HuggyU2

Recently declassified photo we have in the squadron. 2020-09-09 14-57.pdf

It worked for me quite well. In Oct 2009, I three-day-opted a non-flying remote to Iraq. I had 22.5 years of service, was a U-2 interview pilot, and evaluator in both the U-2 and T-38. I didn't want to retire. The three-day opt required me to retire 1 May 2010. I was determined to defeat the threat. I was working a number of angles, but nothing was panning out. By early 2010, I hadn't found a solution, but I did figure out that I could request a 6-month extension to my retirement date if my Wing CC wrote a letter asking for it. At the time, the Beale Wing CC was a 1-star. I presented my case that extending me 6 months was in the best interest of the 9th Wing and the Wing CC agreed. AFPC isn't going to tell a 1-star to pound sand: I got the extension. Around that time, AFPC announced the VRRAD. In my first phone call with the VRRAD person at AFPC, I explained that I was still on active duty. "Will you be retired before 31 December 2010?" "Yes, I will be." "Then you are eligible for the VRRAD." Basically, one office in AFPC was requiring me to retire... and another office in AFPC was allowing me to return to active duty as a retiree. I never told the two offices about each other, and figured it was best if they didn't know my plan. My VRRAD got approved. So, on Friday, 29 Oct, I had a short ceremony in the bar and retired. The following week, I came back to Beale, to my old desk, which I obviously didn't vacate... turned in my week-old retiree ID card... went through in-processing with a room full of 18 year olds (at least I got a verbal waiver from the Vice to skip the Right Start briefings). I even submitted a travel voucher for my 33-mile drive from home to Beale AFB for my first day back on active duty. In 2013, after 3 years, the VRRAD was coming to an end... but I asked the Wing CC to write me a letter requesting a 1-year extension. He did, and I got it. Finally... I retired 1 Nov 2014. It was my third set of retirement orders, and the second time I actually retired.

Bose A20 or the LIghtspeed. I've got an old pair of Bose X, and they are great. When they die, I'm getting the A20 since it is TSO'd for airline use, noise cancelling, and extremely comfortable. It is a step up from my Bose X (which is very good). If the Lightspeed price is significantly better, and you can live with a non-TSO headset, that might be a very good option. I've borrowed them a couple of times and they work well.

We had a Kuwaiti student who washed back so many times, he went back through the same T-38 flight. We had actual grade books back then, and he had Volume I and Volume II. The embassy kept paying, so we kept flying him. He apparently ended up being some kind of Kuwaiti war hero for his efforts in the A-4 when the Iraqis invaded and ran the Kuwaiti Air Force out.

I think you make a valid point worth considering.

Assuming it is not an SIE, does this apply to just about everyone that washes out? Or is this a case-by-case thing, with only a small minority getting to try again? BTW, what's the UPT Next washout rate?

Say again... you're coming in broken and unreadable. I could have sworn you said 2 of the students are UPT Next washouts.

Haha... that’s interesting actually. I honestly have zero idea how fantasy football actually is done.

Do fantasy football teams have players that kneel?

M2, you're so naive.

The reality is that the AI jet will win the fight... only to mort on the RTB when its sense-and-avoid system doesn't see the MQ-9.

Don't feel bad at all. I spent 4 years at DLF with no airline service. Back then, we drove these things called "cars" to where we wanted to go. Everyone crying about no airline service needs to give it a try. Get a fast "car" and go. With your buds. You can be at SAT airport in about 2 hours. No different than flying out of DLF. And a lot more convenient. BTW... front gate of DLF to front gate of Randolph in 2+12. On a Friday. Going through the city at rush hour. (According to a friend... not that I approve of such behavior from 22 year old student pilots.) That was when the Auger Inn was "a thing". Oh... and when you see a Border Patrol airplane at 50' AGL flying east-bound, down the shoulder of Hwy 90, and they pass you... and then YOU decide to pass THEM... it's pretty fun. I had a blast in DLF. There's no reason you can't. Even if you're from "up north" and used to having 1,000,000 people in a square mile of city. Give it the college try.

The U-2 is not an option for at least 4 years. But keep it in your long-term cross-check. As for Squirt's post, the first 4 sentences have value... ignore the rest. He will grow up some day.

In the big picture, congrats on your qualification as a Herc pilot. Another fine Lockheed product.

I hope you are kidding.

They have been combined before, for all the reasons you state and more. With the cyclical nature of things, maybe it will happen again. I don’t believe it changed relationships for the better when MX was in the flying squadron.

Total military time is about 7,300 hours. 4,100 sorties.

Orange is the new green.

When the idea was discussed about doing this interview, I wasn't sure I would do it. However, Hacker spoke very highly of Steve and assured me it would be great. He was right. Working with Steve was a pleasure and he's a class act. I'll admit he got me talking about some stuff I hadn't thought about in a long time. We did the interviews some time ago, but I believe Steve plans to add on to the interview with some additional talks that we are doing now. bfargin, you were very close. UPT Class 86-05, started 4 June 1985. Thank you for creating a well done final product, Steve. (And especially for your editing work!! You know what I mean!! Haha!!)

That’s cool! I got a ride in one in Uvalde Texas a few years ago. Just beautiful!

It's been a big eye-opener to see the lack of proficiency (mainly due to having never trained to it) of many commercial pilots when it comes to unusual attitudes.

The former 9 RW/CC was brilliant, and a man of impeccable style and taste. Nothing "questionable" about his decisions.

I can't tell you how many times pilots have told me "I didn't apply to the U-2 because I didn't fly the T-38 in UPT". Note: flying the T-38 in UPT is not a pre-req for the U-2. Off the top of my head, I'd say at least half of the U-2 community went T-1's. Read the application requirements.

There's another thread on Kaepernick elsewhere. In any case, Brickhistory, I hope you had a great 4th.

Thanks for posting that. I found that article in 2011 when I was over there. I couldn't recall the title and hadn't been able to find it since. Well worth the read.