SR-71 Last flight from Kadena AFB Okinawa, Japan

Preparation and launching of the last SR-71 from Kadena AFB in Okinawa. All of the SR's from Kadena were flown back to California to be retired. This was the last plane to leave. This video is unique in that you get to see and hear the start-up of the J-58 engines.

Probably the greatest leap of aircraft technology ever & designed with a slide rule. The fate of these aircraft were sealed in 1968 when, then Secretary of State, Robert McNamara ordered Lockheed to destroy all machinery and tooling associated with making these aircraft (so that no new aircraft could never again be made. It is rumored that McNamara did this to eliminate competition of his 'pet' project, the F-111). Thus no new parts could be made and, after the inventory of whatever parts were available, had to be cannibalized from existing airframes. The aircraft were retired in 1991 over many objections from many officials that the aircraft were still needed.

After the first gulf war, $72 million dollars in funds for the return of a small number aircraft were allocated. On January 1st, 1997 the Airforce announced that two aircrew and aircraft were ready for deployment. In October of 1997, President Bill Clinton line-item vetoed the funds for the SR-71's out of the FY 1998 budget.

In 1998, all aircraft were retired permanently from service - excepting the four aircraft on loan to NASA. 1999 was the last year any blackbird flew (with NASA), and the remaining four aircraft were moved to be displayed at NASA or museums over the following few years.

Nearing 50 years old, and still the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, The blackbirds are all in museums collecting dust. To those of you younger folks that were'nt around to see these wonderful aircraft flying, instead of sitting idle, I am sorry that you will not have the opprotunity to see or, most particuluarly, HEAR these machines in thier element. They made frequent appearances at airshows, and despite being older than most of the aircraft at the shows, the SR's always drew the biggest crowds.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." - John Keats, 1818