Raduazo AFESA/CEMIRT for 25 of my 40 years of service to support the 9th RECON SR 71 Squadron Beale AFB Ca.. Electrical Power Facilities..Now retired. HABU 


Anthony W Raduazo

Email: afesc@aol.com



6/21/2010, 11:47 pm, EDT Sgt Keith Jackson Writes: 

I maintained SLR on the SR-71 from 1977 to 1981. 

There is no one on this web site from this time?

 

Keith Jackson 

 

Email: KeithJackson485@gmail.com



5/10/2010, 3:59 pm, EDT Sgt. Thomas R.C. Smith (TRC) Writes: 

I work in OMS on the line from 1973 to 1979. What a great time in my life. 

Worked with good people and had a great time, years I will never forget.


MSgt. (Ret,USAFR) TRCSmith 

 

Email: trcsmith@aol.com



Mon, May 3 2010, 10:37 am, PDT Sgt. Thomas J.  Lacey Jr Writes:

I was at Beale from 66 thru the end of 69 with 456OMS, Asst. crew chief on the 135Q water wagons, several tdy's to Kadena, Alaska, Philippines, etc. I have many fond memories of what in hindsight has become
probably the best years of my life, and would do it all over again in a minute. My only wish is that I had a greater appreciation back then for what we were really doing and what we were responsible for, but at 18,19
years old at the time you just don't have the benefit of life's experience to see the much larger picture of it all, I still am amazed when I think of some of the things I was put in charge of. I mean sitting in the cockpit of a multi million dollar aircraft alone, running the engines for FMS techs for any number of issues at age 21,22 is probably at the top of the list of things that not every young guy gets to do. To this day when I tell folks about it, they just don't really relate, I know, you had to be there, anyway I'm close to 64 now and I have lots of great memories of Beale and the Tankers/Bombers/T-38's and of course the SR71s. It was a great tour, everyone should be as lucky as I was. 

Sgt. Thomas J.  Lacey Jr

Email: tjlhog@gmail.com



4/27/2010, 7:28 pm, EDT Christy Dimitry Writes: 

My husband worked on the SR-71 as an electrician at RAF Mildenhall Det 4 from 1982 to 1986. He was a civilian contractor employed by Lockheed. While he was working maintenance to keep the birds flying at any and all hours, day and night, I was doing my part by painting signs and PR for the Det. I painted both the yellow target sign with both the U2 and the SR71 on it, and later the white dartboard with the Blackbird only.

I can honestly say that these 4 years were the best of my life. 

Christy Dimitry 

Email: wardtree@gotsky.com



4/24/2010, 10:16 am, EDT SSgt Richard Chaffin Writes:

I was stationed at Beale from 1972-1975. The flight line was my home and I was fortunate enough to work under Sgt's Haynes, Spangler, Harris, Polejewski (Pogo), Maloof (excellent Teachers all) and was trained by TSgt Paul Long. I have many fond memories and still possess a great deal of pride in having been associated with, what is still, the worlds fastest aircraft and the most talented and dedicated support group. 

A short tale...While home on leave, in 1974, I remember telling alcohol induced stories of the speed of this beast and being called a boldfaced liar. 17 Years later and after the L.A. to D.C. flight I got a phone call from the man who told me I was full of beans. "Rich this is Tom...I called you a liar 17 years ago, while we were pounding down draft beers at a local Pub, and you told me the SR-71 was faster than a speeding bullet (I actually said 3300FPS).....he went on to say " I stand corrected and want to apologize.....I will buy the next 5 rounds." I actually received 2 of those apologetic calls within a few years.

Today I wear the honor of being part the SR-71 history; as a badge. I have spoken at Aviation Club Meetings (I am not a member of any) about the SR-71 and even today they still have trouble believing many of the tales as truth. 

I would love to hear from Rich Gucciardi if he is out there.

SSgt Rich Chaffin 

Email: sr71abc@hotmail.com



4/23/2010, 1:55 am, EDT Don Lyon, MSgt (Ret.) Writes: 

Saddened by the news of Phil Sage's passing. 

Many memories of Phil and his sense of humor.

He will be missed. 

Don Lyon, MSgt (Ret.) 

 

Email: donandjudy123@yahoo.com



4/18/2010, 6:54 pm, EDT Sp 5 Dan Mauldin Writes: My Dad was Captain/ Major AJ Smith of OMS at the beginning of the program at Beale Nice to see old friends names . Bill Hayes, Tom Estes, Fred Carmody, Bill Gornik, I don't see Tom Ryan's name or Col Pythyon's, but they were also there. One of the pictures I have seen on the site is one we still have a copy of, when the squadron was assembled in dress blues. I remember Dad griping about that, but it also coincided with a visit by General Lemay The picture you have, his name is mislabeled, but in the group of 3, with Bill Hayes in the center, Dad is center in the right group Bill had two sons, one my age, Bob, and I believe he also went into the Army In early Feb 0f 69, I had just gotten back to my base Camp, Dong Tam, with the 9th Infantry Division Late one afternoon, an AF Captain, found me, a PFC at the time.......he came into my section, FDC, for C Btry, 1st Bn 11th FA , 105s and announced that he had a Top Secret message for me. I looked around and told him, we all have top secret clearances here....he hesitated, then said.........you have an NVA Division dug in around you My two Lts suggested I walk him back to the flightline as he was anxious to get out of there in his Birddog When I got to his plane I told him.....Tell Dad I said Thank You. I doubt if he ever knew who sent the info, but there was no question in my mind where it came from. As a result, the next day, an 8 inch Self Propelled unit came roaring in, and within a few short days we were under attack I thought the world of Bill Hayes I was lifeguarding a pool party one evening at the Officers club there at Beale, most of the commanders were there I watched two Bird Colonels get in a knock down drag out fight that night When I asked him about it, he said it had been building up for some time and he let it go up to a point Then finally waded in and broke then up. I spotted two that I had just had a problem with and Bill noticed it and asked me why I was watching these particular two. So I told him. The prior evening, at the end of the day , while I was cleaning up , I had to get done on my knees on the concrete and clean the cigarettes out of the sand around the trees as usual. These two Lts were having a drink or two down there and just as I got up, they both pitched their cigarettes into the sand......I looked at them , then bent down again and got them too. Bill got as mad, with that Irish temper as I had, and got someone and told them, find out who those two Officers are. I didn't find out for a day or so. But they were both dentists, and were assigned the next day to Thule so they could learn to " act like Officers  "Dad asked me once what I thought the name of the plane should be.......Raven was one of the suggestions....I immediately said " Blackbird " He said some of the younger airman thought that too A year or two before he passed on, I sat and sang the song to him.
" Blackbird singing in the dead of night ...take these broken wings and learn to fly, all your life, you were only waiting for this moment "

Sp 5 Dan Mauldin

Email: bearstar@ipa.net



4/15/2010, 4:22 pm, EDT MSgt Richard Pope Writes: 

Anyone from PSD at Beale AFB during the periods of May 1968 - March 1969 or September 1976 to September 1982 or September 1986 to March 1988 or Edwards AFB from May 1971 to December 1971? Would really like to hear from PSD and our experiences support SR-71 crews.


MSgt Richard Pope

 

 

Email: rlp3786@aol.com



April 09, 2010 Phillip Sage (December 3, 1940 - April 6, 2010) Just got the news from Edward Kimmel ' old support branch member that Sage  was found dead in Olivehurst, Calif . Info provided by Ron Dickneite


Family and friends are invited to a Military Graveside service on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 11:00AM at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. There will also be a Celebration of Life on Sunday April 18, 2010 from 12:30 to 2:00PM at the Moose Lodge in Olivehurst, CA. You can sign the Guest Book or send flowers at the Lakeside Colonial Chapel at this link: http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=302044&fh_id=11193&ck=1

Lakeside Colonial Chapel
830 D. Street
Marysville, California   95901
Phone: 530-749-9277


Phil was assigned to the Blackbirds in the Organizational Maintenance Section of the 9th SRW. His assignment was around the 1970-1974 time frame. Having personally know Phil, his passing leaves us all in mourning. He had a great sense of humor and will be greatly missed by those close to him. God speed Phil. 

Leland Haynes, Webmaster, SR-71 Blackbirds



3/31/2010, 11:33 pm, EDT MSgt (Ret) Ron Murdock Writes: 

Looking for information for anyone stationed 

at Beale AFB from 1970-1974 in the fuel shop.

 

MSgt (Ret) Ron Murdock

 

Email: Ron_Murdock@verizon.net



Wed, Mar 31 2010, 2:52 pm, PDT Sgt Danny (Squeak) Grattan Writes: 

 

KC135Q Crew Chief at Beale From 1967 to 1970. 

 It is still the best base on the planet.

Sgt Danny (Squeak) Grattan

 

Email: dgrat100@gmail.com



 

Sun 3/28/2010 8:11 PM Mort Jarvis Writes: 

Colonel Bobby M. Locke, an SR71 RSO passed away several weeks ago. I'm sorry that I don't have the exact data concerning his death but I do note that his death has not been noted in your SR-71 Web site--a top notch website.  I hope someone with more information about Bobby's death will inform us about his passing.  Bobby was the one of the first crewmembers to  be part of the crewmembers of the SR-71 program and went forward after the SR-71 program  to other note worthy tasks in the USAF.

Mort Jarvis

 

Email: habumj@comcast.net

 



Left- Brian K. McCallum- Pilot

Right- Robert M. Locke- RSO

 Captain Robert M. Locke qualified as an RSO on 08 June 1967. His qualification number was #173. He retired as a Colonel. 

Robert M. Locke Obituary

ROBERT MALCOLM LOCKE Died Sunday, January 24, 2010; he was 74. A native son of Terra Haute, Indiana, he is survived by his wife, Phoebe Ann; his daughter, Lisa Locke Dell'Osso; his son, Robert Malcolm Locke Jr.; his grandsons Auston Robert Locke and Hudson Robert Locke; and his son-in-law Daniel Dell'Osso; and his daughter-in-law Joy Locke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leander and Grace Locke, and his sister, Barbara Locke. A highly decorated Air Force Officer, he retired from active duty as a full Colonel after 26 years of service and became a principal in a Washington, D.C. think tank. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 3 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. A reception to follow at the Fort Myer Officers' Club, 214 Jackson Ave., Fort Myer, VA. Funeral Arrangements made by Fairfield Funeral Home, Fairfield, CA 707-425-1041.



 



3/24/2010, 1:00 am, EDT William E. Hoyt "Bill", SSgt Writes: 

Looking for information on CMSGT Ulm and CMSGT Reynolds. 

Stationed at Beale 1969-1971 

 

William E. Hoyt "Bill", SSgt

 

Email: bhoyt@mchsi.com



3/23/2010, 2:27 pm, EDT E-4 SSgt, Jeff Spink Writes:

BAFB from June 1977 - September 1981. 

9th OMS Crew Chief, Phase Dock 

 

SSgt, Jeff Spink

 

Email: gjspink57@yahoo.com



 

3/22/2010, 3:03 pm, EDT SMSgt Bruce Swartz Writes: 

I was in the 30th Weather Sq and stationed at Kadena AB Okinawa during 1975-78. I had the pleasure of directly supporting the "Habu" with weather data during my last year and a half. Showing up late at night and setting up weather data and then getting off early to go over to Habu hill to watch that awesome bird take off was a treat that I will always remember. BTW: I have photos of the Habu and the U2 taking off together. I was told it was the first time in history they had been on the same base together outside the US. 

SMSgt Bruce Swartz

 

Email: bruce.w.swartz@ngc.com



 

Wed 3/17/2010 11:06 PM MSgt (Ret) James R. Overton Writes: Sad News:

Rick Sexton, 63

Joe Richard (Rick) Sexton, 63, passed away suddenly March 11, 2010, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Born November 14, 1946, he was preceded in death by his father, Malvin Cecil Sexton; one brother, Allen Cecil Sexton; and several aunts and uncles.

He was an attorney for many years, practicing in several Tennessee counties, including Scott. He graduated from the Nashville School of Law, was admitted to practice law in the United States Federal Court, and was a former Public Defender for Scott County. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the Air Force as a crew chief for the SR-71 Blackbird plane, and was honorable discharged. He served many years in the Tennessee Air National Guard as Staff Sergeant and base historian; and was the former manager of Concord Cable, Sevierville Cable, Sevier County Cable, and Halls Telephone.

He is survived by two sons: Allen Morrow Sexton, and Richard Lewis Sexton and wife, Angela; one daughter, Christa Hedtke and husband, Brad; two grandchildren, his mother, Sadie Ellen Morrow Sexton; ex-wife, Cynthia Costner Sexton; two sisters: Carole Burke and husband, Donnie, and Suzanne O’Neal and husband, Paul; two brothers: Robin Sexton and wife, Brenda, and Chris Sexton and wife, Cheryl; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many other relatives.

Memorial service will be held at Sevierville Methodist Church at a later date.

Four Oaks Funeral Home of Huntsville had charge of arrangements.

MSgt (Ret) James R. Overton  

Email: joverton@syix.com



 

3/8/2010, 1:10 pm, EDT SSgt Bruce Ingram Writes: 

 

Assistant crew chief 00337 at Kadena 9/77 - 3/80.

 

SSgt Bruce Ingram

 

Email: bruce@ingassocs.com



Tue 3/2/2010 6:11 Robert Elwell  (Itek) Writes: 

I was trained in Navy 61-65, went to Opticalman "A" School, Great Lakes, Ill 6/61-11/61, then on USS Yellowstone AD-27 until discharge 1/65, worked at Kollmorgen Corp, then Itek Corp(U-2 and SR-71)

I was an assembly Master Tech at Itek from 1969 to 1995, and was much involved in the actual assembly of both the 24" and 30" apochromat cameras, and had the privilege of travel to both Beale and Palmdale a number of times. The optical glass for the 30" Apochromat was made by Schott of Duryea, PA, to previously unheard-of quality requirements, and because so much of the glass would not meet the stringent optical requirements, and thus was discarded, Scholl stated they would never attempt to make glass to that set of standards again. When we assembled the two separate lens cells( which were actually built on a rotary air-bearing with a spindle accuracy of 5 millionths of an inch), and actual tip-tilt tolerances very small, during assembly, we typically kept those parameters to one-half their required tolerances. When all came together as we hoped, the customer would sometimes say "Hole crap!!, have you seen the imagery from that camera?" I had many satisfying times at Itek, mainly because the work was so challenging, and I was, along with some truly remarkable engineers, able to see some great things done. I don't know who opined that Itek was a manufacturer of Italian sunglasses, but that is pure BS!!. Itek grew out of Boston Universities research activities during WW2. I was told SR's engine support forgings were done at Wyman Gordon's facility in Worcester,Ma, and were moved in and out of the facility in Sunbeam bread trucks. At that time Wyman Gordon had the most powerful forging press reported to be able to create 2 million pounds per square inch). There was much excitement at Itek when we were awarded the contract for the 30" cameras, which were optimized for three spectral bands, instead of just one. They were of a folded design, incorporating two mirrors to fold the camera into a Z shape light entering Z at top left, exiting onto film at bottom right. Initial design utilized aluminum cells, which during SR's wicked temp excursions, expanded enough to allow some rotations within cells, requiring better anti-rotation management. At a point late in the program, aluminum was eliminated in favor of stainless steel. As was stated in "Tribute to Kelly Johnson", the SR gets into your soul, and you are never really the same, and even small parts foster a pride that goes on forever.

Thanks for bringing back some very special memories.

I sincerely hope SR-71's story can more fully told, along with that of Itek also, since all of us involved took great pride in being a small part in the life of the aircraft that said to the whole" We are America, and when we choose, we can be the very best there ever was!!".   May we all LIVE FREE OR DIE

                                                                      Robert Elwell

Email:ELWELLMUSH@aol.com



                                                                     

2/21/2010, 8:35 pm, EST Flight Test Mechanic, Ken Martin Writes: 

My dad was Vernon R. Martin. He was a mechanic on Frank Powers plane. He has now passed away. He did leave me a piece of one of his test planes that crashed in the desert of Calif. It has the serial # of the plane on it.  If interested please e-mail me .
My pops enjoyed his 47 years with Lockheed and the Skunk Works. 

Flight Test Mechanic, Ken Martin 

 

Email: kamg@verizon.net



2/21/2010, 2:08 pm, EST  Sgt. David T. Rule Writes: I was stationed at Beale AFB from 1966 to1968 with the 9th FMS Jet Engine Shop (Flight Line). We did inspections on the SR-71 engines, replacing the engines every 100 hours. Some of you might remember me as the skinny kid with the gold 1966 Dodge Dart convertible. 
Most of the time was engine changes & inspections. When running full afterburner at the trim pad, the noise was so loud my ears are still ringing.
I was on two recovery missions: one at White Sands and one at McConnell. At McConnell the Pilot did a high speed flyby I’ll never forget. I remember the team work it took to get the aircraft back home.
There was an airman I worked with named Robinson. “Stuff him in the inlet with the spike on” was a phrase commonly directed at Robinson and myself. Luckily, we were not claustrophobic. I was just being pulled out of the inlet, once, when a colonel came up to me and wanted to know how we did the inspections. I explained to him, “You remove all unnecessary items (shoes belt, anything that might be F.O.D.) and all the air in your lungs. He tried to do it himself. He made it half way in and said “Get me out of here!”
A funny thing: one night on midnight shift in the engine shop one airman was inspecting the afterburner rings. He must have dozed off, because we quietly moved the engine afterburner up to the wall so there was just a small opening. A short time later we could hear him yelling to let him out. He was pretty mad. We released the brake on the engine stand, pulled it back and ran out the door.
One scary moment came when I was moved to day shift before I got my discharge. When walking back to the shop from the flight line on October 10, 1968, I stopped and watched 977 take off. After liftoff white smoke came from the left wing then both engines shut off. It looked like it slid for a mile then dust and more smoke. I saw RSO Major Kogler eject. Major Kardong was helped out of the cockpit. I am glad they made it out okay.
Thanks to all the training from the U.S.A.F. and the noncoms at Beale, I made it through Spartan School of Aeronautics and 20 years as a corporate Pilot. I have over 12,000 hours of flying but would give it all up for 1 hour in an SR-71. 

Sgt. David T. Rule 

Email: marule99@cox.net



2/19/2010, 11:20 pm, EST SSgt Mike Irwin Writes: 

My life has been a blessing. I am blessed to have a wonderful wife and three beautiful daughters. I have been teaching for the past 37 years and I have been so fortunte to earn a Master of Divinity Degree. As an ordained minister, I am now involved in chaplaincy work in local hospitals and nursing homes. I've lost contact with everyone associated with the SR71 program, but hopefully this message will encourage someone out there to say hello. A special hello to Bill Miller and Al Mason, as well as a lifelong and gracious thank you to Col. George Bull. Yours In Christ, Pastor Mike Irwin 

SSgt Mike Irwin

Email: MIrwin@Rondout.k12.ny.us



2/19/2010, 10:34 am, EST MSGT Robert Cook Writes: 

First exposure to A11/SR family was while I was still assigned to USAFSS. However, upon my rotation to CONUS, in 1967, I was assigned to the 9RTS, cross trained to PI. It was an exciting 12 years that I spent with the squadron and the wing, until my retirement in 1979. I still enjoy getting together with so many of my fellow Habus at each reunion and am looking forward to 2011 in Sparks. 

 

MSGT Robert Cook

Email: theloosedawg@cox.net



Jim Jiggens, SR-71 and former Thunderbird Pilot passes away. The following information is relayed from various sources:

When I received your note I called Barbe Jiggens.  She confirmed Jigs passed away on 3 Feb.  He has been cremated and is awaiting burial in  Arlington   National   Cemetery . Jigs went into the hospital 15 January after a fall.  He went home 2 Feb and died the next day under Hospice care.  I spoke with their two daughters Jamie and Kayce and they said Barbe was doing OK but has not had time to make all the phone calls to notify friends.  They accepted my offer to provide Barbe’s address, phone number and e-mail to send to the alumni (Thunderbird Alumni Association) and any other family friends.  Barbe would appreciate communication. Jim Latham

Richard Graham writes: I just received the above email about Jim Jiggens passing away.  It sounds as if his wife, Barbe Jiggins, would like to hear from other Habus.  Below is all the contact information.  For those Habus who didn't know Jim, he was a former Thunderbird pilot and joined the SR-71 program in the 80's.

Barbe Jiggens

1028 Steeplewood Dr .

Grapevine ,  TX   76051

Phone:  (817) 481-1891

Email:  barbe.jiggens@verizon.net





Tue 2/2/2010 9:46 AM Dennis Lydston Writes: 

I worked on the Blackbird from 1968, fresh out of tech school, until April of 1974. I was in the 9th OMS Sqdrn until I left to join the Boeing Company with several SR crew chief's. Ed Thorner and Don Carrey (sp) to name 2. We were hired for a 707 project in Iran. Have met a good number crew chief over the years with one or two showing up at Boeing in Seattle. Maybe you remember Ron Dicknite ? He was the Crew chief for the B model. I think it was 956. As I recall we buried 957 at the end of the runway a year or so before I left. I think we had 3 or 4 acft in the squadron when I got there. As a side note Ed Thorner and I (and some times Don Cary) helped put the Blackbird back together at the Seattle Museum of Flight. That was fun...

Met some very interesting people. Chief Gornik was in Seattle not long ago for a show and tell on the blackbird and I think to promote his new book. I missed his presentation however.

Dennis Lydston 

Email: d.rivergate@hughes.net



Sun, Jan 31 2010, 7:55 pm, PST  AIC Randall (Randy) Plumley Writes: It is nice to see more PSD techs visiting this site and adding their comments into the Guestbook. I was assigned to the Physiological Support Division at Edwards AFB from 1974 thru 1976. Back then we supported the blackbird program (skunk works) at Palmdale CA. and NASA's testing of the YF12 at Edwards. I'm interested in hearing from all of those who served with me in the USAF at Edwards and both support groups at Palmdale and NASA. 



Randall (Randy) Plumley, AIC 

 

Email: rplumley@comcast.net



Fri, Jan 29 2010, 4:58 pm, PST MSgt Ret. Ronald L. Cade Writes: 

I was one of about 110-120 people in the Photo Exploitation Section from 1965 to 1969. I'd bet everyone in the section remembers Andrenacci. This is a fun experience to visit this site. 


I tried Don Shipman's email address and no luck. My best to all Blackbird Associates. "In God We Trust. All others we monitor". I read that on Military.com but didn't recall seeing it in the hanger at Osan. 

Cheers! Ron Cade.... 

MSgt Ret. Ronald L. Cade

Email: ron.cade@att.net



Sun, Jan 17 2010, 10:01 pm, PST Linda "Andrenacci" Campbell Writes: 

My dad (MSGT Eugene "Andy" Andrenacci) was with the 9th RTS
in Beale from the late 60's until the early 70's. We lived off base near Lake Englebright and remember clearly watching Batman and Robin flying through the skies Just wondering if anyone remembers my dad.

MSGT Eugene "Andy" Andrenacci

 Sincerely Linda Campbell

 

Email:  lsuecamp@hotmail.com



1/25/2010, 8:45 pm, EST SMSgt William Todd (Ret) Writes: 

 

Assigned to PSD @ Beale AFB Jul 71 - Jul 89 

 

 

SMSgt William Todd 

Email: wgtodd1@sbcglobal.net



1/15/2010, 12:16 pm, EST MSgt. Juan Bustamante (Ret) Writes: 

I was with the 9th RTS from '67-'72, served with CL Brown and JC Counts. On my wall at home above my computer is a framed picture of the SR-71 with the setting sun behind it. Around the picture are signatures of those that worked with me. It was given to me as I was leaving for the PI. Some of the writings have faded over the years, but some, like Joe Spann, Paul Lindke, Jim McIntyre and Virgil Ditch are still legible. It's a time I shall never forget, especially the TDYs to Kadena, the section parties at the park and all the other good times. I retired in 1981 at Fairchild. 

MSgt. Juan Bustamante (Ret) 

Email: juan.bustamante@sbcglobal.net



1/6/2010, 9:51 am, EST Bernard Breitbart SSgt Writes: I was stationed at Beale AFB in the PSD unit from 1966-69. I found this site because a friend sent me a YouTube video about an actor from the TOP GEAR TV show getting a ride in a U2. Seeing the full pressure suit started me thinking about my SR71 days. A little googling and I found your site.
The only person that I know of who was not in the program that got a ride in the SR71 was Senator Barry Goldwater. He came through our unit and was trained in the use of the suit. 
I went TDY to Kadena AFB in support of the SR71 where I got to spend all my money on stereo and camera equipment. I just got rid of the AR speakers I bought there. 
I also went TDY to Florida for parasail training. That was more fun. Some of the heavier crew may not have thought so after being dragged through the water for a while before we could get them up into the air.
In the altitude chambers we gave all flying personnel training rides up to 43,000 feet. The SR71 crewmembers got to go a little higher. They got a rapid decompression from 26,000 feet to 65,000 feet. To do this we took our large chamber to over 100,000 feet (where room temperature water would boil and turn to ice). The crewmembers were in a smaller chamber hooked up in their suits. When a solenoid was activated the two chambers equalized at 65,000 feet in about a second. The suits inflated instantly, protecting the crewmember.
I was amazed by the technology that I was exposed to during my time in the Air Force. 

Bernard Breitbart SSgt

Email: bernie500@gmail.com



Sat, Jan 2 2010, 10:57 am, PST TSgt Dan Freeman Writes: 

Happy New Year to all HABU's,

A special thank you to everyone of you who have made my goal in distributing many of the last remaining Active Duty, SR-71 Titanium and Hastelloy X parts. As of now, there is about 1/4th of these original materials remaining.

After 2 years, I have made hundreds of collectible pieces and sold them to Blackbird Fans in all parts of our nation.

A great portion of these funds make it possible for us to send care packages to our deployed troops, who now, includes my own grandson deployed in Iraq. 

Many letters of thanks can be seen on my web site at http://mach3ti.com.

Special thanks to Leland Haynes, his great interactive memorial and historical record of the Worlds most phenomenal aircraft, The SR-71 Blackbird.

Thank you Leland!!!

Best Wishes for the New Year,

Dan Freeman TSgt, USAF (Ret) 9th FMS, Chief Metals Technology,
(Machine Shop) Beale AFB 85-95.

Email: mach3ti@mach3ti.com

If you have been associated with the SR-71 and would like to have your experiences or recollections listed on these Web Pages please fill out the form on the

Guest Book

 

 

If you have worked directly with the SR-71 or U-2, you may qualify to join the Blackbird Association. Pilots, Maintenance Support Personnel, Contractors and PSD support are examples.

 

  Do you meet the following criteria established to join the Blackbird Association?

 

1.You must have been Directly Associated with the SR-71, U-2 Programs. Being stationed where the Blackbirds were operational does not qualify. We have received numerous requests to join the Association by personnel that do not qualify, for example CBPO, Supply, Etc. Certainly these personnel contributed indirectly to the programs but remember the qualifications states: "Directly Associated".

2.The Blackbird Association is Not a Locator Service! Questions directed in this area will be ignored. If you wish to try and locate a former member you may search this page you are on to see if the individual has left a message.

3.When you contact Jack Madison the first time:

You MUST include "Blackbird Association Membership" in the subject line

Your Name and Affiliation with the Blackbirds (SR-71 or U-2). 

Your Complete Home Mailing Address. Please insure the address is correct in all aspects. Sending just your E-Mail address is not sufficient. 

Email you Blackbird Association application to: 

BlackbirdMail@aol.com

 

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