Aviation Icon Howie Franklin reflects on flying with Henry Kissinger during Cold War era

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Following the death of Henry Kissinger, Howie Franklin shares insights into his career, highlighting his experiences with policy maker during pivotal moments of the Cold War era.

Howie Franklin, a distinguished figure in aviation history, is the sole individual to consecutively serve five US presidents aboard Air Force One. He now lives in Brunswick County, working as the director of Cape Fear Regional Jetport.

Franklin vividly recalls his service under the aegis of Henry Kissinger, recounting significant episodes that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the time.

“I traveled with Kissinger during the Peace Accords with North Vietnam back and forth to Paris. I was with him when he opened up Red China to bring Nixon in. I was with him all during the shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East and Israel,” Franklin said.

From 1970 to 1976, Franklin flew alongside Kissinger on shuttle diplomacy missions. Despite the stress inherent in such assignments, Franklin emphasizes the unique personal qualities that set Kissinger apart.

“He was unique for the time and very special for the time. The biggest thing I could say is he was the greatest trainer we ever had. If you can work for Henry Kissinger and take the stress and take the pressure and do the job to where he thought you were doing it good, you can do anything,” Franklin asserts, shedding light on the demanding yet formative nature of his service.

For Franklin, the experience, though challenging, proved invaluable. Working under Kissinger’s exacting standards pushed him and his colleagues to achieve their very best because Kissinger expected the best.

“At the end of the mission, you were very lucky if he came back and said ‘you did good.’ However that was valuable!” Franklin reflects on the significance of Kissinger’s approval, illustrating the weight of acknowledgment in such elite circles.

Moreover, Franklin reveals a poignant compliment that stands out in his memory: “The biggest compliment I ever had — he said to me, ‘Howie, you treat me better than an old Jewish mother.’ I think that’s as good as you can get from a Jewish gentleman,” he chuckles, providing a glimpse into the personal dynamics that characterized his working relationship with Kissinger.

As Howie Franklin reflects on his remarkable career and experiences, his recollections provide a unique perspective on the intersection of aviation, diplomacy, and the personal touch that defined his encounters with political giants like Henry Kissinger.