Subject: SR-71 TERMINATION

FM HQ USAF WASHINGTON DC//XOI

1. ON 6 MAR 98, THE AIR FORCE RECEIVED THE SECDEF MEMORANDUM WHICH APPROVED THE PERMANENT RETIREMENT OF THE SR-71. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE PROCEEDED CAUTIOUSLY WITH PROGRAM TERMINATION ACTIONS DUE TO THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION ON THE LINE ITEM VETO AND RELATED CONSIDERATIONS. WE ARE NOW READY TO PROCEED WITH FULL PROGRAM TERMINATION.

2. UPON RECEIPT OF THIS MESSAGE, ALL AGENCIES TAKE ALL REQUIRED ACTIONS TO PERMANENTLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY RETIRE THE SR-71. REQUEST MAJCOMS COORDINATE ALL ACTIONS WITH THEIR COMMAND FMS IN IDENTIFYING ACTUAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS DEACTIVATION. ALL UNFUNDED REQUIREMENTS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO SAF/FMBO.

3. THIS IS AN AF/XOI AND SAF/AQI COORDINATED MESSAGE.