[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD ABSOLUTE SPEED RECORD SET BY THE SR-71

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AUSTIN SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2016

  Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 40th anniversary of the World Absolute Speed Record flight by the 
Lockheed SR-71 `Blackbird,' one of the greatest achievements in 
aviation history. Even today, the 2,193 mph record set by the SR-71 
`Blackbird' is still recognized by the World Air Sports Federation as 
the fastest humans have travelled during a sanctioned world record 
flight.
  As the Representative from Georgia's Eighth Congressional District, I 
am deeply honored that a machine as magnificent as this aircraft rests 
alongside the Global Hawk and the U2 at the Museum of Aviation in 
Warner Robins, Georgia. The SR-71 `Blackbird' flew for the first time 
on December 22, 1964. This aircraft, which could fly faster than the 
speed of a bullet at altitudes greater than 80,000 feet, remained the 
fastest and highest flying aircraft for the duration of its thirty five 
year career. The SR-71 `Blackbird' served crucial roles in the areas of 
combat, reconnaissance, and research for the United States. Due to its 
unmatched speed, altitude, and state-of-the-art stealth capabilities, 
the SR-71 `Blackbird' was integral in providing strategic advantages 
during the Vietnam War, the Yom Kippur War, and the Cold War. It also 
enabled the United States to conduct vital surveillance missions over 
countries such as Libya, Lebanon, Yemen, North Korea, and China during 
periods of unrest.
  I would like to thank the crew of the record breaking flight, Captain 
Eldon Joersz and Major George Morgan Jr., for their service to the 
United States and their role in marking the SR-71 `Blackbird's' place 
in history. I would also like to thank the Museum of Aviation in Warner 
Robins, Georgia for making it possible for visitors from around the 
country to see this great symbol of American innovation.

                          ____________________