Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame

Declaration of Enshrinement

 November 10, 2016

Kenneth S. Collins, Sr.

In 1963, Captain Kenneth S. Collins, Sr. resigned from the US Air Force and contracted with the Central Intelligence Agency to fly the A-12 reconnaissance plane at Area 51. At Area 51, Collins played a significant role in developing the CIA’s stealth-designed Mach 3 aircraft into the highest flying and fastest manned, air breathing plane ever.

From Area 51, Collins rotated to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, where he flew reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam for the CIA. For his participation in Operation BLACK SHIELD missions, the Central Intelligence Agency awarded Collins the Intelligence Star for Valor. 

For his contributions to the national security of the United States while working in obscurity at Area 51 for the CIA in the development of the A-12 reconnaissance plane, Kenneth S. Collins, Sr. earned his place in the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame.

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Daniel K. Bubb, Director

Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame