This SR-71 is one of a group of Blackbirds that was sent to Edwards AFB, some of which were used by NASA Dryden. The SR-71 program was brought back to life in the mid-1990’s. As a result, Blackbird 967 was sent back to the Air Force to return to active duty. As it would happen, after the Blackbirds were refurbished, upgraded, and crews trained, the program was again canceled after only a handful of missions were flown. 967 was then taken back to Edwards AFB, transferred to NASA Dryden, and placed in long term storage.

Blackbird 967 has since been moved to the 8th Airforce Museum at Barksdale AFB near Shreveport, LA. As of December, 2003, it was placed on display near the museum building. The 8th Airforce Museum is located on Barksdale AFB, but the general public can get a pass at the main gate to visit the museum. The upper photo shows 967 on display at the 8th Air Force Museum in November, 2006.

The bottom photo shows 967 on the ramp at Nellis AFB during the Air Force 50th Anniversary air show. 967 is painted up in its recon paint scheme just before the SR-71 program was canceled for the last time.