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Christopher > The "old" logo for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB. Still beloved by many.
Christopher > Christopher Michel trying out the "tube" food & drink in his pressure suit.
Christopher > Airman monitors Christopher Michel in the pressure chamber.
Christopher > U-2 preparing to land at Beale AFB. Note there are only fore and aft bicycle landing gear. The wingtips have titanium braces, allowing the aircraft to "tip over" during landing rollout.
Christopher > The U-2 prepares for takeoff. The wing gear will fall away at take-off.
Christopher > U-2 landing with "chase car" right behind it.
Christopher > U-2 landing
Christopher > Christopher Michel pre-breathing oxygen prior to full suit-up.
Christopher > LCOL Joe Santucci, USAF, Commanding Officer of the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, observes as Christopher Michel suits up.
Christopher > Christopher Michel
Christopher > Gatorade anyone?
Christopher > Christopher Michel gives the "thumbs up" as he prepares to go flying.
Christopher > Christopher Michel in the pressure chamber.
Christopher > Christopher Michel in the pressure chamber...about to go up to 70,000 feet cabin altitude...and then experience a rapid decompression (photograph USAF)
Christopher > Trying out the "tube-food". Chocolate pudding, not bad.
Christopher > Cockpit of the U-2
Christopher > Christopher Michel at 50,000 feet
Christopher > Christopher Michel on departure from Beale AFB
Christopher > At 60,000 feet above (of all places) Berkeley, California
Christopher > At 70,000 feet, dark space can be clearly seen above the curving earth.
Christopher > At 70,000 feet ice starts to build up on the windscreen.
Christopher > Bright sun, black space.
Christopher > The earth can be seen in the reflection on Christopher Michel's helmet.
Christopher > The rear cockpit.
Christopher > The U-2 above the Bay Area.
Christopher > Christopher Michel contemplating the beauty of the earth.
Christopher > California off the port wing.
Christopher > Earth from above.
Christopher > Shot of the earth looking forward on the aircraft. The "rear view mirror" is used to detect contrails -- deadly when flying over hostile territory.
Christopher > 70,000 feet!!!!!
Christopher > Earth from above.
Christopher > Christopher Michel & LCOL Joe Santucci, USAF pose for a traditional "hero picture" following their high-flight
Christopher > Christopher Michel heading out to the U-2 for his flight.
Christopher > Following tradition, Christopher Michel touches the nose of the dragon lady for good luck.
Christopher > Christopher Michel celebrating his first "high-flight" with a traditional bottle of bubbly.
Christopher > Christopher Michel
Christopher > Christopher Michel getting suited up following pre-breathing.
Christopher > To help prevent decompression sickness, pilots "pre-breathe" 100% while working out before each flight.
 

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