[Buckeye Bob]

My daughter-in-laws father is going to visit here April 1 and 2. He is a retired Air Force pilot that flew the U-2's.
Wondering if there are any former U-2 pilots here or fighter pilots?

[villagetinker]

Tell him a BIG THANK YOU for his service. I was always impressed by the pilots and those jets. As I recall these jets and pilots hold records that still stand today. Well done!

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Bob

My daughter-in-laws father is going to visit here April 1 and 2. He is a retired Air Force pilot that flew the U-2's.
Wondering if there are any former U-2 pilots here or fighter pilots?

Please take him to the Eisenhower Recreation Center. I believe he would find it very interesting.

[Buckeye Bob]

Originally Posted by dbussone

Please take him to the Eisenhower Recreation Center. I believe he would find it very interesting.

That will be the first stop. Thanks.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Tell him a BIG THANK YOU for his service. I was always impressed by the pilots and those jets. As I recall these jets and pilots hold records that still stand today. Well done!

Yes. Big thanks also, U2s are late 50s technology few aircraft are still in service other than mayBe B52H which last version was products of late 70s. I'm sure the U2 has been upgraded several times?

All records broke When the SR71 blackbird came long. Only rocket or hyper powers rocket/jet out preform the SR 71. Due to the cost to maintain the blackbird it was retired, still no jet engine powered aircraft can match it in speed and altitude.

[HOPSKIPJUMP]

Always envied those guys tell him Thanks

[JoMar]

I believe the U-2S is still flying and and was upgraded in 2012. I believe it is also used by our allies. It was used in Afghanistan and provided high level recon with side looking radar. Drones handle low level but I believe the U-2 is still a valuable high level asset. As far as the op question there are a number of military clubs here plus the nations largest American Legion Post. Might find some helpful folks there.

[Taltarzac725]

Enjoyed Bridge of Spies that covers a U-2 flight and the politics of when they started flying over what was then the Soviet Union.

Please thank your daughter-in-law's father for his service.

[Buckeye Bob]

Thank you for all your comments. Jim Waymire of the Villages helped me locate a U-2 pilot that lives in Howey in the Hills and time did not allow for them to get together however, a big THANK YOU to Jim for all his efforts. We did take him to Eisenhower and it was a very moving experience for him. He is a very humble man who spoke to other Vietnam Vets there and thanked them for their service but never once mentioned what he did or that he was there also. He retired in 1975 and flew the U-2C and then the U-2R starting in the late 60's. Again, thank you for your messages.