U-2 pilot breaks 1,500 flying hours

by Airman 1st Class Ashley J. Thum
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/16/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- A routine mission came to a not-so-routine end when a U-2 Dragon Lady hurtled toward the Osan flight line, Dec. 16.

After taxiing down the runway and parking safely in the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron compound, Lt. Col. David (last name withheld due to operational security constraints) 5th RS U-2 pilot, emerged from the cock pit to the sound of cheers from his entire squadron - congratulating him on reaching 1,500 flying hours.

"It's a great feeling," David said. "There aren't a whole lot of people who have done that in the nearly 59 years that this aircraft has been around."

The atmosphere was infectious as David shook hands with his fellow Black Cats and endured a few jokes cracked at his expense.

Although much of the fanfare at David's return centered around his milestone, he explained that every pilot is welcomed back in much the same way.

"It's a tradition that was started a long time ago, when people were never sure if a U-2 pilot was going to make it back home," David said. "This is the only airframe where people do that."

David said the mission may have been his last at Osan, but there is still plenty of time to set a new personal record.

"I'll put my sights on 2,000 hours and see if I can get there," David said.