This section is about the SR-71, in the words of the crews who flew it. It is a look at the Blackbird through the eyes and perspectives of many Habus who were willing to share their thoughts, emotions and stories. These same stories could have come from any number of SR-71 crews who once dreamed of flying this aircraft, finally finding themselves presented with the opportunity to be part of this elite fraternity of aviators. All of the men who can call themselves "Habus" have one thing in common: They all were part of a select and highly unique, specialized group of aviators flying the highest performing aircraft the world has ever known.

They all aspired to fly vital SR-71 reconnaissance missions that had no distinguishing differences between their peacetime and wartime rolls. As an instrument of peace, they wanted to fly an aircraft that sorted out the differences between what others say and what they do.

Other aircrews will never understand the deep feelings of pride, camaraderie, and kinship experienced among Habus. They worked and played hard, as a close knit team, with only one goal in mind - to enjoy flying this beautiful Blackbird for as long as possible. Their lives were entwined in mission secrecy, temporary duty to worldwide locations, and flying an aircraft held in awe throughout aviation circles. With the help of highly dedicated maintenance personnel and hundreds of patriotic civilians working on the aircraft, the SR-71 remained a success story for well over 21 years.