The twelfth biennial Blackbird Association reunion was held in Reno, Nevada on June 5-8th, 1997. Consisting of former and current SR-71 and U-2 aircrews, maintenance and contractor personnel, the Blackbird Association fosters the unique reconnaissance capabilities of the two aircraft. The guest speaker for the evening banquet was Mr. Jack Gordon , President of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.

• The Kelly Johnson Award to Air Force Major Paul Nelson for his work in the Pentagon to keep the U-2 program viable for the future.
• The Pratt & Whitney Award was presented to Air Force Captain Mike Zimmerman for his dedication and work on the re-activation of the SR-71s at Edwards AFB, California.
• The General Electric Award was given to Mr. Richard L. Fortin for his accomplishments in re-engining of the U-2S aircraft.
• The "J.T." Vida Award was presented to Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) Don Campbell for his lifetime loyalty and dedication to the SR-71 program.
• The Hughes Best Detachment Award went to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing's Operating Location France (OL-FR), Istres, France, for their sustained U -2 support of Bosnia.

The SR-71 is an all weather day/night reconnaissance platform that offers global reach and survivable penetration of heavily defended areas. The Air Force retired the weapon system from active service in FY89. With delays in follow-on programs, in FY95 Congress directed the Air Force, through the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office (DARO), to reactivate the capability with two operational aircraft and sensors.

Congressional guidance and $100 million funding were provided in the 1995 Defense Authorization Act for the reactivation of the SR-71 weapon system. Air Force directed the program management function be provided by ASC/RAB at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Three days after receipt of funding, the five person program office had the prime integrating contractor, Lockheed Martin, on contract. The hardware (aircraft, sensors, and support equipment) had been in wide spread storage for over five years. Locating all this unique equipment and the specialized personnel to perform the reactivation was a Herculean effort. Using an existing contract and a management style that is fast becoming the norm in Air Force acquisition, this team had the first aircraft ready for flight within three months. They then delivered Air Combat Command the first operationally ready and deployable aircraft six months later and the second aircraft five months after that.

Bottom Line: In less than 11 months from funding (over two fiscal years), this cadre of specialists returned two airframes from retirement to full operational capability for far less dollars then was authorized in the first fiscal year alone.