Into the Arctic Circle

Though he spent the least of his U-2 time at Mildenhall in the U.K., on one trip, he provided support for a Navy carrier group in the North Atlantic. Below are both my Dad’s written words setting this story to paper in August 2020 and a video of our discussion about this time period.

IN HIS WORDS:

I spent the least time at Mildenhall. Generally, we flew along the Iron Curtain of Europe. I also provided support for a Navy carrier group in the North Atlantic. I acted as their 70,000 foot antenna. I followed them into the Arctic Circle. At one point they heard a Russian Bear get his takeoff clearance from Mermansk. They were able to surprise the bomber by intercepting him with two F-14’s far east of the fleet. A few weeks later, I received a “Blue Nose” certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle and a picture shot from one of the F-14 of the other F-14 along side of the Bear.