Larry Mayer is not only an incredible photographer who captured the above photo of the Chinese spy balloon over Billings, Montana- he's also a pilot who has great connections and insight when it comes to aviation in Montana.
Located near the geographical center of Montana, the airbase included a top-secret storage facility for a new piece of technology called the Norden bombsight. This week, the former training center was added as an American WWII Heritage City by the National Park Service.
The USS Montana has several Montana specific symbols throughout the boat. Full audio of our chat with the USS Montana Commander, the Master Chief Petty Officer who serves as "Chief of the Boat" and a Petty Officer on the crew.