Wee-Man visits base Exchange, Blackcats

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gary Charland
  • 5th Reconnaissance Squadron maintenance operations officer
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Jason "Wee-Man" Acuña, professional skateboarder and MTV star, visited the base Exchange as part of a Monster energy drink tour Nov. 23.

Between autograph sessions, Wee-Man and Darlene Barrett, Monster's vice president of military sales worldwide, visited the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron.

The Blackcats took Wee-Man and Barrett to see the high-altitude pressure suit where the 5th RS Physiological Support Division explained the challenges of preparing for and flying to the edge of space.

After leaving PSD, they climbed into a waiting Pontiac G8 driven by Maj. Matthew (last name withheld due to operational security constraints), 5th RS U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, for an adrenaline-pumping "chase car" ride.

Wee-Man and Barrett were soon rocketing down the runway at more than 100 miles per hour "chasing" a U-2 as it was coming in for a landing, while Matthew called out landing cues.

"Touch down," Matthew shouted as the U-2 landed safely.

Wee-Man and Barrett were also able to witness maintainers re-attach the detachable wing landing gear and follow the taxiing aircraft back to the parking area. After engine shutdown, they joined the rest of the Blackcats as they cheered Maj. Alexis (last name withheld due to operational security constraints) 5th RS U-2 pilot, return from the upper atmosphere.

Before departing, the duo interacted with Blackcat Airmen, handed out a few souvenir items and took some photos with eager fans.

It seemed too short, but after their hour-long visit, Wee-Man and Barrett were on their way to their next scheduled event with smiles on their faces.