My experience as an SR-71 Crew Chief in 1981
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- Опубліковано 21 чер 2016
- I served in the USAF from 1977 through 1981, but my time as a crew chief on the SR-71 at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan from July, 1980 through December of 1981 was by far the most rewarding time of my Air Force career! These clips are true vintage VHS. The launch and recovery video sequences were all shot by friend Dave Burns, who received special permission from Det 1 Commander Col. Raphael Samay to make the videos.
- Авто та транспорт
Almost 60 years later, still the most beautiful plane ever built. Kelly Johnson was a national treasure!!!!
Robert Abernethy deserves credit for the engines which gave it its legendary speed
😆😅🤣😂👉Por Nuevos recor de velosidad y altura.
With the XB 70 and the Concorde
I was a 16-year-old kid back then. My best friend and his dad took me on vacation to CA around the time of this video... As my friend's dad had worked at Beale, we had the chance to go for a visit. Early one morning his dad woke us up and we drove to the base. Just before sunrise, we watched a couple KC-135s take off from the vantage of a nearby hanger.
Then, an hour and a half later, we climbed into the front seat of one of those green pickup trucks and drove to within 50 yards of a Blackbird going through its pre-flight, just as shown from about @12:00.
When those 2 amazing engines rambled up - the pickup truck shook like a carnival ride. When the 71 finally took off, the AF guy in the truck leans over to us and says the Blackbird will catch up with those tankers, (that had been flying west for at least an hour or so) in about 15 minutes. What a plane.
And then, as a bonus, we watched a U2 land with a chase car. I'm in my late 50s now - and recall that day like it was yesterday. OK, maybe at my age it was like last month. But that's not bad recall.
My brother was Crew Chief on a tanker at Beale for about 6 years. He loved the whole SR program and was very proud to play a small part.
I worked as a stagehand (I.e.”roadie”) for 25 years. I’ve been in the presence of, met, & worked directly with the biggest names in music dating from the 60’s to present day, but at the end of the day, all those “rock gods” were nothing more than musicians who were fortunate enough to get paired up with some really good marketers. But the ground crews who maintained these machines, as well as those who flew & collected whatever it was that needed collecting hold such an amount of awe in my book, I have difficulty articulating it into words. The missions, the secrecy, the technology these guys & gals were immersed in, what their eyes saw, & the stories they can tell can blow out of the water any tales of drugs ingested or women screwed. Thank you for your service & my freedom.
14:23 I can only imagine the havoc that’s been wreaked on the cost of mustache rides due to 30 years of inflation
In high school (when I was 15) I worked on the ‘92 Clinton campaign and met a retired SkunkWorks employee. His knowledge of all the Blackbird’s systems was incredible, most likely classified, but I loved it and soaked it up like a sponge while he was happy to share... stories you wouldn’t believe, I had trouble believing until he’d pull out photos and blueprints. I still have (which is impressive, I have almost nothing from that long ago) 2 of the *Lexan* (that’s plastic) and *asbestos* composite leading/trailing edge pieces that made up a (surprisingly large) amount of the outer skin. He was a great friend whom I miss so I’m always happy to see these incredible machines flying... many thanks :)
That's so cool bro. what all stories did he tell you?
My mother worked for the Skunk program at Lockheed Burbank until 89. She was a motion film technician. As a kid, it was cool to say, my mom, worked on the secret side of the fence. Thank you for your service, love old videos of something my brother and I grew up knowing. My father was P3 Orions
Very cool video! Stuff few have seen before. Interesting they used a photo of a YF12a for the newspaper story.
I was stationed at Kadena from 1980-1982, crew on the RC-135 from the 6990th (Russian linguist). Loved the SR, my favorite all time airplane. We spend many hours watching the planes take off and land, I have lots of great pictures of the SR.
Like most kids who grew up in the 80's, I was, and still am, obsessed with the Blackbird family. I just can't imagine what it must have been like to be there when you cranked those J58's off the start cart, then shot in the TEB
Back in ‘87 I had the pleasure of maintaining the oil/water separators for that JP7 fuel the plane used. This video brought back fond memories, I was amazed at this airplane. 👊🏽
Oh yeah I forgot I was stationed and in MAC (Militart Airlift Com-
mand at the 603rd MASSQ close
to the ocean end of the island.
It was so cool being there not
knowing history was being written.
I lefr just befote reversion. I
left 8/20/72. Still good memories.
My dad was crew chief for the SR71 also. We were stationed at Beale Kaden then Beale again. Enjoyed watching this!!
Kadena
I was stationed at Okinawa 71-72
Then it was still classified TOP SECRET. If you were seen on that side if the base, you would be
arrested. If you could get within
50 feet of aircraft security was
ordered to shoot. If pics were
taken cameras were confiscated.
When it landed the chute was picked up and tire residue was
cleaned up. We were closer to
the runway than these pics. We
could see the pilots. Often we
would give thumbs up - like take
it strait up. So they did. So awesome and powerful. At night
the afterburners would show blue
rings. As I said we were close. I
think about 25 feet. It was ok to
watch it take off. Just could not
get close if in hanger. I never got
to know any pilots. Too much
security involved. I have seen
many take off. One even blew
the tires when landing. It was
carried down the runway on 2
flat bed trucks. I felt bad. Like a friend was hurt feeling. Still I
had a good time.
Thnx for keeping the memories vibrant brother.... I changed a heck of a lot of tires and brakes on the SLED.... raised and lowered a lot of wings.... R&R a lot of spikes....replaced a few windshields....pulled several rudders....changed some cables....I really hated that mixer assy though! Thnx again for a gem of a video - not too many like it out there...
Rocco S, what years and locations did you work on them? My dad is in a Veterans home now. I’m trying to find someone who worked with him.
An absolute historical treasure with this video. I've never heard the engines that start this beast of an aircraft, they were no joke as well. Thank you for sharing this intimate portrayal of your experience with this aircraft. I would put life on hold to have had a mission like yours, as stressful as it might have been. Thank you for your service, and for keeping keeping this baby's secrets out of harms way.
I recently saw a video where a former crew chief said they initially used two Buick V8s until they exhausted, nationality, all of the same motors from junkyards. After that they switched to one Chevy big block 454 to do the same task. He then went on to say that the sound of both of those Buicks at 6,000 RPM was something to hear! The Chevy's didn't even come close!
The man was doing a guided tour of an SR-71 that was on display. Wish I could give you the link. I think if you just search here on UA-cam you can find it. Have an awesome day and I completely agree with your entire comment. Take care!
@@andrewmiller3834 it might have been Dave Burns. I used to work with him and he is a wealth of information: ua-cam.com/video/tSXckp6OP28/v-deo.html
While I don't remember or have very fond childhood memories, I still 100% remember the first time I seen the SR71... It is to this day still the coolest thing ever built. Its unreal how ahead of it's time this plane/Jet/Spaceship was....
Good stuff. I was a air traffic controller there 81-83. Cleared the SR71 to take off and landing several times. What a beautiful sight. Was also fortunate enough to participate in a tour of the hanger, watch the crew brief then go out with onto the crew for the launch. Best times of my life!
this is the best SR-71 video i've seen. It shows the process of preparation and disembarkation. Makes the plane more believable. My favorite part is in this video, or another one, when the pilot says, "there was so much speed with the Blackbird, it was as if it was limitless.."
You did your job with heart! Thank you for your service.
I wish I could see and hear this amazing aircraft live. What a pity the program was cancelled.
I was stationed at Det 1 from Jan. 1983 to July 1984. Great times. Wish I had stayed longer.
You were after me, but yes, great times!
Do not apologize for this video David. To me the quality, of the content, was superb. I was lucky to see a few SR-71's here in England: at RAF Fairford, Mildenhall and at Lakenheath. Sorely missed....
Who can forget the first time they saw an image of the SR-71? It will most-likely be my forever favorite. (I'm 56) I do like to wonder about what the USA hopefully has flying and protecting our freedoms. Thank you so much, Chief Kristy. Is it possible to be grateful and yet entirely envious of you? Cheers!
The most bad ass looking plane ever :-)
Who would have thought that a rather grainy video of a bunch of blokes futzing around with an aeroplane could be so damned interesting to watch!
Extremely rare and brilliant footage, thank you so much for sharing this treasure with us!
Awesome thanks for your service and sharing this insider look into the SR-71!!
Watching old footage from say Edwards, the X-15 days even this footage you see these Buck Rogers, sleek prototypes, research aircraft. The space suit wearing pilots. Then a car or truck appears and you realize just how OLD and antiquated the vehicles are. Hits me like watching a old western movie and and if a Lamborghini Countach roared by.
Like a dragon coming in and out of a cave. Most menacing coolest piece of badassery ever built.
Brings back memories of the 70's. Thanks.
I got to Yokota Air Base, Japan in January 84. I was admin in a comm unit there. The only connection I have to you and yours was that the "Frequency Managers" for the entire Pacific theater were in my office. I never got wind of any attempts to shoot one of these birds down but I did know about every attempt at meaconing, intrusion, jamming and interference (MIJI) that so many fliers had to deal with. All of it was classified. You had an incredible job and you did it with distinction! The United States military, all volunteer, all willing to go when the balloon drops are the greatest people I can think of. Thank you for your service.
Andrew L. Miller, Sgt (Ret), USAF
Great video and thank you for your service. Cool seeing the C-5 and C-141 in the old White and gray paint.
My world with 9th OMS, launch, recovery and all points between, 1972-75. Thanks for the memories.
Being a USAF Vet, really surprise that anyone was allowed to video the SR-71!
Awesome stuff here WOW
Oh, I see I was here before. Still it was great to watch it again. Thanks for posting my friend and big salute from Slovenia, Pilot Robert
'salute' !
David, Thanks for posting this. Brought back a lot of great memories. I'm a Det 1 alumni, DRMS technician till we closed the unit in 1989 and we returned to the US. Best tour I had in my 21 years. MSgt (Ret) Dave Hemlock
My dad worked on the SR-71 at Beale AFB in the 70’s. I’ve always been awed by this aircraft.
John Staples I spent time at Beale for some training before heading to Okinawa in July of 1980. I am still awed by this aircraft too!
David Kristy I think he spent some time in Okinawa as well I just don’t know when. I was born when in 71 when he was stationed at Beale. My parents divorced shortly there after and I moved with my mom to Alabama. He stayed there and continue to work for several years until he left the military. I’m just trying to retrace some of his steps. He has some dementia
John Staples I understand. Last name is Staples, I assume? I don’t remember anyone by that name, but that doesn’t mean much. I honestly don’t remember that many last names! We all had one name, nickname or whatever.
David Kristy yeah. His name is Charles Staples. Usually went by Chuck or Charlie. Thick glasses and a Boston accent. He was in the Air Force from the mid 1960s through the early 1980s I think.
Thanks for posting the video. It brought back many memories. My dad was stationed at Kadena AFB from 1979-1982 at the base clinic as a Physician's Assistant. It is quite possible that I actually watched one of these flights as a kid. I loved the the rare night and twilight flights because you could see the afterburners so well. Once the plane cleared the runway, it seemed like it was going nearly vertical soon after.
During the first six months there, we lived off base near I think gate 4, and my sister and I were bused to M&K elementary on base. Our route took us right behind the SR-71 hangers so I got to see them up to 5 days a week from probably no more than 200 feet away.The road seemed that close, at least, from what I remember 37 years later. Big excitement for a nine year old. I spent many an hour attempting to draw the "Habu" with little success since I was, and still am awful at art.
I also remember the base was still flying F-4 Phantoms with teeth painted on the nose when we moved there. Also cool for a nine year old, though the first F-15 Eagles arrived not long after we did.
BTW, I love the Star Wars fonts for the captions. I can tell it's contemporary for time, since I remember watching Empire Strikes Back for the first time down in a theater in Naha. Fortunately, it was in English with Japanese subtitles running down the right side.
Again, thanks for the trip down memory lane.
It's cool to see you were a part of the program, who got to see up close to a miracle of a plane that was built, the speed, the altitude will never be matched, I saw this plane fly in Cal, 9 or 10 years, it was the coolest thing I had ever see, at age 48, it's still the coolest thing I have ever seen, thank you for posting this video. I love the Blackbird, I wish to see it fly again, an air show, the plane was and will always ahead of it's time.
So cool. I wish I could have worked on these things, they are monsters!
Crew Chiefs Rule! C-130 Crew Chief here for 22 years AF and then as a LM field rep another 13 yrs. I worked the 1986 Dayton International Air Show handling all aircraft that flew in and one female crew chief was having difficulty with removing the rail on the maintenance stand for the pilot to enter his SR-71. I asked if I could help and she said yes. All right! I get to get a peak at this monster!😆 I was amazed that the instruments were all analog. Guess I was expecting Star Wars. 😂 Thanks for sharing this video.
I'll bet that was pretty cool working on that beautiful piece of machinery.
Absolutely love this plane. I sought them out wherever I can in San Antonio, NYC and the Air and Space Museum. I read about a Senator coming to look at one in development in the 1950s sitting on the runway leaking fuel till the skin of the plane heats up and expands during flight like here in the hanger. How nice it must have been to be involved in its operation. Thanks for posting this.
Hi, David. I was a Security Policeman at Kadena from 1983-1985. One of my first security posts was an entry controller for the SR-71 area. I can still remember when the van came through with the pilots on board. They were both facing me seated on the drivers side of the vehicle....I was in awe!!! It will always be the highlight of my four years in the Air Force. We always knew when the plane was going to start it's engines. I think that it was a small block Oldsmobile 307 on the starting cart that let us all know. Just amazing!!! Thank you for this video and thank you for your service.
Todd, they were either 421 Buick Wildcats or 454 Marine block Chevy's.
I know where you are on Kadena. Still classified. Could not go there. I watched you guys take off and land for 18 months. We were the 603rd Massq on the right side of the runway from the ocean. Feb 10-17
2022 I seen the SR-71 at a museum
at Tucson, AZ. It was a Bucket List moment. Thank you for being part of one of America's very best wonders.
Must have been an absolute amazing experience that you couldn’t tell your friends about
I thank you for your service and sacrifice for America.
The video was great.
Lived on Okinawa as a kid 80-83 your video brought back memories especially the night launch. Nothing roared into the sky like the Habu!
So very awesome buddy , I love that blackbird😍
Just wish I could have heard the sonic boom ,my father in law Tom Huddy
was a tech rep for the SR I'm sure you have probably met him
I lived right outside of Beale AFB I used to hear the boom all the time
I knew Tom when he was in the instrument shop and as an ADP tech rep. Great guy.
I worked in the instrument inlet shop with Tom....
This is amazing footage. Guess not too top secret at this point. Just the normal activity around the flight line is fascinating. Thank you.
You were fortunate to have such a choice assignment, and I know the memory of it will carry you through the rest of your life. Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972).
I would like to say..THANK YOU. For your service and personal sacrifice to keep this nation free... and just kick ass on any other country that thinks they know how to build and airplane. Teehee!
Thank you very much for posting David. Great video!
I was born in '69 and the first model I built was this masterpiece. Thanks to people like you I've met the many family members of Archangel that I never knew existed.
David, thankyou so much for sharing this rare, special and beautifully shot documentary of the support of an aircraft that arguably helped to prevent World War 3. Best wishes!
Just noticed this video
Awesome
Thanks for sharing 👌
Thank you for sharing and thank you for serving. Salute!
Is that BC Thomas getting out of 976? His interviews on UA-cam are great, though short.
Yes, that is BC Thomas.
I have many fond memories of Habu and growing up at Beal Air Force Base. A lot of amazing sights flights and trips to the Squadron meeting the pilots seeing engine tests first hand up close even got to announce my sister's birth and pass out cigars there memories I'll never forget. Did you know my father Chris D.Pheatt Sr. I thank you for sharing these memories videos takes me back.
David I had the honor in 1982 seeing the BB take off from Kadena AFB. We just landed on Tiger Airlines and was waiting on the Cattle Cars to pick us up to head over to Camp Butler. The BB rolled out with security and boom she was gone. It was an amazing experience. I ended up north at Camp Hansen 7th Comm BN.
I was guard for SR-71 at Beale AFB in 1969-70. Impressive and most memorable.
// We also had nuke-loaded B-52 E-Model.
thgis video its fantastic !
i think was an incredible experience for you
Thanks Dave! Brings back great memories.
Eddie Tilschner, by any chance?
That is so awesome !!! I live in San Antonio, Texas and my dad and I got to see the SR71 that’s in static display now come in for it’s final landing at Kelly AFB in the early 90’s.
Terrific to have your service and memories captured on video like this.
Probably the best years of your life.
amazing. Thank you for sharing.
I was in security there around 85-86. Spent plenty of time walking around those magnificent machines. Loved it when you had a mobile patrol and could sit at the end of the flight line during a night take off! Shakin' !!!!!!
Habu! Habu! The afterburn on takeoff was tremendous especially when the sun was going down, then you could track it across the sky in the late evening with that big blue flame in the back.
Hi David I was oms on the sr-71 early 79 to 82. took one trip to the rock and one to Mildenhall. I'm sure we crossed paths but its a long time ago and my memory is fuzzy. thanks for putting this up
Thanks for sharing this - some unique footage here!
Days we won't forget.
Hey buddy. This is ROD, was there also at the"Rock" while you were there , thanks for capturing these great part of our lives.. it was also a pleasure to serve and be part of this elite group.
Great video. Many thanks for posting.
Thank you for posting this great video and sharing your experience with a great aircraft and a great crew. Many thanks for your service!
that was great, thank you so much for sharing.
Oh the memories, (USAF) "73-78" TIME SERVED!! 31ST AND 86TH TACTICAL FIGHTER WINGS 63150 Refueling sq. (POL) JP-4, Do it fluid !!!!!
This is great stuff! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome stuff!!! Thanks for sharing!
I was stationed at kadena at the same time! but I didn't see these planes often, the 930ish take off in Dec. 80 is memorable since my dorm was vibrating-it was dark and in a minute it corkscrewed up to what seemed like 800
Thank-you for sharing!
That was awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome footage and thank you for uploading for all to enjoy
very cool to see this, thank you.
David, thank you for sharing those phenomenal videos of Habu at Kadena. Although I saw one traveling from Camp Hansen to Naha in a taxicab in 1968, I had absolutely no idea what bizarre bat-like thing just flew over my head. Your videos capture the emotional essence of that beautiful aircraft like nothing... nothing I've ever seen before. What a gift!
I love raw video, thank you for your service and for sharing.
Thank you for your service and also sharing your experience as a crew chief. What a great aircraft.
Oh man....this is so frikin' cool!
I only wish MORE servicemen who worked on/around the SR and A-12 Programs would post some sort of slideshow here on UA-cam. Or even just audio of the stories that they have... I don't know about anyone else, but ANYTHING that has to do with the Blackbird is Cool As A Fan in my book.
I could watch stuff about, and listen to stories about, the Blackbird for years on end and never get tired.
Thank you for your Service-- We all owe you a handshake & a pat on the back (...or maybe we owe you a helluva lot more?...) for doing your part to help keep us safe, both here in the U.S. and abroad.
....and also, thank you for taking the time to upload all this to UA-cam: I've already sent links to your video to several of my friends...
Great video 👍🏻 Thought it was funny the paper said the same type of aircraft when the picture of the YF-12A was the most different of all the variants.
Yes, it goes to show that the press could be just as inaccurate 35 years ago as it is today! Guess that was the only picture they could round up for the article!
Probably there was no good picture of the aircraft available to the public back then, so they used what they could
Astonishingly cool footage, excellent camerawork...WOW!
Thank you for your service on this awesome bird!
I was stationed at Kadena 79 80 USN VP-26 Anti Sub warfare . Saw a few night take offs a sight to see as they head up after burners kicking in. And the sky cops who guarded the hangers you weren't getting close to them. The Haboo
My Dad was crew chief on the B model, 70-74. Loved Beale, and the SR was my introduction to aviation at age 7. In my humble, (very biased opinion) the SR-71 is the sleekest, most beautiful and most elegant aircraft to ever grace the skies of our planet. I don't think we'll ever see her like again. Habu is dead! Long live Habu! She will live forever, now. She's on the internet.🇺🇸
Flash forward twelve years. Now at Nellis A.F.B, Las Vegas, NV., and I'm in the male barracks playing D&D with some friends, and waiting on the rest of the gang to get off duty. They begin arriving, and one of them tells us an SR arrived and is in a hangar. I'm like, 'well, let's go have a look!', and the room gets quiet, everyone's looking at me like I'm crazy. I get told, 'girl, there is so much security down there, you'll be stopped before you hit the flightline'. When Dad was crew chief, he'd take me to the flightIine at Beale so I could watch the SR take off, shoot touch-n- goes, whatever. It never crossed my mind how tight security would be when she was on mission, and she was. They had landed to turn over film to the analysts at the base surveillance lab. I was very disappointed as I couldn't even watch her take-off when she left. I was able to hear that beautiful Pratt engine and see her go to mach, one last time, though. Yeah, I camped out on the floor of the barracks that night just so I wouldn't miss her departure. LOL
Great vid, brings back memories as a Tomcat Plane Captain,"Navy version of a crew chief". Thanks for your service, awesome bird!
That was really cool!
Thanks for these awesome pics and videos David! I remember seeing a nighthawk fly over NAS Whidbey Is in 1991, what an aircraft to see first-hand. I cannot imagine how cool it must have been to hear and feel an SR taking off! I have developed quite a fetish for the SR recently, and your video is one of the best I have watched so far! Thanks again, and thanks for serving.
Thank you for your service!
Very cool! Thank you for your service!
I was there in 1967 crew chief kc135a loved watching it take off and land E. R. Wells 19th O M S Robins AFB
I was TDY to Kadena several times for 1976 to 1980. Fantastic aircraft. Great deployment.
Oh the memories. Served at Beale AFB until 82 with the 9th SRW, 9th OMS. Nice job on this one. I used to love accompanying HABU to the various air shows. Again, thanks for the memories.