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Nov 07, the Defense Logistics Agency and NASA disposed, sheared, shredded, buried, and destroyed 2,151,760 pounds of SR-71 related property in the final disposition of parts and equipment at Barstow Ca.
See the official power point presentation at this web site- 6.5 million Pieces of SR-71 related property is shredded by the jaws of these giant beasts. In the background are the 4 huge warehouses that contained Blackbird parts under secure Marine guard for many years. 
The mighty SR-71 and her tooling proved too much for the 17,000 lbs per square inch force of these humongous hardened tool steel jaws. Not all the parts could be shredded and they had to be sent out for (special) final destruction. HAHA- HABU-POWER!! 
Below are the before and after shots of the inside of the warehouses. 
For anyone interested in seeing a Skunk Works SR-71 titanium fabrication video check out this link--
Here is an email I recently received from a Blackbird Fan. I left out the senders name for obvious reasons. I just wanted to show collectors how rare their pieces are.
"Hello do you have any SR-71 pieces (titanium) left for sale? I see on your website some photos of turkey feather pieces - how much would those costs? Or possibly some smaller sections, preferably with some emissive paint or stamp marks on them. This would be an interesting display piece to own. Also, one other question - as you can see from my e-mail address, I work for a titanium company (TITANIUM METALS CORPORATION) - in fact TIMET made some of the 13-11-3 alloy (company name) that was used throughout on the blackbird as you know, but long before I got here." "We no longer make the 13-11-3 alloy, not sure if the other companies do anymore either, but we do make a few beta alloys that are nearly the same, but a little easier to make than 13-11-3 supposedly was."
TIMET is the world's largest supplier of high quality Titanium metal products. Titanium Metals Corporation is noted as the supplier for the titanium used to build the SR-71 as noted on page 10 of the recently declassified CIA document, HISTORY OF THE OXCART PROGRAM prepared by Clarence L. Johnson, 1 July 1968.
Dan,
I recently received as gifts from my wife two beautiful pieces from you, a dog tag from 972 and a small pocket tool from 958. The craftsmanship is excellent, thank you for much for working with her she has nothing but words of thanks and how you worked with her to come up with these.
I personally wanted to thank you.
Regards, Adam Mosley
Greetings Dan, Thank you for the most wonderful cross shield! It fits nicely in the ACU pocket and I am most grateful. Truly you have given me a great gift. Wherever I go, I will carry your Armor of God. Prayers your way! Blessings, Jeff Clemens, U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, 101st Airborne Division.
As an old Marine Corps helicopter pilot, one wouldn't think I would be interested in parts from an SR-71. However, when stationed on Okinawa I used to stand on a high hill overlooking Kadena AFB and watch the SR-71 take off on evenings. I was thrilled then to watch this awesome A/C and am now thrilled at the chance of obtaining a piece of this A/C. I would love to have material to make or you make a knife blade. Or the pictured scalpel or key chain. Any piece would fit into this old pilot's memories. Thanks Faustin Wirkus Col USMC (Ret) Dan-
Thanks for your prompt answer to my request for info on SR-71 parts. Also, thanks for your sentiments on my service. As pilots, we owe you a big thanks for all the work you did on planes we flew.
Reviewing the parts list you provided, I would like to have the 11 inch Titanium assembly piece. I have ordered a beautiful picture of the SR-71 which along with the assembly piece and printed information, I will have framed in a shadow box type frame. Along those lines, please provide me with as much information that you can about the part. IE., where the piece is located on the a/c, BuNo of the a/c and what type SR-71, etc.
Send along your invoice and I will pay as soon as I receive it. Thanks again Dan and please remember me if you come across any more great pieces. Thanks Faustin Wirkus Col USMC (Ret) Dan-- Between tornados and work I haven't had a chance to thank you for the SR-71 parts and information. I particularly appreciated the extra part you sent with your autograph. The package arrived last Monday a week ago about 1300. Such prompt delivery. The pictures of the SR-71 I ordered have arrived and I am now in the process of planning the framing of the whole exhibit.
Thank you again Dan.
Faustin Wirkus
These SR-71 "Turkey Feathers" are still covered in JP-7 exhaust soot.
"THE MUSEUM OF FORGOTEN WARRIORS" Dann Spear, has the best and most comprehensive military collections that I have ever seen. 40 years of personal memorabilia, history, and artifacts, from every aspect of US military history. A library and research center with the best sources of data posible, from the people who served. Check out his web site
Chief Master Sergeant Robert A. Brown, USAF Retired
My friend and neighbor, Chief Brown is a big fan, of the SR-71 Blackbird, and now the proud owner of an authentic piece of SR-71 Titanium from aircraft #17958, the Worlds Fastest Jet.
Chief Brown is also the youngest surviving member of the Bataan Death March and an American POW from the Philippine Islands during World War II.
Chief Brown told me that when he goes by the SR-71 #17963 at Beale AFB, he stops and SALUTES.
Below is a comment by the most important person in the recognition and history documentation of the Blackbird program. His work has reached and educated millions of people worldwide. His name is "Leland Haynes" HABU Dan, “I am overwhelmed with the contents you have sent me. I stared in awe at the SR-71 silhouette and the 972 expansion joint. I kept saying to my wife “This is just incredible!” I cannot adequately express my gratitude to you for sharing your talent and artwork with me. These items are one of a kind and for sure are now one of my most prized possessions.”
“I thank you Dan for taking the time and effort to reform these titanium pieces into true works of art not only for me but for generations to come. These items are truly one of the highlights of my Blackbird experience.” Leland
This bird 971 was lookin real good on its return to Beale. Col. Stan Gudmundsun You can see the Thunderbirds in the background, they really had to put on a show that day, being 971 was getting all the attention. And like always they sure did. Over a 150,000 people were reported to be on the flight line that day. 
Dan,
I am so thrilled with my purchase that leaving great feedback was the least I could do. I've always been in love with the SR-71 and the chance to own even a small piece is incredible. I've seen it fly many times and been in awe each time. Being able to buy these items seem to connect me to the aircraft in a way that I would never able to do. I have been in the military since 1984 and have worked the F-15, F-16, and now am on the B-2 program but have never been as excited about them. I can't believe that an aircraft as superior as the SR-71 was ever phased out. It's dominance of the sky should make every American proud that we have this jet in our heritage. Thanks for the chance to own part of that!
I will be buying other things over time. Right now, I'm interested in the swizzle stick if it's still available. Please let me know if it is and how to purchase.
Thanks,
Bryan
A WONDERFUL WEB SITE! Dan, A sincere thanks for putting the book up front on the fan page, you have done a great job on all the pages and I hope to get a chance to see you in McMinnville so you can tell me about working Titanium. Best of luck in your enterprises. Sincerely, Donn Colonel Donn A. Byrnes, USAF (Retired) Colonel Byrnes was instrumental from the early days of the Blackbird program, SR-71/YF-12 Test Force. He was an SR-71 Sensor Test Engineer and Flight Test Engineer
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
KC-135 STRATOTANKER
Since the first Boeing KC-135A rolled out of the Renton, Washington assembly line on 18 July 1956, five different variants of Stratotankers have been the mainstay of the Air Force tanker fleet. Three generations of tanker crews sat alert, deployed to remote locations, and supported combat operations around the world.
General Curtis LeMay referred to tanker crews as Strategic Air Command’s "Unsung Heroes," and the men and women who call themselves "Crewdogs" are surely that. Moreover, the KC-135’s extraordinary success has depended upon the skill and dedication of crew chiefs, maintenance and logistics personnel, and the hundreds of other professional specialties who help put KC-135s into the air.
Built to refuel SAC's bomber force on a nuclear strike, KC-135s are classified as a nuclear alert asset and have given fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, and airlifter’s truly global reach. Many versions of the KC-135 have been built including a (Q) model, a modified version) used to refuel the renowned SR-71 Blackbird. The (Q) s’ refueling support allowed the Blackbird to break many speed and altitude world records. Some of these missions helped in settling political disputes that could have led to nuclear war.
Without "anytime, anywhere" air refueling by KC-135s, operations such as arc light and rolling thunder (Vietnam, 1964-1973), Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Kuwait and Iraq, 1990-1991), Allied Force/Noble Anvil (Yugoslavia, 1999), and Iraqi Freedom (Iraq, 2003-present) would not have been possible.
After a half century and 6.5 million flying hours, modernization programs such as quiet, fuel-efficient, and powerful jet engines, structural upgrades, modern flight and fuel management systems, and state-of-the-art global navigation systems keep the KC-135 state of the art.
When "Dix" Loesch and "Tex" Johnston took 55-3118 into the air for the first KC-135 flight on 31 August 1956, they could hardly have imagined that the KC-135 would be flying more than 50 years later.
Dan, I have been in the program since 1965 as at tanker nav from Little Rock AFB to Chief of Current Ops (9SRW) to Chief Reconnaissance Systems HQ AFSC etc. Bottom Line long time HABU. Sorry that our paths have not crossed in the past, and I wish you well and thank you for your service and dedication to the program. FYI, my wife, Karen, is the artist who created the Mach 3 stained glass for some of the past reunions. She has produced about 9 as of this date and I think that she will not make any more. Some of the owners of the glass are me, C/MSGT Bob Nicoletti (Deceased), M/Gen John Storrie, Col Jim Watkins (patch designer), Col Tom Pugh, Col Don Emmons and three others. Karen has the list I am just the Loggie in the operation and do what I am told. I'm sure that you understand that. Cheers and all the best. Steve Stenson Col USAF (RET)
"SLED DRIVER" Dan,
Thanks for the note. Your website is really fun to go through. That's quite a collection of stuff you have there. I see you have some of the old Mach 1 posters there too.
I'd be very interested in seeing what you have from aircraft 960. Perhaps we can make a deal. I'm opening up a full gallery of my photography sometime later this year, here in Marysville and will have some special items around the gallery. I'm including both my nature photography as well as my aviation photos. It's something I've always wanted to do.
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing what you have. I recently was lucky enough to acquire a full 'pie panel' from the leading edge of the wing, in excellent condition.
Keep up the good work,
Brian Shul
Gallery One
515 D St Suite 3
Marysville, CA 95901
530-742-1000
www.SledDriver.com
19 April 2009, Beale AFB Flightline, in front of SR-71 Shelters Maj. Brian Shul, USAF (Ret) SR-71 Pilot, Award winning aviation author Autographing MACH 3 Titanium Collectibles Proud owner of a whole SR-71 mission flown part of 61-7960
Dan,
Got back from Haiti and found the package waiting on me. Awesome stuff and thank you for the added cross. That will certainly find a place around my office.
If I get time to go through some boxes, I will maybe find the pictures of 960 taking off on the morning after the raid to do damage assessment, and then her return as well. If I do, I will scan them in and send them to you.
I was at Mildenhall about from 83-86. My Dad was stationed over there and I was in middle school. I had the opportunity to meet some of the crews on an informal / personal level, people like Brian Shul. He went to church / chapel with us. The Blackbird was a big part of our life over there from morning after we arrived until pretty much when we left.
I remember the first time I saw her. I was waiting for the school bus just outside the base, heard an enormous roar and the black streak in the air as she took out over East Anglia probably on her thrice weekly run to the Baltic or up north of the USSR. I can remember many times sitting out at the end of the hangar where my Dad worked and watching them taxi by, launch or recover. It was fun being that close to something special.
The events of April and May 1986 are stamped into my mind and thus the reason my interest in 960. Brian was speaking to our Sunday school class talking about his experiences in Vietnam and through his life, how he was not supposed to be alive let alone fly the 71. He then quickly had to depart and about 3-4 hours later the rumble and roar of Q’s and then the SR-71 were heard and eventually seen. That was an unusual Sunday flight and there was then no question in our mind that something big was up. We all knew where they were going and what was going on but we never spoke about it of course. Then Monday night came and all the F-111’s took out of LN and KC-10’s launched from Mildenhall. Let’s just say Quadaffi got a midnight surprise. Something I will never ever forget.
May of 1986 is also in my minds eye rather well as that was when the famous Blackbird flameout photo was shot at the Mildenhall Air Fete. That happened right over my head at the Saturday show if I am not mistaken (the Sunday show included the collision / crash of the Meteor / Vampire display team).
Yes, I will show these pieces of history off, and tell the stories I have of the Blackbird. What an awesome piece of machinery. The pieces will be cherished.
Regards,
Mark A. Houpt
Director of Campus Technology
Lincoln Christian College and Seminary
Hey Dan, recieved the Titanium spar today. What a beautiful piece. I will treasure it. The certificate of authentitcy is a nice touch. Thanks again this will look very nice in my private SR museum. Keep in touch. LD
Here is a B-2 flyover of the SR-71 Shelters at Beale AFB. -NASA was using SR-71 s for research purposes-
When a NASA's SR-71 flew over Arizona and New Mexico Dec. 22 to test components of Motorola's proposed Iridium low-Earth communications satellite system. The Blackbird flights departed NASA's Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards Air Force Base, California, to create operating conditions similar to those the equipment will face when the system becomes operational in 1998. A communications channel for a proposed worldwide cellular telephone satellite system was simulated in the flights, which reached Mach 3 at altitudes as high as 75.000 feet.
Motorola and Lockheed were considering a spacecraft to be launched from the SR-71 as a low-cost method of placing all of the satellites in low-Earth orbit. The program could represent a long-term commitment for the SR-71 and a renewal of P&W J58 overhaul activities. The life of each satellite is five years, and it would take about five years to deploy all 77. The system would be maintained by continuous replacement of satellites.
Hello Dan,
I am happy to be able to purchase this item. I have a poster of The Libyan Raider, with the picture of 17960 with Brian Shul & Walter Watson Signature on the poster. I have been to 3 open cockpit days at Castle Air Museum and have seen this SR-71. Two of those years I heard Brain Shul speak, very touching. Thank you, Frank W.
This was a letter written in support to keeping the SR-71 Program funded in 1996, it was also published in Aviation Week magazine.
As a former pilot, squadron commander and wing commander of the U.S. Air Force's SR-71, I am seeking support for continuing this vitally important aerial reconnaissance program in Fiscal 1997.
Because of the instability in our world, the SR-71 is needed more than ever. Retired prematurely in 1990, Congress provided funds in Fiscal 1995 to reactivate two SR-71s because our intelligence-gathering assets were-and still are-overtaxed, vulnerable and ineffective. Senior commanders in the Persian Gulf War have testified to that deficiency. Replacement systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles have seen major developmental setbacks.
The funding provided this year to upgrade and to fly the SR-71 has hit a roadblock. Until it ends, the deputy Defense secretary has directed that USAF suspend operations of the SR-71, which had just been returned to combat-ready status.
Many in the Pentagon would have you believe the new program cost $100 million a year, when the number averages less than $50 million. An operational myth is that the SR-71 requires extensive tanker support to fly reconnaissance sorties. We sometimes provided support, but that was when we were tasked to fly halfway around the world to reach a target.
Although satellites have a tremendous capability, they also are highly overcommitted, travel a predictable orbit with limited flexibility and suffer constraints on their sensor options. The SR-71, however, can be configured on short notice to meet any special requirement.
In addition, the SR-71 program can support and evaluate Defense Dept. research and development efforts. It has provided a reliable airborne platform for testing against enemy threats. The offensive capabilities of most of our first-line fighters have been tested against the SR-71.
Congress directed the SR-71 reactivation in 1994 to fill a known gap in reconnaissance capability until replacements became operational and reliable. Until that gap is closed, it is prudent to keep the SR-71 operational.
Col. Richard H. Graham (USAF, Ret.) Plano, Tex.
Get Col. Grahams new book at - Richard Graham, 3501 Hearst Castle Way , Plano , TX 75025 
Senator John Glenn spoke before Congress on 7 March 1990.
“In view of the high costs of other Air Force programs, the costs of this program and its benefits were both affordable and reasonable. The SR-71 provides coverage on demand with little or no warning to the reconnaissance target. It is a highly flexible system.
The SR-71 is able to penetrate hostile territory with comparatively little vulnerability to attack, unlike other reconnaissance platforms. While opponents of the SR-71 have argued that national technical means are capable of performing the same mission, these systems are far less flexible and survivable than the SR-71.
In retiring the SR-71, the United States has essentially removed itself from the strategic aerial reconnaissance business. Intelligence systems such as the SR-71 are the eyes and ears for our nation's defense and are therefore true force-multipliers. Mr. President, the termination of the SR-71 was a grave mistake and could place our nation at a serious disadvantage in the event of a future crisis:”
A Vulcan Bomber over DET 4 
Hi Dan, I worked on the U-2 and SR-71 from 1976 until 1982, an egress tech. I'm interested in what you have for sale and the prices of the items. You have a great collection, wish I had the same forethought as you. Of course who knew that such a great aircraft would be retired, a very sad day for me and many others. Thank you, Dan Gunter
Recieved my package today and all I can say is WOW!!! Thank you so much for the certificate and the laser etched piece from 972 they are just wonderful, I could not ask for anything better. Sure makes me feel good to have a piece of history and to know that we worked on these magnificent aircraft.
Thanks again, Dan Gunter
Titanium "BETA" Alloy The 9 Atom Body Centered Cubic Crystal Structure 6 pyramids joined together at their pinnacles THE PERFECT BUILDING BLOCK 
The British people loved the SR-71 Blackbird and would stand for hours just to get an autograph from one of the aircrew members. "Air Fete 85" 
This is a list of outstanding websites jam packed with comprehensive information, photos, history, and links to hundreds of pages of fantastic SR-71 Blackbird related stuff. AVIATION WEB SITE LISTINGS http://www.ThirtyThousandFeet.com
Pilot Getaways Magazine
A bimonthly magazine dedicated to private pilot travel. Each issue brings you in-depth articles on exciting fly-in destinations, including information on the best restaurants, lodging and activities, details of flying there, and breathtaking photography.
Nor-Cal Veterans Historical Association Inc.
http://www.veteranshistoricalassociation.org/
How cool would it be, learn to fly in Americas first jet fighter, Kelly Johnson's Lockheed "Shooting Star".Imagine going head to head with MIG-15's over the Yalu River! 50 Cals ablaze as the Mig's explode before your eyes.~~~~~~~~Gregory "Wired" Colyer made his dreams come true when he saved a wonderful piece of American aviation history "THE ACE MAKER" and founding the T-33 Heritage Foundation. Check out this link - http://www.acemaker33.com
THE BEAD MAN
John Kennedy, also known as "The Bead
Man" is a disabled Vietnam Veteran having served with the
1st LSG Bravo
Command, 3rd Marine Division, Dong Ha Vietnam, 68-69.
John replicates military campaign ribbons into
key chain fobs and wrist bracelets. John has researched ribbon designs going
back to the Civil War. Check out his work and large collection of U.S. armed
forces patches at -
http://beadmanjk.com
No symbols, or any colorable imitation of such words, initials, or seals in connection with any merchandise, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial activity in any manner is to be calculated to convey the impression that such use is approved, or endorsed, by any Agency, or person. | |
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