The U-2 force at Beale AFB, Calif., gave former World War II pilot and long-time US military advocate Oliver “Ollie” Crawford the rare opportunity to ride in a two-seat U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. Crawford, who is in his 80s and piloted an Aero L-39 to Beale in December for the event, became the oldest person to fly in the high-soaring airplane, according to a Feb. 18 Beale release. “Being above 60,000 feet was an experience in itself,” he explained. In addition to the actual flight, Crawford said his training, which included time in a decompression chamber, was fascinating, and the overall experience left a lasting impression. “The flight itself was very exciting, but meeting and knowing the men and women who are part of the Air Force team reaffirms my faith in the future of our Air Force and our great country,” he said. (Beale report by TSgt. Luke Johnson)
Dick Cheney’s Legacy with the Air Force
Nov. 6, 2025
Dick Cheney, who died Nov. 3 at 84, is best remembered by most Americans as among the most powerful Vice Presidents in history, a consummate Washington insider who had previously served in the Nixon administration, was Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford, a Congressman for a decade, and Secretary…
