On the contrary, this is good stuff to post!
The pilot really was a U-2 pilot, so you'd expect the info is probably pretty close.
In any case, I'll look into it when I have time. In the meantime, I'll assume it is 100% good.

 

I'm not a U-2 pilot, but know a few....don't know any of their stories - which is a good thing. I highly doubt the "blue eyes" and "headlines" as well (3lb vs 30lb bass) -- but doesn't the story only need to be 10% truthful to be, well, FACT?

HOWEVER - we all know that there are stories out there of missions that couldn't be discussed at the time which would contradict any written account. Heck in my meager career as a AF pilot (17 yrs), there are plenty of missions I've never discussed. Pending this veteran's age, it likely that he wanted to share some of the "walked 3 miles up hill both directions" stories....I'm sure we'll all be there someday.

 

No argument there! 10% is GTG.
When I'm 88 years old, I'll probably start talking to the press,... but if they print what I say, you'll read about how I used a laser to vaporize Taliban in downtown Houston, while orbiting at .9M and 169,000 feet MSL.
And just wait until you hear the stories that come from Razor and Kuma!

 

Did I ever tell you about the time that we were giving a U-2 / SR71 /RB
-57F briefing in the Vette theater (EAA HQ during convention) and Huggy walked in wearing only his underwear ?

FTP

 

Look forward to reading your story next year Huggy!!!!

 

Huggy, you signed a 1000 year non-disclosure statement on those missions. Remember OPSEC.

Jughead's right, 88 is only next year for you old man...

 

Well,... after 3 hours of paintball fighting today (my first time doing that), I'm pretty beat up, and feeling a bit older.
Remember the story of my left wrist issue at March AFB, Jughead? Well, my right one feels similar right now. Doh!!

 

Saw an outstanding documentary on BBC over the weekend (Cold War Hot Jets) and there was a small piece on the U2. The fact that missions over the USSR were (58 and 59) flown by RAF pilots on loan to the CIA. Also, something about USAF weather research planes painted as RAF planes and flown by RAF crews over USSR.

 

There were 24 CIA flights between July 4, 1956 and May 1, 1960. RAF pilots flew two of the USSR over flight missions.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...s-1285189.html

 

I published a magazine in southwest Texas from 2005-2008. We wrote a few stories about the U-2 program in Del Rio. One of the highlights was taking to Lt Col Charlie Kern (ret.) who told me more about my dad's fatal crash while returning from Cuba on 20 Nov 63. We're running that article this week, closer to the JFK assassination anniversary.

The other good one we have is the story of the Taiwanese Black Cat squadron U-2 pilot who was shot down over Cuba in 1964 and held prisoner by the Chicoms until 1984 -- 20 years! When he was dropped off unceremoniously in Hong Kong in 1984, Taiwan didn't want him back. He had to get his CIA contacts who were then retired to get him a passport back to the USA. He retired in Houston.

But... all of these U-2 stories are not as epic is the one about Huggy teaching this old bomber guy how to conduct wing landings in the T-28 at KRND. Man, flying the T-38 was a tough adjustment from the Buff, and formation was even harder for me. So... it was late in the afternoon and I was on the wing flying as a student IP in the backseat. Huggy had this huge noggin and a big-ass black helmet that no one could see over or around. I hadn't developed my peripheral vision yet, and lead cut his power, so I did too. The result was the most violently hard landing I've ever experienced. I mean my butt hurt and I was sure the main landing gear penetrated the top of those honeycomb wings. I was shocked the plane still taxied around after that landing. On the taxi back, Huggy didn't say a word. Not a word. I mean he was ****ed.