One of the best USAF pilots
The SR-71, better known as the “Blackbird,” was a long-range, advanced strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed from the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A. Its first flight took place on December 22, 1964, and the first operational SR-71 was delivered in January 1966 to the 4200th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, later redesignated the 9th, at Beale Air Force Base in California.
This story was told by Pete Collins Jr., the son of SR-71 pilot Charles “Pete” Collins.
On February 13, 1968, Pete Collins, widely regarded as one of the Air Force’s finest pilots, and his RSO, Conrad “Connie” Seagroves, who was equally skilled, experienced technical problems with their SR-71 during a training mission in the United States.
Col. Charles “Pete” Collins was the youngest of the Air Force’s elite pilots, and one of two considered the very best. The other was SR-71 pilot Grey Sowers, who flew with Sheffield. Pete’s career included flying B-47s, B-58s, SR-71s, and later fighter jets during the Vietnam War.
Emergency landing at Mountain Home AFB
SR-71 pilots were authorized to land only at certain approved Air Force bases.
One of those bases was Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. When they arrived, everyone on base was stunned to see what looked like a futuristic spaceship: the SR-71, one of the most elusive and secretive aircraft ever built.
The base commander met Pete and Connie, and the crew insisted that the aircraft be placed in a hangar and guarded by armed personnel to keep spectators away. At first, the commander was hesitant, but Pete showed him a letter he carried for situations like this. As soon as the commander read it, his attitude changed completely.
The letter was signed by the President of the United States, the commander in chief. Pete took it back and checked it over. The exact location of the letter in the pressure suit was unclear, but the letter was known to exist because Colonel Richard “Butch” Sheffield also had one.
A flight in the Huey for a close look at the SR-71
However, the commander of Mountain Home Air Force Base wanted a closer look at the SR-71, but his request was denied. Later, Pete noticed his Huey helicopter and thought they might be able to strike a deal. Having never flown a helicopter before, he spoke with the commander and said, ‘I’ll make a deal with you. You give me a quick lesson in this helicopter then let me fly it. I’ll give you a tour of the SR-71 in the hangar.’
Of course, this went against the rules, but exceptions could be made, and in this case, they were.
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Photo by SSgt. Phil Schmitten / U.S. Air Force
