TRIP REPORT B/G HAROLD F. KNOWLES TO EDWARDS AFB AND AREA 51, 18-24 JULY 1970

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Aquiline
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02081622
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: July 16, 2020
• Document Release Date: July 30, 2020
• Publication Date: August 3, 1970

S E1E T
� Approved for Release: 2019/11/05 CO2081622
%id 1410
BYE 9317-70
Copy 7 of 12
3 August 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Trip Report BIG Harold F. Knowles to Edwards AFI3
and Area 51, 18-24 July 1970
I. Purpose of Trip: Observe Carrier Operations (BLUE GULL VI)
H. Persons Contacted:
Edwards AFB:
Colonel Schamber
Other Base personnel
Kitty Hawk:
Carrier personnel
Area 51:
Other Base personnel
III. Sequence of Events:
Saturday, 18 July:
Departed Andrews AFL' via OSA C-118. RON Laredo AFB,
Texas.
DIOUF 1
ExcitAed tram ailompt; �
On?suing 11;:d
deCof,siiintiaa �
HANDLE VIA BYEMAN
CONTROL SYSTEM
SE RET
Approved for Release: 2019/11/05 CO2081622
_
Approved for Release: 2019/11/05 CO2081622
Nap, vis00
BYE 9317-70
Page 2
Sunday, 19 July:
Arrived Edwards .AFB. Air Commodore Colin Coulthard,
Air Attache, arrived as our guest for BLUE GULL. Dinner
hosted by Colonel Schamber.
Monday, 20 July:
Briefings and tour of the Base. Observed preparations for
carrier exercise.
Tuesday, 21 July:
Navy aircraft delivered A/C Coulthard, OSA observers,
and me to Kitty Hawk by 0900. First U-2R pilots arrived
soon afterward, completing four touch-and-go landings and one
full stop (trap). As he departed, next pilot arrived, completing
four touch-and-go's and two traps. The carrier operated just
west of San Clemente Island, approximately 150 miles from
Edwards. During the waiting period for the aircraft to make
round trip home, refuel, and change to JACKSON crews, we
lunched with carrier Executive and Operations officer. The
JACKSON crews completed four touch-and-go's and two traps,
each. They performed outstandingly, especially considering
the additional pressure of maintaining their honor in front of
Coulthard. We immediately departed the Kitty Hawk for
Edwards, via Navy aircraft, catapulted in fact. A/C Coulthard
departed for Los Angeles to spend evening with JACKSONS
before boarding airliner for Washington.
Wednesday, 22 July:
Detailed debriefings and critique of BLUE GULL VI.
Thursday, 23 July:
Departed for Area 51, Lunch with and
Observed test firing of AQUILINE rail for launch
speed. Discussed SAC Use of Area with and
s 3;e1