The SR-71 was developed as a long range strategic-reconnaissance aircraft and still holds many world speed and altitude records. The first SR-71 arrived at Beale AFB on 7 January 1966. This SR-71A, tail number 64-17963, flew multiple sorties over Vietnam and Korea and was retired at Beale AFB on 28 October 1976 after 519 sorties and 6,014 flight hours.