Construction of SR-71 (61-7965/Article 2016) began on 13 May 1965. Rollout took place on 17 February 1966. The aircraft made its first flight on 10 June 1966, piloted by Lockheed test pilots Bill Weaver and Kenneth E. Moeller. Following acceptance by the U.S. Air Force on 14 July 1966, the aircraft was assigned to the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California.