GLORY DAYS // A-26 IN VIETNAM
In the third of a series of features, former U-2 pilot Lt Col (ret’d) Rick Bishop reflects on a particularly challenging operational mission in the U-2.
IT WAS MID-AFTERNOON when I returned to the squadron after an enjoyable T-38 training mission, skirting the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Grand Canyon at the dictated regulation altitude of 500ft above ground level — but, in practice, somewhat lower. The Talon was employed as a companion trainer for U-2 and SR-71 pilots to maintain currency in formation, instrument and aerobatic flying as well as touch-andgoes and regular cross-country flights. The use of the T-38, while diametrically opposed to the U-2 in low-altitude performance, was essential to keep the Beale AFB pilots sharp, especially as only eight of the original dozen U-2Rs remained in existence for deployments around the world on critical missions. Back then, rarely were there more than two R-models at Beale and much of the home-based training was relegated to old U-2Cs and a couple of U-2CTs — the only two-seat trainers in existence then.
After freshening up, I was on my way to the squadron bar for a cold draft when my commander asked me to step in to his off…
