Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Halloran, USAF [Ret.] SR-71 Blackbird Pilot

The aircraft on display at the Air and Space Museum in San Diego, Balboa Park is an A-12 Blackbird variant. It was the first to fly, in 1959. It's mission information is to this day Top Secret...rumor has it that it was capable of notably higher velocity than it's cousin, the SR-71. The A-12 was a single seat aircraft while the SR-71 Blackbird was a two seater, with the pilot up-front and a Recon Officer behind. I've read that the A-12 was capable of breaking 2,400 mph. It was owned and operated by the CIA ,,,enough said.
Maj. Gen. Patrick Halloran (ret) speech regarding his experiences as an SR-71 Blackbird pilot. He flew the Blackbird in 1965 and was Wing Commander at Beale AFB for many years. He has over 8000 hours in jet aircraft including the U2. Below is a link to his bio....
www.af.mil/Abou....
With special thanks to my old friend Carl Schroder who invited me as a guest to this very special event for Air and Space Museum members only. I hope you're well and happy Carl.
June 21, 1991 San Diego Air and Space Museum, Balboa Park, SD

[@scootertooter6874]

I lived about a mile from MG Halloran up until late 2017

[@jcheck6]

I was riding my bike along a bike path this afternoon. Was taking a short break and an elderly gentleman walked passed me wearing an SR-71 hat. He acknowledged he had flown the plane when I asked him and was nice enough to chat with me for 20 minutes. Came home and looked up his name and saw this vid of him. 92 yrs old and sharp as a tack. I felt like a dumb azz not knowing him having been a pilot in the AF myself. What a terrific man. I am in awe!

[@habusteve]

Gen Holloran helped me to get permanent party on Okinawa.Could ask for a nicer person and a fantastic Commander!!!