Edwards AFB News

Team shares history of Speckled Trout's AF service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Francesca Carrano
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Nearly a year ago, Speckled Trout tail number 61-2669 crews were preparing to return to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., from Southwest Asia when they received a phone call from the command post. A deployed Airman, was urgently trying to get home to see his dying daughter.

Crews immediately phoned in the request to their two passengers. Without hesitation the then Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and then Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper quickly gave their permission for the Airman to join them.

After aerial refueling over England and preparing for the final over-water flight into Andrews, the secretary made the decision to reroute the flight to the air base closest to this sick child.

"It was an amazing thing to see our Air Force leaders, the secretary and the chief of staff, make a decision that certainly delayed their return to Washington by many hours, but made the world of difference to the father who was trying to get home to see his daughter," said Lt. Col. Ed Topps, 412th Flight Test Squadron commander. "Fortunately, this story has a great ending: the little girl actually recovered and is doing well."

This is only one of many stories people from the 412th FLTS, better known as Project Speckled Trout, can share about their unique airplane and mission that has distinguished itself for more than 31 years.

Since arriving at Edwards in 1995, the Speckled Trout has performed a two-fold mission.

"The first part of the mission is test and evaluation of avionics equipment and new communication gear that's been installed on the airplane" Colonel Topps said. "It also has another mission -- distinguished visitor transportation."

The aircraft is used by the Air Force Chief of Staff for his overseas transportation requirements. When the aircraft isn't being used for testing here or for the CSAF's overseas missions, the aircraft is offered to other four star generals, chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and vice chairmen for their use.

The 412th FLTS was created in 1957 by then Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Curtis LeMay. Under General LeMay, the Speckled Trout coupled its mostly overseas distinguished visitor transportation with important radio improvement testing that later transitioned to the larger fleet of Air Force aircraft.

"Back then it started out the [general] just sat on the troop seats like any other crew member," Colonel Topps said. "Since then it has evolved to be a little more comfortable, especially for the long missions. We had an overseas trip last month with [Gen. T. Michael Moseley, current CSAF] that lasted about 22 hours -- you need a little more than a troop seat for 22 hours."

Project Speckled Trout is made up of 42 military members and one civilian. This includes everyone who supports the Speckled Trout from pilots, co-pilots, navigators and radio operators to flight attendants and the maintainers who support the plane worldwide.

During its more than 31,000 flying hours, the Speckled Trout has seen more than its share of history.

"Every chief of staff since General David Jones in 1975 has flown on this airplane; it is the only airplane in the Air Force inventory that has that distinction," Colonel Topps said.
The Speckled Trout has also seen some impressive tests during its time at Edwards, he said.

The Trout was a leader in glass cockpit modifications, which have now occurred in almost every plane in the Air Force inventory and had specific avionics and communication upgrades that have shaped the aircraft modernization program for the KC-135, Colonel Topps said.

The Speckled Trout also set three world speed records between Washington and Buenos Aires, Argentina; Tokyo to Beijing; and Yakota Air Base, Japan to Bejing.

With its unique paint scheme, the Trout is easily recognizable and gives the CSAF the recognition he deserves when it lands in a foreign country, Colonel Topps said.

"After the Korean War, this aircraft took a group of senators and congressmen to North Korea," Colonel Topps said. "It was the first U.S. Air Force aircraft to return to North Korea after the war -- a very important diplomatic mission to get our [prisoners of war] home after the war."

This is only a small piece of history that is carried in the memory of this aircraft.

Following its official retirement on Feb. 10, the Speckled Trout tail number 61-2669 will settle into its new role -- continually sharing its history as part of the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum here.