Former U2 Pilot Col.(Ret.) Merryl Tengesdal Interview at NMUSAF 2020

Former U2 Pilot Col.(Ret.) Merryl Tengesdal Interview at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force March 2020.

Tengesdal (born 1971) is the first and only African American woman to fly the United States Air Force's U-2 reconnaissance aircraft which is used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. Once she completed her Navy obligation, she continued her military career by transferring over to the Air Force to fly the Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady at Beale Air Force Base in Northern California. Tengesdal was deployed to multiple locations in support of Operations OLIVE HARVEST, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and HORN OF AFRICA.

[phd]

Absolutely amazing. Great intellect, drive, life philosophy, motivation, and passion. This is an amazing and beautiful person.

[donalddepew]

My dad was a Skunks Works engineer who spent many years working on the U-2, even though he's not with us any more, he was extremely proud of what he was able to achieve, as well as all the wonderful people associated with the program. I'm sure that if he saw this video, he would be extremely overjoyed and very proud of you Colonel Tengesdal. Coming from an individual who others would say achieved the impossible each and every day, there is no such word as can't. I'm sure you know there are very many that are also very proud of you that you don't even know. You set an example for all of us to follow!

[derrickcancel]

I went 2 school with her and she is a great person from day one and I liked her mother so friendly hello merryl

[kittyhawk]

I got to meet her at the museum, she is one of the coolest people I've ever met!

[e.d.h]

Merryl and I are second cousins, and I grew up in the Bronx, NY as well. She's an only child who knew at age 6 or 7, she wanted to fly. Even though I'm ten years older, she continues to inspire me. I'm so proud of her.

[bulletsalad]

this lady seems awesome I would love to meet her I mean she flew a U2 for a living so right there in itself is so badass thank you for your service

[sudmudmud]

Most admired part of this talk is how she acknowledged her supporting team, tells a lot about her true self and character, love from Australia 🇦🇺

[trob]

Such an awesome personality, she must inspire so many people she interacts with on a daily basis! I’d be honored to meet her someday, Thanks from a USAF veteran!🇺🇸🇺🇸

[melanieferguson]

Colonel Tengesdal, way to go! Yes, she is a great example of how to live and achieve.

[henrycordes]

You are an awesome lady, the U-2 is an awesome plane as you are a a pilot. God Bless (CMsgt (ret) Henry C. Cordes Thank you for your service!
.

[Reos]

Under badass in the dictionary should be your picture Col. Merryl. Thank you for your service and for inspiring others to follow in your path.

[mailman]

Stumbled on Col...while featured on Smithsonian, Awesome Amer-I-Can!

[ghostwriter]

Hey, luv you for all you have done for the country, African Americans, females, and those who are the product of a single parent. Swap the order if you want, they all still hold merit!! As an African American male with a Doctorate Degree, I want to salute you!!! Thx!!! Just Amazing!!!

[EllBeeCUSoon]

I am proud of her! From one retired AF vet to another, Colonel Merryl, I salute you!!

[christopherfreeman]

I want to be a Pilot in the Air Force. She inspires me a lot.

[toddmartin]

I love this woman.. much respect to her achievements.. she’s a great inspiration to us all..

[opinionated_one]

I dont want to say well done from a Black man in the UK for striving far and acheiving so much for a Black woman, it just sounds so stereo typical. What I want to say is well done for a very high acheiving lady, more so a human being to reach your high goals, if you are finished that is, who knows. Sounds like you have so much more you woukd like to acheive in your voice althou you have done so dam much already.. So so dam ambitious that was great. I even watched the video 5 years ago of you becoming a U2 pilot, great watches... Thank you and loads of respect from the UK

[robbyowen]

Thank you for your service!  And for sharing your story with us!

[msaurora]

You are inspirational! I have goosebumps.

[matrixlevy]

Kudos lady, you are such an inspirational intrepid.