One of the greatest has flown West.

Maj Gen Pat Halloran was 95.  

He had 100 combat missions in the F-84 before being selected for the highly-secretive U-2 Program in the 1957 time frame.  

Pat went on to be one of only 18 pilots to check out in both the U-2 and SR-71.  After retirement, be remained involved in flying experimental aircraft and homebuilts, including some very exotic replica aircraft from the Tom Wathen Collection, like the De Havilland Comet.  He was a regular at Oshkosh.  

Just a fantastic guy and incredible pilot.  A toast to the General...

 

Edited June 8, 20241 yr by HuggyU2

🍺

On 6/8/2024 at 10:17 AM, HuggyU2 said:

One of the greatest has flown West.

Maj Gen Pat Halloran was 95.  

He had 100 combat missions in the F-84 before being selected for the highly-secretive U-2 Program in the 1957 time frame.  

Pat went on to be one of only 18 pilots to check out in both the U-2 and SR-71.  After retirement, be remained involved in flying experimental aircraft and homebuilts, including some very exotic replica aircraft from the Tom Wathen Collection, like the De Havilland Comet.  He was a regular at Oshkosh.  

Just a fantastic guy and incredible pilot.  A toast to the General...

 

Thanks Huggy, this is really sad news.  I had never heard of him until a few years ago when I ran into him of all places, on a bike trail in Tucson.  Saw a guy with a U-2/SR-71 on his cap and stop to chat with him for about 20 minutes.  Knew some people I knew, (Ed Yeilding) and he remembered you when I brought your name up.  I believe he owned a Lancair 320 and had a recent automobile? accident.  Sadly he will be missed.

Yes, he was very active until getting hit by the car as a pedestrian. 
He was at our reunion less than 2 years ago. He was pretty charismatic. 

Today is 1 August...

On this date in 1955, Tony LeVier went for a taxi test on Groom Lake in a new Lockheed aircraft that had yet to be flown.

However, the aircraft had different plans, and before he knew it, Tony was airborne in what was the unplanned 1st flight of the U-2. 

So today, the pressure-breathing, pressure-suited prima donnas celebrate 69 years above 69,000 feet. 
 

And tomorrow, over 25% of all living U-2 pilots on the planet will gather for an exceptional Homecoming to celebrate the solo flights of what could be the last class of U-2 trainees. 
 

Hail Dragons
 

Edited August 1, 20241 yr by HuggyU2

On 4/23/2024 at 6:23 AM, HuggyU2 said:

 

Taiwanese U-2 pilot Johnny Shen died last Thursday, age 92  

He was a U-2 pilot with The Black Cat Squadron on Taiwan from 1968 to 1973. 

 He was admitted to the CAF Academy in January 1952, then trained in the PT-17 and the T-6. After his graduation in December 1955, he was assigned to the 4th Tactical Fighter Group in Chiayi.  He was first sent to Tainan to be trained on the T-33, then returning to Chiayi to fly the F-84 in 1956.  Later he converted to the F-100.

He left the 35th Sq in 1973 and became the vice military attache in Vietnam.  After the loss of Vietnam, he returned to Taiwan to served on several desk jobs.  He retired from the CAF as a Colonel in 1977 and joined China Airlines, where he flew the Boeing 707, 727, 767, and 747, and Airbus A-300.  He transferred to EVA Airlines in 1992.  Then he returned served in Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration until 1998.

 After retirement, he emigrated to Canada and lived in Vancouver.

These guys flew some really risky missions. 

Him him...

 

Taiwanese U-2 pilot Johnny Shen passed away at 92. He served with the Black Cat Squadron from 1968-1973, flying high-risk missions. After retiring as a Colonel in 1977, he joined China Airlines, later transferring to EVA Airlines. His graduation gift was a dedicated military career, where he made significant contributions to aviation. He eventually moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he spent his retirement. Shen's legacy as a daring pilot will be remembered.

Possible extension of U-2 operations, according to noted British journalist Chris Pocock.  Things are getting interesting, assuming he is somewhat accurate. 

https://dragonladytoday.com/2024/08/17/keep-the-u-2-by-downsizing-the-operation/

 

Edited August 20, 20241 yr by HuggyU2

On 8/20/2024 at 4:57 PM, HuggyU2 said:

Possible extension of U-2 operations, according to noted British journalist Chris Pocock.  Things are getting interesting, assuming he is somewhat accurate. 

https://dragonladytoday.com/2024/08/17/keep-the-u-2-by-downsizing-the-operation/

 

It's enough to give a man hope! How long is/was that transition from heavy to T38 course, anyway? 

It's enough to give a man hope! How long is/was that transition from heavy to T38 course, anyway? 

18 sorties... Typically a little over a month

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

On 8/20/2024 at 3:57 PM, HuggyU2 said:

Possible extension of U-2 operations, according to noted British journalist Chris Pocock.  Things are getting interesting, assuming he is somewhat accurate. 

https://dragonladytoday.com/2024/08/17/keep-the-u-2-by-downsizing-the-operation/

 

Do you think they'll ever start hiring again or are we past the point of no return?

Every day that we inch towards 30 Sep 2025 makes it a little harder to turn back. 

I have no inside information, but I'm hopefull that something will get extended... which would maybe require a few more pilots. 

Merry Christmas to all of you!  
Here's a special background you can put on your TV whilst eating Christmas dinner. 
 

 

Great Americans

https://www.instagram.com/share/BABMhUaZY6
 

 

On 2/14/2025 at 1:30 PM, HuggyU2 said:

https://www.instagram.com/share/BABMhUaZY6
 

@HuggyU2I looked forward to this and it didn't disappoint! Anything you wish would have made it in? 

Edited February 19Feb 19 by bs98

Sam is a fantastic human being and he and his team did an incredible job!  Nice seeing someone deserving get a flight in the jet too.

1 Aug 1955... 70 years ago today...

A team of folks was on a secret lakebed with a new, unflown airplane.   The pilot, Tony Levier, was going to do the first round of taxi tests.

After a 2+ mile taxi run with speeds up to 55 mph, Tony turned around and headed back south for another run.  

Accelerating to 80 mph in about 1/4 mile, he pulled the power to idle... only to realize he was airborne!  Because of the featureless lakebed, he wasn't sure of his height, and came down hard from about 35 feet, left wing low, then bounced back again.  Finally getting back in control, he got the plane stopped, with the main wheels on fire.  

And that, ladies and gentlemen, marked the first flight for the U-2... on Groom Lake, later named Area 51.  

By 18 October, they were flying the aircraft in excess of 70,000 feet.  

Ironically, 22 years later to the day... 1 Aug 1977... Francis Gary Powers died in a helicopter mishap.

Hail Dragons.

 

Edited August 1Aug 1 by HuggyU2

17 hours ago, Sua Sponte said:

Wait, what?!

2 hours ago, FourFans said:

Wait, what?!

https://airrefuelingarchive.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/lockheed-u-2ef-2/#:~:text=In May 1961%2C in a,was the only U-2H.

Terrible idea. 

As demonstrated yesterday we can fly plenty long on one tank of gas!

We are interviewing again. Two students start flying this week.

Interested? Here's the official message that went out through AFPC:

WANTED: Exceptional pilots ready to fly, fight, and win from the stratosphere wherever and whenever America needs flexible, versatile, and survivable reconnaissance and other effects on behalf of the Joint Force. Must meet, uphold, and demand uncompromising standards in an unforgiving environment, give effort worthy of the U-2’s history, and sacrifice worthy of America’s future. Flawlessly execute the U-2’s final fight, without regret.

The 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB is accepting applications for a limited number of highly qualified and exceptionally motivated officers to join the selectively-manned cadre of U-2 pilots. At this time, U-2 operations are extended through FY26.

Applicants must have 36 months TOS by RNLTD to be eligible to apply. Deadline to apply is 28 Feb 26.

1. PILOT APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

1a. Minimum Flying Requirements*:

• Possess at least 1200 rated hours (do not include student, civilian, or OTHER time)

OR

• 800 rated hours in a single-pilot type trainer aircraft such as T-6, T-34, T-37, T-38, T-45, etc

OR

• 500 hours in fighter type aircraft

AND

• At least 500 hours in fixed wing aircraft

• At least 12 months or 400 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), whichever is greater

*** If you do not meet any of these requirements, reach out to the U-2 Recruiter and we may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis***

1b. Physical Requirements IAW AFI 48-123 V3:

• Standing Height: 64” – 77”

• Sitting Height: 34” – 40” (>38” will require cockpit fit test)

• Buttocks to Knee: < 27”

• IAW 1-U2RS-1 Weight: 126 – 238lbs

1c. Other Requirements:

• Positive Professional Military Image/Passing PT Score

• Possess a SECRET clearance

• Possess or be eligible for TS/SCI clearance

1d. 9 RW/U-2S recruiting highly desires (in addition to above requirements):

• MWS/AETC Instructor Pilot hours

• Evaluator Pilot experience

• Clean Flight Evaluation History (exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis)

2. PROCESS

Act now – we’re racking and stacking applications for the next round of U-2 interviews.

Before submitting an application, contact the U-2 Recruiting office at DSN 368-3010, commercial (530) 634-3010 or e-mail to U2Recruiting@us.af.mil.

Prepare an application package containing the following required documents:

• Letter of Recommendation from your Wing Commander or equivalent

• Letter stating your PCS availability date and confirmation of assignment release by your Air Force Personnel Center functional

• This is in addition to the Wing/CC letter and can be accomplished with a digitally signed e-mail from your core functional stating “You are released to apply for the U-2 Program for hire in FY 26”

• Interview Package Summary of Documents

• Letter: “I would like to fly the U-2 because…” (Explain why you want to fly the U-2 and why you would be an asset to this program. 1-3 paragraphs will normally suffice)

• Official Photo (Torso, Color or Black and White, 5x7 or Larger)

• Copies of all OPR/OPBs and any AF Form 475s (Annual performance reports and Education and Training Reports)

• Individual Fitness Test Summary

• 1 Page Officer SURF

• Copy of AF Form 942. Highlight any Q-2 or Q-3 ratings in yellow.

• Copies of all AF Form 8s to include reverse sides. Highlight all downgrades, discrepancies, re-training, failed evaluations, commendables, in yellow.

• Flying History Report

• MyVector/Talent Marketplace – Select 1st Choice Assignment preference Core AFSC 11R

• "Anthropometric data" - Standard Form 600, or just a memo from Flight Medicine listing your: standing height, sitting height, buttocks-to-knee length

Send the Application via DoD Safe:

Please send documents to Maj Gray “Utah” Kaempf (gray.kaempf.1@us.af.mil), Lt Col Jeff “PESO” Monsalve (jeff.monsalve.2@us.af.mil), Vincent Lopez (vincent.lopez.8@us.af.mil).

We will review your application as soon as it arrives and notify you of our decision within 2-6 weeks. If you haven’t heard something by then, please contact us.

3. SCREENING

If selected for an interview you will come to Beale TDY for approximately 10-14 days. Your ability to enter the program will be assessed after Week One and after each of the three Acceptance Flights (AF).

Week One:

• Interviews with Squadron and Group leadership

• Mission orientation

• Mobile (chase car) rides

• Flight physical

• Egress Training

• Many hours of briefing for your U-2 Sorties

• U-2 full pressure suit sizing check

Week Two:

• AF-1 – 2.5 hour sortie consisting of flight characteristics, maneuvers, descent for an ILS and multiple patterns and landings

• AF-2 – 2.5 hour sortie pattern only that consists of an instrument approach followed by normal, no-flap and simulated flame out patterns and landings

• AF-3 – 2.0 hour sortie nearly identical to AF-2 however the pilot that drove the chase car on the first two sorties will fly and the pilot that flew the first two sorties will mobile. At the end of this sortie, determination will be made as to whether or not you will be offered a U-2 assignment.

4. POINTS OF CONTACT/MISCELLANEOUS

POC Information:

1 RS/DOR POC: Maj Gray “UTAH” Kaempf

DSN 368-3010

Commercial (530) 634-3010

U2Recruiting@us.af.mil