- Preflight3
Captain Opresko in beginning of preflight prep dons an oxygen mask to begin cleansing his body of nitrogen in order to be able to withstand a 70,000 foot ascent and descent without suffering from rather drastic complications.
- Preflight4
Getting ready for the pressure suit.
- Preflight6
Captain Opresko accompanyed by a staff member carrying a portable oxygen generator and hoses. Taking the short walk from preflight prep to the hangar and his awaiting U2 aircraft.
- Preflight7
A quick walk around to check the condition of his craft.
- Preflight8
An Airforce salute just prior to boarding the aircraft.
- Preflight9
Captain Opresko greets his ground crew just prior to boarding aircraft.
- Integration1
Flight crew hard at work - butt-up and buttoned in!
- Integration2
Wide angle camera view of preflight activities.
- Integration3
Captain Opresko going over preflight check list.
- Taxi1
Captain Opresko taxying down runway prior to takeoff.
- Launch1
U2 aircraft is launched just prior to becoming airborne.
- Empty
What Captain Opresko refers to as, "an otherwise quiet and peaceful day over the mountains and deserts of the Middle East. He wonders as he searches just what the enemy might be up to today.
- Jenns
My guess is that this is a much welcomed Easter Card from home. Wow!!!
- Mountains1
This picture taken looking off the right side of the U2 aircraft just to the rear and across the wing at a beautiful horizon, laced with billowy white clouds and snowcapped mountain ranges. Notice the curviture of the earth at this altitude. This is as close to outter space as you're going to get without a rocket.
- Nose
A picture taken looking right out of the front of the aircraft windshield/canopy as Captain Opresko navigates Middle East mountain ranges.
- Rearview
Yep, this baby has its own rear-view mirror. Every U2 needs one considering there's no where to turn around inside this baby's cockpit.
- Dads
End of the day down time and a much appreciated gift from home.
