One of the best USAF pilots
The Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A aircraft served as the basis for the development of the SR-71, also referred to as the “Blackbird” or long-range, advanced strategic reconnaissance aircraft. The 4200th (later 9th) Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California, received the first SR-71 to begin service in January 1966 but the first SR-71 flight occurred on December 22, 1964.
The following story was from Pete Collins Jr., SR-71 pilot Charles “Pete” Collins’ son.
On February 13, 1968, while on a training flight in the United States, SR-71 Pilot Pete Collins, who was considered by everyone who knew him as one of the greatest pilots in the Air Force, and his RSO Conrad “Connie” Seagroves, who was equally exceptional, experienced technical issues in the aircraft.
One of the two best of the best and the youngest was Col. Charles “Pete” Collins. The other was Grey Sowers, SR-71 Pilot. During the Vietnam War, Pete piloted fighter jets after flying B-47s, SR 71s, and 58s.
Emergency landing at Mountain Home AFB
A list of approved Air Force bases was sent to the SR pilots for landing.
Mountain-Home Air Force Base (AFB) in Idaho was one of the authorized. When they landed, the SR-71, a futuristic-looking “spaceship,” astounded the base’s people. It was the most secret aircraft at the time and was quite elusive.
The commanding officer of the base met Pete and Connie. The crew said, ‘You must put our aircraft in a hangar and surround it with armed guards to keep onlookers OUT.’ The commander wasn’t sure about that, so Pete handed him a letter that he carried in case some convincing was needed and gave the letter to the commander. His attitude changed immediately.
It was signed by the President of the United States, the commander in chief. Pete took the letter back and looked at it (I’m not sure where he carried it in his pressure suit, but I did know about the letter because my father, Colonel Richard “Butch” Sheffield, had one also).
A flight in the Huey for a close look at the SR-71
However, Mountain Home Air Force Base Commander wanted to take a close look at the SR-71, but his request was refused. Later, Pete saw his Huey helicopter, and he decided that maybe they could work out a deal. Pete had never flown a helicopter before, so he talked to 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 was against the rules, but exceptions could be made, and in this case, they were.
Check out Habubrats SR-71 X profile, SR71Habubrats Instagram profile, and Born into the Wilde Blue Yonder Habubrats Facebook page for further Blackbird photos and stories.
Photo by SSgt. Phil Schmitten / U.S. Air Force
