SR-71 ALMA MATER

RECOLLECTIONS FROM THE PAST
Guest Book Entry's for 2008

I have been requested to include recollections from various personnel that have either worked on the SR-71 or have been closely associated with the program through support operations. Bear in mind that the SR-71 could have never flown had it not been for the expertise of personnel in a wide variety of specialties in the US Air Force and civilian industry. These include but are not limited to KC-135Q Refueling Support, Air Traffic Controllers, Security Policemen, Base Fire Suppression Support, Medical personnel, Lockheed Technical Support, Physiological Support Division (PSD) and a vast array of top notch people that expended that extra effort to insure the success of the program. If you have been associated with the Blackbird Program and wish to share something with others, please feel free to Sign the Guest Book . Additionally, if you feel you qualify to join the Blackbird Association see the link at the bottom of this page or Click Here and go directly to that link.


There are Twelve  total web pages that comprise the
"SR-71 Alma Mater and Recollections of the Past"

The original web page (the one you are on now) had grown to over 3 Megs in size. To expedite your Browser loading, I have divided the "Guest book" Entries into Chronological year groups by dates the e-mail was received..

• The first year group starts in 1996 and includes the year 1997
• The second year group is 1998
• The third year group is 1999
• The fourth year group is 2000
• The fifth year group is 2001
• The sixth year group is 2002
• The seventh year group is 2003
• The eighth year group is 2004
• The ninth year group is 2005
• The tenth year group is 2006
• The eleventh year group is 2007 
• The twelfth year group is 2008 (This web page)

All current Guest book entries received in the year 2008 will be on the original web page you are viewing now.  



Search the entire 219 web pages of the "SR-71 Blackbirds" Web Site:



Here is the Latest Additions to The SR-71 Blackbirds Web Site:

Updated June 02, 2008

1. The SR-71 Sensor Pages: This is a collection of three WebPages dedicated to the SR-71 Sensors including Cameras (Optical): TROC,OOC, TEOC and OBC. Mission Payloads graphics are included. Sensors: Side Looking Radar, ASARS1, Defensive Systems EMR (ELINT & SIGINT) and Data Link Systems. Posted to the Internet August 24, 2007. The Three pages are:

Page One: http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/sr_sensors_pg1.htm

Page Two: http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/sr_sensors_pg2.htm

Page Three: http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/sr_sensors_pg3.htm

2. A Tribute to: Lt. Colonel Tom Smith: Chief Test Pilot and Commander of the SR-71 “Blackbird” Test Force from 1972 to 1975. URL: http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/TomSmith.htm

3. SSgt Don Hildebrandt has compiled an SR-71 Timeline of events: Posted at this URL: http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/Timeline.htm  A link is provided to the timeline in a PDF format. 

The 2007 Blackbird Reunion DVD is now available. This is the entire video presentation shown at the Saturday night banquet at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Reno, Nevada on 23 June 2007.

The DVD has been revised with new captions and additional images that were not shown at the Blackbird Reunion. If you did not attend the Reunion, this DVD will keep you informed of the Blackbird Community's commitment to excellence. Relive some of the golden years of the Blackbirds and see what is happening in Reconnaissance today. Price $25.00

Mike Relja (NASA) sent us this Powerpoint Presentation of the SR71 Final disposition of parts and units at Barstow. 

There are two Powerpoint files. Download and view here:

File One: http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/SR-71 Nov 07 Part 1 Final.ppt

File Two: http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/SR-71 Nov 07 Part 2 Finalupdate.ppt

If you don't have Powerpoint on your computer you can download a free Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=428D5727-43AB-4F24-90B7-A94784AF71A4&displaylang=en

Own a Piece of Titanium From a Blackbird: Dan Freeman; a Retire Air Force Machine Shop Chief is offering unique Titanium articles for sale at this web site. You can custom order to fit your needs. All Titanium that was stored at Barstow (2,151,760 lbs total of all materials) has been shredded and recycled. A must see Web Site!

2008 Guest Book Entries

Updated June 19, 2008

Monday, June 16, 2008 at 06:44 MSgt Lee James (Ret) Writes: 

Third Wiper on 976, 1975-1977. 

Looking for old pal Dwayne Sharpe.

Email: james.leland@langley.af.mil

Friday, June 13, 2008 3:03 PM Ronald Girouard Writes: 

Tue 6/10/2008 6:52 PM William M. Gornik Writes: This is to advise all who remember Chief Gus White  as one of the super Senior NCOs assigned to the Blackbird program, that he has passed away after a long illness.  I received the sad news this afternoon by a phone call from his Son-in-law.  For those of you who live in the Sacramento area, his obituary will be in the Sacramento Bee on Wednesday,11  June.  Bill G

Augusta "Gus" White, an Air Force veteran who supervised equipment for SR-71 spy flights and was one of the first African Americans to serve as a chief master sergeant, the top enlisted rank, has died at age 83.

Mr. White served his country in uniform for more than three decades. He joined the Army in 1942 and fought in all-black units in France and Germany during World War II. In 1949, after an order by President Truman desegregating the military, he transferred to the Air Force for more opportunities.

He married German native Elfriede Matri in 1952, started a family and climbed the enlisted ranks at U.S. bases in West Germany and England . In a pioneering move toward diversity in the Air Force, he was promoted to chief master sergeant in 1960. He moved his family to California , settled in North Highlands and was assigned to Beale Air Force Base. He supervised a squadron responsible for cameras and electronic equipment aboard SR-71 Blackbirds flying secret missions over Libya , Korea and Vietnam . He retired from the Air Force in 1973. "He was regarded as top-notch and respected by peers as well as higher-up officers," said Bill Gornik , a retired chief master sergeant at Beale. Mr. White quietly changed military and civilian attitudes about diversity. He reared his children mostly in Europe, where race relations were less polarized than in America . Ironically, while his marriage to a white woman sometimes turned heads in public, she often faced more antipathy as a German in postwar England , Romero said. Despite starting his career in segregated units, he never spoke of facing overt racism in uniform. He was a no-nonsense, by-the-book supervisor who insisted on discipline in his squadron and treated everyone equally. "There was no color issue for him," his daughter said. "If anything, he got flak from blacks during Vietnam and 'black power' in the '60s. That was difficult for him, but he wasn't into that. He was strict." Mr. White was born in 1924 in Center, Texas, a rural town near the Louisiana border where he learned to hunt and fish. The eldest of eight children, he joined the Army upon graduating high school.

Restless in retirement, he opened a fish market in Rancho Cordova in 1979 and worked as a federal civil service employee at McClellan Air Force Base in the 1980s. He stressed the importance of education and took human development courses at American River College . Mr. White enjoyed scuba diving in Bodega Bay and deer hunting in Idaho . He organized a Little League team at a British air force base near London and set up vegetable gardens for military families at Beale.

"He did a lot for his squadron," Romero said. "He was someone to be reckoned with, but he was proud to be in the Air Force."

By Robert D. Dávila - bdavila@sacbee.com

Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, June 11, 2008

 



Mon 6/2/2008 9:51 PM Klint Weidinger Writes: 

Started at Beale AFB in 1982 in the Automatic Flight Control shop. Went on to work with Honeywell on the DAFICS system in 1986 with Ed Kattenberg, Dewayne Juniman, Duane Nelson, Tim Wilmering and Jim Rush. I would love to hear from all of them as well as the other great people I had the pleasure of working with right up to the end in Mildenhall. Hands down the greatest people i've ever been associated with and had the pleasure of working with! Where ever you are, I wish you all the best.

Klint Weidinger

 

Email: ydinger@3rivers.net



Mon 6/2/2008 7:55 PM TD Barnes writes: 

The Roadrunners staff regrets having to pass on the sad news of our loss of Colonel James P. Cooney, USAF (Ret) Colonel Cooney was part of the original flight crew on the YF-12 Joint Test Force from 1962 - 1968. During this period he spent time at Area 51. On 1 May 1954 he flew back seat for Walter Daniel at Edwards AFB as they piloted the YF-12A on speed runs to set the world speed records for manned flight. Jim flew many YF-12A missions with Jim Eastham, the Lockheed test pilot who first flew the YF-12 at Area 51. Colonel Cooney also launched successful Aim-54 from YF-12A with Col. Joe Rogers at Holloman AFB in 1967. The target was a QB-47. He flew many Cat II SR-71 missions with SAC and AFSC pilots. Later he flew 186 combat missions in the F-4 in SEA out of Udorn AB in Thailand, chalking up 1 MiG kill on 12 May 1972. Cooney won the MacKay Trophy in 1965 along with Fox Stephens, Don Andre, Walt Daniel, and Noel Warner for setting World Speed Records in the YF-12A. He retired in 1977 with the rank of Colonel. Among his many decorations were the Silver Star and DFC w/5 LOC. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and our fellow Roadrunners who have suffered a great loss.

The obit and news article of Colonel Cooney's passing are posted on our web site at:

http://www.roadrunnersinternationale.com/cooney.html

http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/final_flight.html

TD Barnes

President/Webmaster

http://area51specialprojects.com/

http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/



Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 22:11 Sgt. Scotty W. Misenheimer Writes: 

I was a crewchief on the Blackbird from 1985-1989. I was under the supervision of MSgt R. Lombard and Chief Miller. I left the USAF in June 1989 and until this day that was the biggest mistake ever in my life. I did not realize my status of being a crew member on the world's greatest until several years later. If it is possible to contact former co-crew members I have listed my number. The names are Jay Scott, Lawerence Holly, and Vic Beatty but certainly MSgt Richard Lombard. Thanks for the awesome website and the great memories.

 

Sgt. Scotty W. Misenheimer

Email: Wizardsworld41@yahoo.com



Monday, May 12, 2008 at 10:29 SSgt Roger Brantner Writes:

 I was stationed at Beale AFB in 1972. Worked in supply, inspection section and supported the SR71. The building I worked in was close to flight line and also the building where the pilots suited-up. Me and my family lived on Jack Rabbit Hill, on base housing. This was perfect place to watch the SR71 take off, at dusk with it's after burners glowing. This was my first duty station after coming back from Vietnam.

SSgt Roger Brantner

 

Email: rbrantner2@yahoo.com



Friday, May 9, 2008 at 12:41 Richard E. (Butch) Sheffield Writes: 

It was good to see the picture of Al Hichew & Tom Schmittou on April 28, 2008, on your site. It was forty- three years ago this month that they arrived at Beale and were briefed into the Oxcart & SR-71 program. They went on to the first SR-71 class at the Skunk Works" (SW) on the first week in May, 1965. Then Al went to fly the A-12 trainer and Tom stayed at the SW for training on the navagation system. Then they both went to Edwards to help the SR-71 test force with how SAC was going to fly the SR. They flew some of the first flights by a SAC crew. They did a great service for the Air Force, SAC and the 9th Wing. I salute them!

Richard E. (Butch) Sheffield (RSO)



Richard E. (Butch) Sheffield (RSO) and Robert G. Sowers (Pilot)

Email: richrosie@verizon.net



Friday, May 9, 2008 at 14:25 Sgt Steve Mahalko Writes: I was stationed at Kadena AFB, from 6 June 67 to 18 December '68. I was with the 824th sec POL Squadron, 824th Combat Support Group, 313th Air Division. In the middle of what we called the SAC area was a hanger that started to receive large amounts of crates and material off loaded from C-130, only at night time. KC-135's and the Buffs were the only aircraft that was authorized to enter the SAC area until out rolled one of the most beautiful aircraft I had ever seen---the SR-71. Took a few months to put one together, but when she rolled out she was something. We had 3 total with there own KC's for their missions. They weren't EVEN suppose to be there. I have a lot more info and stories I can relay to you about the SR and Kadena, loved that place. Hope to hear from you.

Sgt Steve Mahalko 

Email: smahalko@hotmail.com



Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 14:38 Sgt. Steve York Writes: 

 

I was stationed at Beale AFB from 9/77 until 12/79. 

I worked in the AMS Photo Shop.

Sgt. Steve York

 

Email: steveyork@comcast.net



Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 18:06  TSgt Albert Walker Writes: 

1980-1982, Security Police, stationed at Kadena, Okinawa. I remember the local nationals just lining the perimeter fence along Hwy 58. It seemed they knew about the launches before we did. I remember working post two zero (20), one-three (13) or eleven (11). When working post eleven, I had a couple occasions of dropping the line for the aircraft pilot being transported. He looked like an astronaut. He was cradled in that comfortable Lazyboy looking chair, while cruising in the big blue Chevy step-van. I also remember the amount of fuel that beast would leak just sitting there in the hanger. I recall how awesome it looked cruising by my post location heading for launch. The launches were unbelievable. You would see the after burners kick on and it was GONE. What a site. We called the ol' girl-HABU!

I'm looking for E-2, Bob Williams, of Mass. He went to Incerlik, Turkey and BOP'd to the Clark AB, Philippines. While in Okinawa, did a trip to Australia on a Security Police exercise. Thank you for the site.

TSgt Albert Walker

Email: awalk00@hotmail.com



Sun 5/4/2008 9:21 AM TD Barnes, President Roadrunners Internationale Writes: 

Last night the aviation community lost another of its icons with the loss of Richard "Dick" Roussell, age 78, of Las Vegas. Dick was proud of his Louisiana heritage where he was born July 23rd, 1930. He was equally proud of his alma mater, LSU where he attended US Army ROTC for the first two years and opted to enroll in US Air Force ROTC for junior and senior years. As a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, Dick flew 309 F-100 combat missions in Vietnam for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. Dick was one of the elite selected by the Air Force to participate in the CIA A-12 Project OXCART at Area 51 where Dick flew the F-101 Voodoo to provide chase for the Mach 3+ A-12. After his tour of duty at Area 51 Dick was chief of the Operational Test and Evaluation Division of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing at Nellis AFB. Dick held the rating of Command Pilot with over 4,000 hours of logged flying time. More about the exceptional life of Dick is posted on his web page: Roussell's Web Page. Dick was a personal friend of many of us and a regular in our Roadrunners Internationale association activities. Dick was one of the original founders of Roadrunners Internationale and was an invaluable asset to the association as it developed its website and proceeded with its mission of recording the legacy of Project Oxcart participants. Dick served the association in many ways and remained an active advisor up to his sudden passing. Dick remained a business man in Las Vegas throughout his life after retiring from the Air Force. We can take comfort that Dick is now happily enjoying a plate of Gold Band half-shell oysters and platter of seafood for which he held a passion. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family who have suffered a great loss.
TD Barnes



Who is this person?

Sat 5/3/2008 4:23 AM Tom J. O'Neill Writes: Hey Leland, It is me! One for the enlisted guys. They gave me a Blade award for this. Ever hear of that one?  I will get you a picture and send it out after I get  to my 

summer residence. Do you remember Jerry O'Malley. He was my friend and pal. I was his "Radar O'Rielly".  I was the Log guy who set up the Det on Okinawa when the company out of the Ranch. They still had their bird (A-11) over there. I think the Program was called Black Shield.  Getting old and forget some of the old names for the different projects. They were in the main hangers and our SR's were in the oval hangers. Old #972 was the first ship there. Do you remember CMSGT Kitchens or CMSGT Gornik? What about CMSGT Smith and SMSGT Orr out of Logistics. Do you all remember Project Bullcreek? Just some memories.  I ended up as an SES and the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. Those days with the SR's were the fondest days of my military career. Do you remember when TAC's Photo units (Vans) in Viet-Nam were destroyed and we had deploy the Strategic Aerial Recon Photo Vans out of the 9th Recon Tech Unit in the blockhouse to the island. They said it could not be done but CMSGT Ken Kesterson/ MSGT Smith and I did it. Got great awards for that one. Do you remember all the orange flight suits the guys used to wear.  I was the one who got them for the unit. Do you remember the Mobile MARS station we had.  Got that and the radio shop installed it in our famous stolen trailer from Edwards AFB. I don't think they ever figured out how we stole that. Our Det in San Bernardino got the NORSOCAL trucking firm to send a tractor out and we hook it up and drove ride through the gate with the cops waving us on. It was a trailer that the Supply Department had told me was destroyed and off the records.  It was really sitting along side of a building on the north side (Black programs) of the field at Edwards. There are so many things people just do not know happened in that program.
Sat 5/3/2008 11:19 AM: 
I still have letters marked  MACH 3 Mail from Okinawa.  Have you ever seen the Batcaver certificate?  Do you remember (name withheld)? He was one of the Pilots on the first deployment. Every time the poor guy got to the end of the runway, something went wrong with the plane. Then I think he slipped on the diving board at the O-Club and broke a leg I do not think he ever flew a mission off the island. One day I was sitting in our office and got a phone call from the MAC Aerial warehouse that a strange pallet had arrived and smelled funny. It was marked "Senior Glow" and was in a secured part of the warehouse. I told them don't let anyone near it. This was high value special cargo and was toxic. We got a truck and rushed over, loaded it and got is out of their warehouse and back to our compound.  It was our special load of bread and coffee.  Did not want anyone to know we were using MAC aircraft to bring in low priority normal cargo. Then SMSGT (name witheld) the Chief of the Engine branch had his guys steal the Base Commanders Scohci Tiger statue. (Bad spelling) off his front lawn. We loaded it aboard our special KC-135Q ad took it back to the engine shop.  It was a big joke but the Commander did not think so and they had to return it to the island. Then another time we had the sheet metal shop make a big key to fit the A-11. We always said their plane was a little toy compared to our super ship.  We sneaked into their special hanger one night and install it in the center of the plane.  At that time only a few of the SR guys were allowed into the agencies hanger. A black guard with my last name and I were friends and we got by him and the guys placed it right on their Plane. A great laugh but the Company folks did not think it was funny.  No sense of humor. I still have my original orange flight suit that Jerry O'Malley gave me when he made me the Honorary 9th SRW Commander.  I'll send you a picture of it when I get back to DC along with a picture of the Batcaver Certificate. Damn near got Court Marshaled for that one.  We had the best Officer Corp in the Air Force.  The Crews were more like best friend than officers.  Easy going always willing to help and cut through the fog to see the sunshine.  I remember going to the Commanders office (I think it was Hal Confer) and presented my case to him on the deployment of the SARPF to the island. That was after the TAC RECON group was destroyed in Saigon. He called Col. Tom Jones at the Pentagon, got a Flash Priority to move it, Tom called Travis AFB and they delivered two C-5 and two 141's. We loaded the package on board (So close on the trailers the wheels rubbed as they tied them down).  The aerial port folks and 9th Rec guys loaded it so fast and we deploy so fast that we did not even get meals to go. We headed out and arrived at Hickam to refuel.  I had an "EYES ONLY" message waiting for me giving me permission to get what ever we need to make the mission a success.  I ordered steak meals for all the troops and the Aerial Port NCO wanted to know who to charge it to and I said the Chief of Staff.  Never did pay for them.  We arrived at Kadena with a nose wheel that lost all of its hydraulic. The MAC pilot (Col Givens) kept it up (C-5) until we almost stopped , then nose it over with a big bang. Arrived in one piece and the 9th Rec Sg guys (Kesterson, Gene Smith) had their crews get the facility up and running within 24 hours.  Unheard of at that time.  Enough of old stories.  Great memories.  The 9th was a real exception to the rules.  I don't think the F-117 guys were as close as we were. From the ranch to Beale with stops at Palmdale. Jobs people just dream of in their lives. 

Tom J. O'Neill

Email: tjoneill62@tampabay.rr.com



Friday, May 2, 2008 at 19:14  (Daughter of:) Colonel William R. Griner, Jr. Writes I am the daughter of Col. William R. Griner, Jr. He passed away in 2004. He commanded the 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB. This was when we were there starting in 1965.

Colonel William R. Griner, Jr.

July 19, 1923 - February 19, 2004

Colonel Griner was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1923. He entered the Air Force under the Aviation Cadet program in 1942. Since that time he accumulated over 10,000 hours of flying time. Colonel Griner's first assignment was with the Air Transport Command later called Military Airlift Command) where he worked as an aircraft commander in cargo and air rescue aircraft until 1949. A command pilot and senior navigator, Colonel Griner spent a major portion of his career as an aircraft commander and operations officer in a strategic air command. In 1951, he joined the 307th bomb group in Okinawa as a B-29 aircraft commander and squadron operations officer, where he flew 59 combat missions over North Korea. Colonel Griner then transferred to the 320th Bomb Wing at March AFB, California, and served as B-47 aircraft commander, operations officer and squadron commander. After seven years, Colonel Griner transferred to Carswell AFB, Texas, where he commanded the 63rd Bomb Squadron, 43rd Bomb Wing, a unit equipped with the B-58, the Air Force's first supersonic bomber. In 1961 he was assigned to the Operations Plans Division, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, where he served as Chief of Tactics until 1965. Colonel Griner then was selected to command the 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California, a unit equipped with the SR-71. Subsequently, Colonel Griner transferred to the Military Assistance Advisory Group at Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, where he served as Director of Operations and flew combat missions with the Vietnamese Air Force. His next career assignment was Director of Safety at Air Force Logistics Command, the position he held until becoming AFLC's Deputy Inspector General. Later, he experienced heart problems and finding that because of that he should not fly, he retired from the Air Force in August, 1974.

What he loved most in the world was flying! He spent his retired years at his residence in Riverside, California and enjoyed the company of family and friends.

(Daughter of:) Colonel William R. Griner, Jr.

Email: oothappam@earthlink.net



Fri 5/2/2008 1:32 PM TSgt. William Jones Writes: It's been over 40 years and I'm still thrilled when I'm reminded of anything about the SR-71. I hope some of you guys remember me. My memory is not what it used to be, but I still remember some names. SSgt Parker (my mentor), SSgt Dickerson (#1 Avionic shop tech), Airman Hall, Sgt Tonery, CMSgt Haney, TSgt Huitt, MSgt Rogers. I can see many faces, now if only I could put a name to them.

After Beale I went on to work on the F4, B52D & G, F106, C130E & C130 Gunships at Hurlburt Field, FL. After retiring I worked with Lockheed in Saudi Arabia maintaining and training Royal Saudi Air Force troops on the FD109 & AP105 Avionics on the RSAF C130 for 7.5 years. I worked as Engineer on Electron Microscopes with the Philips Company. Finally retired from a Quality Control position with Ford Motor Company.
Now I'm just hanging out practicing the fishing tricks SSgt Parker taught me and the hunting tricks one of you other guys showed me. I see your face, (but not the name). Oh I really envy you guys when reading about your OL TDYs. It seems like things really got more interesting after 1969. E-me if you remember me. 

Jai Jones. PS I still have that 1964 Lincoln.

Email: 8jaijones@att.net




Monday, April 28, 2008 at 13:00 Lt.Col. Thomas W. Schmittou Writes: 

First RSO To receive 900 Hr. Pin:   Lt.Col. Thomas W.Schmittou (Rt)

Al Hichew (Pilot) and Tom Schmittou (RSO)

Email: t_schmittou@msn.com

 



Monday, April 21, 2008 at 15:29 MSgt Robert (Bob) Huff Writes: In 1964 I was selected by SAC to go Edwards AFB on a coded project. I was a A1C(Buck Sgt) then to work on something but I didn't have a clue and no one was talking. I had to wait for about a couple of weeks for my upgraded security clearance was processed along with a few other troops. Finally I was going to see what I would be working on!! When I walked through security and into that hangar the first thing that came into my mind was"Batman DOES HAVE a Bat Plane"!!! There resting and leaking fuel was was two YF-12A's!! And my career field was Fuel Systems Repairman. I could see from the git go I was going to have a abundance of work!! We didn't get any SR-71's till quite some time later in the project. And yes I had plenty of work all the time I was associated with the YF=12A and the SR-71's. I stayed at Edwards till the test project was completed and then followed the aircraft to Beale and the OL's. I can still hear the dual Buick Wildcat start carts turning over the most beautiful air breathing aircraft ever produced. I can still see the blue flames lighting up the runway as SR shot holes in the night sky! It was a honor to work on all of them.

MSgt Robert (Bob) Huff 

Email: bobandelaine@cox.net



Friday, April 18, 2008 at 11:02 Robert A. Anderson Writes: 

Worked for Lockheed in Burbank, CA., from 1967 to 1974. What I did for the company is still considered 'need to know' basis. I was privileged to associate with some of the 'non-computer' engineering geniuses that created and nurtured this technological wonder. It was designed, built, tested and refined under the most carefully orchestrated secrecy program ever.  The most impressive factor regarding the A-11/Sr-71 program was the enthusiasm and dedication of the people involved.  Those kinds of individuals are just not coming out of our institutes of higher learning any more. The airframe craftsman are not being trained in our schools, and the hands-on, get your fingernails dirty, group of mechanics are becoming fewer and far between.  When ever I visit a museum or read an article or see a TV program that lauds the virtues and background of this bit of flying history, I get a very warm feeling of pride and appreciation for my brief association with Lockheed and those creative giants. Sincerely, the 'other' 

Bob Anderson 

Email: rander3772@aol.com



Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 18:16 SMSGT Jimmy Jackson Writes: 

One of my best assignments in my 20 year Air Force career was being assigned to the 9AMS in January 1968 to March 1973. I worked in the NAV/AIDs shop with Chris Hamilton, Rex Kiesling and Doc Adams among many others. I too had the experience of several trips to Kadena in support of the SR-71. Great airplane and great people to serve with.

Jim Jackson

 

Email: jtjackson@bellsouth.net



Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:09 AM Sgt. Edward Schleeter Writes: I arrived at Beale in June of '66 just as the 4200th was being designated the 9th SRW. The flight line was full of KC's and B52s at the time with just 3 or 4 hangars with SR71's in them. The 9th AEMS was run by Maj. Edgar Whitten. My Com-nav shop was headed by CMSgt Joe Savery. What an incredible honor it was for me to be assigned to this group right out
of tech school. One tense experince for me was one morning during a launch, with '62 idling on the run-up pad, a control for the UHF radio had to be changed. It's a real rush to be laying on one's stomach half in the cockpit, j58's screaming, and a bird Col. tapping his fingers on his knee waiting to get his mission underway, while trying to work in that crowded front seat. I think all who first saw and heard the SR during launch, will never forget that experience. Great website...thanks.

Sgt. Edward Schleeter

Email: mixnmacy@msn.com




Wed 3/26/2008 8:02 PM  E-4 Wayne Dillehay Writes: Stationed at Beale: 1-67, 11-70, I made 2 TDY's across the pond in support of our mission.  The guys in my shop were Larry Fry, Steve Vose, John Krable, Dave Payne who was in the Machine Shop with Bob Tatroe, our Shop Chief was M/Sgt James Parrish.
 I was one of the first to weld on the SR-71 in the fuel cell area with engines in the A/C.  When the it crashed in Loma Rica just North of Beale I was sent on the recovery and also the one at Beale at the end of the runway, and the people and the memory's of a great bunch of people .
Thanks,


Wayne Dillehay

Email: wdillehay@msn.com




Monday, March 17, 2008 at 14:33 Sgt. Michael Zervos Writes: 

I have not posted since 2001, I guess time flies too fast. I am living in Florida again and my e-mail has changed. 

I was a Crew Chief from 1976 to 1980 and Field Rep. on the blackbird from 1982 to 1990. I have been employed by Northrop Grumman for 18 years now as a Project Engineer and also teach business and aircraft and spacecraft development at two colleges. If you remember me, drop me a line or two.

 

Sgt. Michael Zervos 

Email: mike.zervos@ngc.com



Sun 3/16/2008 12:38 AM SSgt Errol Ross Writes:

 

I was stationed at Beale for only a year - between 1982 and and 1983 (about May to May). I lived on base on Allegheny Drive .

 

I am auto pilot, and Josh was our shop supervisor.  I wish I had more definite statements to post right now.  I will return to this site after I've had a chance to got through the 25 years of "boxes."  In the mean time, if you were there at the time and recognize my name, please drop me a line - or call.

 

SSgt Errol Ross

 

Email: eemr1@aol.com

 



Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 07:11 Sgt Danny  (SQUEAK) Grattan Writes: 

I WAS STATION AT BEALE FROM 1966/70 AS A CREW CHIEF ON A/C TAIL #1474 KC135Q 

I MADE MANY TRIPS ACROSS THE POND IN SUPPORT OF THE 71S WHICH EARNED ME THE AIR MEDAL 

BEALE WAS GOOD TO ME 

BEST BASE ON THE PLANET

Sgt Danny  (SQUEAK) Grattan

Email: DGRAT100@GMAIL.COM



Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 19:01 MSgt Ronald Dickneite Writes: It's been a while since I entered a comment on the web site so I thought I would update everyone. We are now staying in FL for about 6 months a year enjoying the warm weather. We still go to the reunions and enjoy seeing everyone. Jim Gray is buying a place in the same resort as me so we'll be spending so good times together, Golfing, boating ( Jim will be fishing) while I'm just enjoying the lake. We both keep in touch with CD Allen, Don Carey, Phil Sage, Charles Carter, Gray Chaffin, Gino Fessler, John Lasky and others. Jim, Gary, Carter and I met at Allen's house in AR last year for a great few days together. We (Jim) and I live just live a few miles from Disney so if your in the area give us a call. I have a new email address it is rdickneite02@sprintpcs.com I'm still looking for Ken Becker, Larry Harris, Jeff Davis (Engine shop) if you know where they are give me a message. I'm asking everyone to attend the reunion next year so we as maintainers (OMS) could show up and see Bill Gornick, Turner , and others. Just to renew old friendships. We all had a great time in The 9th and every time I read the statements from others it reminds me of another great time I had and a friend from the past. There is a lot of us that live in RV's now and travel around the U.S. In fact Jim and I are traveling together up the East coast this year.

MSgt Ronald Dickneite

Email: rdickneite02@sprintpcs.com



Monday, March 3, 2008 at 12:06 SSgt Donald Siegel Writes:

 

Watching the bird take off and sunset and see those afterburners throw out a 30-40' flame . 

Looking for: KENNETH WHITE from Natchez, Mississippi.

 

SSgt Donald Siegel 

Email: skunkworks12549@aol.com



Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 17:31 MSgt. (Ret.) Wes Burch Writes: 

First off, hello to all w/whom I've worked with in the past...it was truly an experience! I'd also like to send out a special thanks to the Thomas' (Bea and Berry), Dave Pack, Dave Green, and all the others.

With that, I worked the program from the 9th FMS, in the Environmental Control Systems shop, from 1983 through 1988. I worked on all of the assigned aircraft SR-71, U2/TR-1, KC-135, and the T-38s.

I have many memories about the experience, and to single out one over another is impossible...I'd just like to say that at Beale...We Made Sparks Fly!!!

MSgt. (Ret.) Wes Burch

Email: burchtree61@yahoo.com



Wednesday  February 27, 2008 8:36 PM Don Shipman, Capt, USAF Retired Writes: 

I arrived at the 9th RTS in June 1965, an A1C (E-4) fresh out of Photo Interpretation school and witnessed the first operational SR-71 land at Beale.   I spent a 6 month TDY at the SAC SARPF at Tan Son Nhut AB, VN working U-2, RB-57 and Drone missions along with a lot of other experimental sensor systems. Then Capt. Whit Latham, was our OIC in Vietnam, and CMS Bob Tracy was the site NCOIC. During the first year or so of operations, the SR flew many training missions around the Nevada/Arizona desert areas testing sensors. I had one project in which we matched the SR's camera systems by serial number to specific aircraft glass windows to maximize the resolution and clarity of the photos.  Along with two Goodyear Aerospace scientists, George LaPrade and Earl Leonardo, I helped write the first USAF manual on High Resolution Radar (HRR) Signature Analysis.  That experience set me up for much of the remainder of my career as a Radar Imagery specialist.  While at Beale, I attended the advanced Imagery Interpretation School, known as DSIATP, and later spent four years as an instructor at the school.  After leaving Beale for Vietnam in 1969 and returning to March AFB, I completed college and was commissioned in 1973.  I was later to be the team chief of the SAC Hqtrs. Radar Unit in which we processed and exploited SR-71 HRR missions.  We deployed teams to England and Okinawa in support of SR-71 missions there.  It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with the high quality and technically astute people in the 9th.  I have a Dolly Madison U.S. Flag and accompanying certificate that was aboard the SR-71 in 1976 during the Desert Trek, Fast Flight and High Flight record flights celebrating our Nation's Bicentennial Year. After retiring from the USAF in 1984, I spent a 22 year career with Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin working on a variety of classified programs some of which involved the SR-71 and U-2.& n bsp; I also conducted specialized Imagery Analysis training to U.S. Government and Allied Imagery Interpreters during my civilian career.

Don Shipman, Capt, USAF Retired

Email: plmcrze@earthlink.net



Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 13:28 TSgt. Leo Marin Writes:

I was a Boomer on the KC-135Q Model tankers. It was a fun program and I got to travel and meet many people while assigned to Beale AFB. Remember the Beale Bandit's stickers we used to put up everywhere? How about the Boom Pod over in RAF Mildenhall or the Bldg. that housed the Habu Crews and us Crew Dogs. Logged lots of good times at both places!!

 

TSgt. Leo Marin

Email: ljm2309@aol.com



Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 14:05 Amanda Richardson, nee Fairweather Writes: 

I worked at the Smoke House Inn, Mildenhall, England in the eighties and I remember all the SR71 guys.

Tom Veltri and Frank Stampf. Remember Amanda, Cathy, Linda and Doreen from the Smoke House.

We had some good times, and I have fond memories of you all. Will never forget you.

Amanda Richardson, nee Fairweather

Would love to hear from you here in Spain.

Email: casasol.moraira@hotmail.com



 

Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 15:25  TSgt Thomas Gable Writes: 

I worked on the blackbird from July 1970 Sept 1974.  I was sent there to be on a top secret project which never came about. I was sent to the 9th and worked out of the instrument shop making 5 tdy tours to Okinawa. I retired after 20 years I am 73 now and remember Walt Blackman and MSgt Goretz.

 I would like to hear from them,  Thanks, 

Thomas N. Gable

 

Email: pocketwatches@yahoo.com



Friday, February 1, 2008 at 17:49 MSgt Eric Hanninen (Ret) Writes: 

Firefighter assigned to RAF Mildenhall from 1988 to 1992. Spent some time parked in front of the SR71 hangar in a P2 (Crash Truck) while the aircraft was being serviced with TEB. The first time on standby I was shocked at the large number of drip pans under the aircraft, all filled with JP-7 and the individual transferring the TEB wearing basically the same protective gear as us firemen. I can still remember seeing the TEB drip out of the hose when it was disconnected. It was pretty cool.

I was also lucky enough to get some egress familiarization training on the aircraft a couple of times before it left Mildenhall.

I was a little disappointed it didn't fly during our Air Fete air show one year before it left. I think it was grounded because one went down near Japan. I always enjoyed watching that aircraft take off. There was no other aircraft like it.

MSgt Eric Hanninen (Ret)

Email: erichanninen1@cox.net



Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 19:31 TSgt Jimmie Gray Writes: 

 

I'm a full time RV'er now, this is my new email address:

 

TSgt Jimmie Gray

 

Email: habucrewchief@yahoo.com



Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 21:57 MSGT / Captain James F. (Jim) Bard, Jr. Writes: 

 

My original entry in the Guest Book was in March 06, my ISP has since changed. 

My current e-mail address is shown here.

MSGT / Captain James F. (Jim) Bard, Jr. 

 

Email: JimBardJr@comcast.net

 

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 12:02 Sgt. Dale Vincent Writes: I went in the air force when i was 17 and from there to brooks AFB to be trained. Then it was off to Beale AFB. Imagine the look on my face when I saw what I would be working the SR- 71 and the U2R model. I was assigned to P.S.D at Beale then to Det 1 to find out what the banana show was and to go swimming at moon beach which was but a short ride from Kadena. I hear they changed B.C. Street to a new name. Olive harvest was my favorite though. Det 2 was good too as long as it wasn't to cold. The pilot I did most of my training on was killed in Cyprus, he was very well liked. I thought it was interesting that when I arrived at Beale I wasn't allowed to do anything until i got my G.E.D. diploma since it was a requirement to work at P.S.D. Also you had to be 21 which they changed. I couldn't legally consume alcohol until I was almost separated from the air force.  If any of you old PSD'ers want to contact me feel free. Thanks for the site

Sgt. Dale Vincent

Email: bigcheez43@aol.com

Monday, January 21, 2008 at 18:31 Sgt. Raymond Zacher Writes: 

Hello! Just a quick note that my e-mail address will be changing. Please use the address as shown below. I have posted in years past, but would still like to hear from anyone who knew me. I was an Illustrator in the 9th SRW, 9 WHS in the old SAGE building in the vault, Mission Planning. I was stationed at Beale from 11/69 to 8/73. My earlier postings detail some of the personnel I knew and worked with, as well as my experiences at Beale. Not to repeat myself from what I have said earlier, but what a great time!

 

Sgt. Raymond Zacher 

Email: rlzacher@hotmail.com



Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 11:28 TSgt (Ret) Steven Appel Writes: Still hangin at Boeing and now doing the software testing thing and writing the help files for software and doing a little system engineering. My son Luke went into the Marines in 2007 and is now stationed in North Carolina. I've got a 2000 Black Trans Am which I love to race at the track when I get a chance. Her name is: "Black OPS" How fitting right?...lol. http://www.fquick.com/garages/Pontiac/Trans_Am/2000/7362/ Since being hired on at Boeing, I've become a mogul on the debriefing software which we design and upkeep for the Air Force. I often think about my years spent on the SR-71 and can't get away from the stigma surrounding it. I still have a bunch of those coins for sale if anyone wants them.  Only a few of the Black and Red ones remain and are reserved only for true Crew Chiefs. Anyway, wanted to say hi to everyone and email me if you like, Take care, 

Steven "BAD" Appel

Email: Aspen31_3@hotmail.com



Sat January 12, 2008 8:26 AM Sgt George Carrie Writes: 

First of all, congratulations Leland for such a compelling and comprehensive website that brought back many great memories. I was assigned out of Amarillo Tech School when I was 18 years old, to the 9th OMS, "B" team at Beale in 01/67. I joined the AF to get away from home and they stick me 170 miles away from home, which turned out for the better! My fondest memories:

I think I was the first security breach the 9th ever had. Trying to report to the Orderly Room at the Phase hangers, I couldn't find the entrance so I decided to "step" over the 3' rope, which later I learned was supposed to be a 12' metal fence. Oops! After asking where's the orderly room, they got the biggest phase monkey to sit on me since they couldn't just direct me to the door. I'll never forget the grin on the happy-go-lucky Hawaiian first sergeant (can't remember his name) who came to the AP station to bail me out.

• As an A3c, always volunteering to go cook screws at the Phase hanger so I could shoot the poop with my buddies.

• The sounds behind the hangers in the early mornings when SR ground crews were warming up the Buick start carts. It sounded like the NHRA Winter Nationals, while always keeping an eye out for QC!

• I always enjoyed working with MSgt Jim Martin when he crewed 974. That plane never seemed to break. I was saddened when I heard it went for a swim off the Philippines'. Martin, SSgt Anthony McKenney and I belonged to the Beale Aero Club  so one Sunday Anthony rented the clubs Cherokee 6 and the 3 of us headed for San Diego to go see my girlfriend who was a stewardess for PSA. Never caught up with her so after lunch we headed back. Just as we were over the Delta near HWY 80, we ran smack dab into a huge squall and none of us were instrument rated. We started a 360° maneuver so Sacramento radar could pinpoint us and I suddenly saw a wind sock right below us and we eventually landed. Whew, that was close! I felt sorry for Mrs. Martin because she had to do the hour drive each way to come pick us up, since Anthony and I were single. What a beautiful lady, she was. And come to think of it, MSgt Carmon Allen's wife, who worked in the chow hall, was gorgeous, too. How these clowns landed such lovely women was beyond me! Two men with the greatest sense of humor. Always funnin' around but got the job done.

• 974 had a #1 engine hydraulic pump change and Jim Martin was running the show. He comes up to me and asks do you want to handle the cockpit? My eyes lit up like pie plates, and shaking in my britches, I said OK. What a thrill it was going through the whole start up procedure and actually sitting there with #1 idling. I always wondered just how far I could have gotten if I called out remove chalks, please! HA! I'll always value his trust in me to do the job, knowing he knew it would be one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

 

• Walking up to the barracks after breakfast at the chow hall and seeing the horrified expression on SSgt Joyner's face as he stood on the 2nd floor stairwell. After I asked what's wrong,  he pointed to the north and there was smoke coming from the end of the runway where 977 decided not to fly that day. He was the assistant c/c on that plane and lead the preflight. I bet many grave shift personnel were shaking in their boots that dreadful morning in October.

 

• When Sgt Pat "Fitz" Fitzgerald unintentionally disconnected the the MD-3 from 972 during launch and the mission was aborted. He was my room mate and It was a grave shift launch. He woke me up when he returned and he was so depressed. A few months later we both received orders for Vietnam - he to Than Sa Nut and me to Phan Rang. I guess it was guilt by association, aye? At least I became a c/c on the F-100 #674 which also was a great running, somewhat maintenance-free fighter/bomber. All through my life "74" became my lucky number. After I spent the night in the terminal in Cam Rahn Bay, with 30 minutes before I caught my flight home, getting a 5.5 month early out. Sgt Grant told me he saw MSgt Jim Martin who just landed to start his year tour. I wanted so dearly to go give that man a hug for good luck, and speak with him  a bit before I left. But I couldn't find him. Boo hoo. Oh yeah, Pat later became a top notch Porsche mechanic in Denver and did many SCCA events.

 

• While on swing shift, we were waiting behind the hangers for 974's return flight home from Kadena. That  moment brought a tear to my eye as she flew by, escorted by 2 T-38's, and left them in her dust as she pulled straight up. What a dripping mess when we threw the brake coolers on her, fuel leaking like crazy after engine shut down. Can you say over stressed?

 

• The morning my alarm clock didn't go off early when I wanted to see the launch of Darryl Greenamyer, the famous Lockheed test pilot. I heard he always wore his orange flight suit to go hot rodding in the SR. At least I got to witness Sen. Barry Goldwater's launch in one of "C" teams planes. 

 

• I was an avid fisherman and always hit the golf course ponds, the NCO club lake (a beautiful setting) on Beale AFB and my numerous hot fishing spots on the way to Lake Tahoe. Each year for the last 35 years, I've made it a point to run up to the HWY 88 area for the greatest trout fishing in the USA. The Yuba/Marysville gals always wanted to go with us to party at the Yuba River, and while standing in the frigid water with a babe, 20-30 pound salmon would swim right by you. What a sight! Ah, so was she in the cold water! HA!
I was truly amazed by all the photos that have been presented by SR personnel over the years. I was an avid photographer and would have loved to have a camera at times but it was a no-no at Beale. I have 4 albums from Vietnam but nothing of the SR-71 that I can call mine. As a retired Art Director and a pro photographer, I cherish those who submit what they have to your wonderful website. Great job and thanks for all your time devoted towards your website over the years, and thanks for the memories.


Sgt George Carrie
9th OMS, B team
01/67 - 04/69

Email: lleonm@earthlink.net



Friday, January 11, 2008 at 16:59 Sgt. Mike Correa Writes: 

K9 Security/ 1965, May thru November, 1967. I was there upon its first deployment at Beale!! 

At that time there was no words to describe the Blackbird. The thoughts /site/roar/vibration/after Burners lighting UP!!! 

Right now I can live that experiences Again!!! 

It wasn't Science Fiction..

Sgt. Mike Correa

Email: correaltor5@charter.net



Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 09:20 SSgt. Larry Fry Writes: 

I was sent to Beale, right from Lackland, in late 1966...just as the SR became operational. Was in the 9thFMS (weld shop) for my entire four years in the USAF. Was in the very first group sent to Kadena (OL-8)to set up operations there, and went back to Kadena for a second TDY near the end of my enlistment. Odd thing was, I never thought working on and in the SR-71 was any big deal; it was an airplane, I had a job to do. Only decades later, as the mythological proportions of the SR-71 legend grow, does the significance become clear.

I'm proud to have worked on this incredible airplane.

Anyone else here serve with me? Steven Vose? Dave Payne? Mike Montagnon? Ray Schaub? Lattie Robinson? John Krabel? George Casey?

Larry Fry

Email:  rocco16@sbcglobal.net



Tue 1/8/2008 4:38 AM Gene Mallory Writes: 

This came from my neighbor, a retired Air Force pilot and my best friend.


Gene


 

 

 

THE CREW CHIEF

The pilot was everyone's hero

He was brave, he was bold, he was grand

As he stood by his battered airplane

With his goggles and helmet in hand

But for each of these flying heroes

There were thousands little renowned

And these the men who worked on the planes

But kept their feet on the ground

We all know the name of Lindberg

And we've read of his flight of fame

But think if you can of his maintenance man

Can you remember his name?

And think of the wartime heroes

And the acclaim that they all got

Can you tell me the names of their Crew Chiefs ?

A thousand to one you cannot

Now pilots are highly trained people

And wings are not easily won

But without the work of the maintenance men

 Our pilots would march with a gun

 So when you see a powerful airplane

As it makes its way through the air

Remember the grease stained man

With the wrench in his hand

For he is the one who put it there

Gene Mallory

Email: genemallory@yahoo.com



Tue 1/8/2008 4:37 PM  Tony Bevacqua Writes: 

I received a call this morning that Stretch Field died Sunday.  A memorial service will be at the First Assembly of God Church, 312 Swan Avenue, Hohenwald TN 38642.  I will be attending.  As you recall, Stretch was one of the original members of PSD in the SR-71 program.  If you could spread the word I would appreciate it and so would his family.

 

Email was forwarded to Tony by:

Coy Cross 

mailto:coycross2@yahoo.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

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