Back somewhere around 1988-1990 (I can't remember exactly when) I spent a two week deployment at Kadena Airforce Base in Okinawa. Where I worked the flight line.
Great Trip and alot of fun.
But the best thing was watching "THE" dark grey hangers right across the flight line from us that had guards around them 24/7, with Hummers with machine guns mounted on them.
Turns out that a couple of SR-71's Blackbirds were stationed there.
The only time the hanger doors were opened was when one would start his roll out as soon as the doors opened (actually while still opening), and he was cleared right from his hanger to the runway where he would take off immediately.
Most impressive sight I have ever seen at an airbase. One evening when they took off, just as night was falling it was magnificent.
Even better than the time I saw a pair of fully armed F-15C's taking off at full afterburner from Elmendorf AFB (Anchorage Alaska), to intercept a russian bomber.
Damn I miss the military sometimes.
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Vermillion
**MOL**, Men of Leisure