In 1968, 61-17974 was among the first three SR-71s sent to Kadena AFB, Japan, where it completed the highest number of operational sorties, or "habu" missions. As a tribute to its impressive performance, this aircraft was adorned with a unique paint scheme that included a large "1" with a habu snake coiled around it, and the words "ichi ban" (Japanese for number 1) representing its status as the top-performing Blackbird. This distinctive design was later applied to other SR-71s, however moniker "Ichi Ban," was always associated with 61-17974.