i was stationed in okinawa 1966 and 1967. i am interested in pics from the 60s and now. thanks

I have been reading all of the email and it gets you to thinking about all of the good times that I had and thinking if I ever got out thre wouldnt be anyway I would go back. After I WAS out for awhile I knew that was another time that I was to late smart. If there is anybody out there that was stationed at Ladd AFB. AK 59/61 OR 786TH AFS. ND. 61/63 and 780TH AFS. ND 62 I would like to say and if you would like write.

Hi all you scope dopes. It sure has been along time sence I have heard people talking about AC&W sites. 1953 after school was sent to Morocco,1955 sent to 768 AC&W in NM, left there in 1958 for Fire Is.AK, then to 3208th test Gp Eglin AFB where I was in on the Cuban missile mess in 1962.After that was sent to Langerkolph Germany (Berkinfeld took over after Langerkolph closed 1965). Was sent to 601 tcs later became a group.1967 was sent back to Eglin for Two years then back to Fire Is. Ak in Jan 69 and was there until the site closed April 69. I could not go to the lower so I was sent to that beautiful winter wonderland Sparrevohn, Ak and if you have ever been there you know what I`m talking about with that tramway from lower to upper camp. All the rec stuff was at lower camp, Scope dopes and mx were at upper camp,we always get the best.Then in Jan 1970 went the 609th tcs Cannon AFB, NM, 1972 was sent TDY to Vietnam a few had to take a bombing radar and teach the viet military how to use it. Dec 1972 I saw the last Bob Hope show in Vietnam and two days latter flew back to New Mexico where I retired in 1974. Then went to work for the ATSF Ry Co and retired from that in 2000.By the way the 768th AC&W Sq holds a reunion every two years, they had one in 2004 and the next one will be 2006.I thank they have a web site Morority AFS. Pray for all our service men and women. God Bless.

After Keesler AFB was stationed at 931st ACWSQ `P Mt.` located at Thule, Greenland between Mar 58 - Feb 59. In this period,the base fighter squadron converted from Northrup F89 `Scorpion` to the super sonic Convair F102, `Delt Dagger`; the BEMEWS Missle tracking was being installed; Ice Island, a weather station, was breaking up and evacuation was underway; I took artic survival with a KC97 group. My last assignment was with the 682nd ACWSQ know as Almaden AFS overlooking So.San Francisco,San Jose and Santa Cruz, CA. While there, the construction of a 6 story SAGE building was in progress. Our call sign was `Candlepower`. Our sight brought in the first 707 into SFX and turned it over to GCA. Hamilton AFB was HQ for the 28th Air Division. Not sure what year the ACW SQ was closed and replaced by Moffet Field Early Warning. Did revisit the 931st in 1982. Everything was the same, the paint just faded and now it was abandoned except for one caretaker. Sad.

Anyone know where I can locate Larry Osmus (sp) ,stationed in Kirksville Mo.,1961,62,63. His wife`s name was Judy. May have been stationed in Florida . He was a security police .

Searching for DAVID OWEN SMITH, SITE#:44 15 AC&W Squadron RCAF Station: MOOSONEE ONTARIO CANADA, LATE 60`S-EARLY 70`S. RADAR TECH. POSSIBLY STATIONED IN ALBERTA, VICTORIA BRITISH COLUMBIA. EMAIL TO: leegitch_woman@hotmail.com Thank you. Best Regards.

Great site! A friend, John (Dennis)Ferlaak sent me the link and I`m grateful. Super photo of Cottonwood AFS, Idaho`s FPS-24, which I was a crew chief on. At the time of the photo, Nov 64, I had just been discharged as an E4, and was very glad to be back in civvies. I spent the final year and a half of my hitch at Cottonwood after transferring from Ft Lawton, Seattle WA, when that site shut down. In Seattle I worked on FPS-6s, but that system is not on your list of equipment. You show the CPS-6, which I don`t know, apparently, and which according to your list was a combi seaarch and heightfinder. I have a couple photos of Ft Lawton which i might be able to dredge up, but I remember it as the 622 RADRON. When I entered 622 in your Navigate AC&W section it didn`t show anything. Am I remembering correctly? I may even have some old orders ratholed away somewhere. Guess I`ll have to check. POGH.

I found the FPS-6 in your table...was not familiar with the alpha sorting pattern. However, I have been unable to find the unit roster to sign in. Any ideas? When I arrived (fresh from Keesler) at Ft Lawton AFS, Seattle, WA in Jan 62 the site had a search that was FAA operated, two FPS-6s without radomes that were US Army Nike missile support, and two FPS-6s in radomes that were USAF SAGE feeders. (Hey, the USAF did it right with the radomes, even though Seattle weather could be termed relatively benign compared to most other places in our business.) Later, we got an FPS-26, which I became an instructor on. Incredible interlock system, as I recall. The USAF part of Ft Lawton was deactivated in mid-63. I had been TDY to McChord for a two-week transistor course, and when I returned I didn`t have a site to call home anymore. SO they sent me to Cottonwood for the last of my hitch. Keesler was the pits - could not imagine a worse place on the planet...incredibly chicken-sh**...but I was sure rewarded for my long suffering by two great postings: Ft Lawton and Cottonwood. What beautiful country, and I will forever be a pacific northwesterner. POGH.

If your interested in 25th AD sites, Wayne, you may want to check out the 759th AC&W (P-57) site at Naselle, Washington. Naselle is right acrossed the river from Astoria, OR, and about 10 miles east of the Long Beach Peninsula. It was a great site back in 56-57 when I was stationed there.

Searching for tech reps or USAF personnel who served at Ft. Greely Donnelly Flats Midas ground station (North Pacific Station) between 1961 and 1967. Looking for photos, info on life at the station, operations, stories, etc., for historical report. Contact Kathy Price, cultural resources specialist, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska contractor (CEMML), at kathy.price1@us.army.mil or (907) 353-9197. If possible, please respond by 30 April 2005. Thank you!

AC&W OPER. @ the 744th murphy dome from 1967 1968 .....1965 to 1967 at SAGE center MONTANA. LOOKING FOR CHIEF MASTER SGT JENKINS WHO WENT ON TO BE CHIEF TO CINC ALASKA.....MY LAST TOUR WAS WITH THE 99th AT WESTOVER 1968. RPHY`S DOME WHO WENT ON TO BE CHIEF FOR CINC ALASKA.

Subject: I: Elvis Presley 1954-1955 Dear Sirs, My name is Fabris G.Luca,38 years old. I`m an Elvis Presley researcher expecially on the early days. All these researches are in relation to a book/CD project for the Elvis fan club network. It`s a 3/4 CD 200 pages book about Elvis stay at SUN records done by Ernst Jorgensen(BMG chief on Elvis music catalogue) which I`m now helping detailing the period from July of 1954 through the end of 1955. The book will consist of more than 400 early photos - half of them previously unpublished. It`s not an attempt of once again write the story of Elvis Presley, but more a collection of information, photos, memorabilia and stories shared by fans who where there at the time. The book will not deal in gossip or other unpleasant material it`s all about the innocence of the time and the impact of Elvis` music. We are trying to document every single show Elvis did, and we have come fairly close. So I`m looking for photos,recordings from Louisiana Hayride or Opry,or any live radio gig or interview .... ANYTHING IS WELCOME FROM THE 50s!! The main reason I`m writing you,anyway,is I`m doing researches on 16` AFRTS discs produced on Saturday Night Country Style (Ref END 536) and Louisiana Hayride (Ref END 658). We know for sure many were produced (more than 969 on Hayride)- as I did many researches in Washington DC at Library of Congress recently - but I`d like to know,if you`ve lists of songs or broadcasts,if you`ve tapes or metal stampers in your archives.Anything is welcome. I sent some requests in Los Angeles to production plants and hope to receive an answer very soon. And I located some of these discs at the Library of Congress and listened to them but no Elvis songs were on them...As they were from 1957....And we mainly need discs from 1954-1955 and 1956 (early till March). I have some lists of bases where AFRTS Los Angeles sent the discs but I`d really appreciate your help. Another interesting info would be to have connections to DJ working in those radios overseas or in the Navy who got also copies of those discs..... Have you early Elvis unreleased material in your archives ? Have you ever come across people owning early Elvis gigs recordings or photos? Looking also info on Elvis appearance at Keesler base June and November 1955 at Coral Room Airman club. A Sgt Zoeller was also serving there at the time and owns some photos...Trying to locate also this man..... Write soon I hope this is not too much of an intrusion. Sincerely yours Fabris G.Luca Elvis Fan Club of Italy Researcher

March 1960 through Jun 1980. Melville AFS, Labrador Arlington Heights, Illinois Charleston AFS, Maine King Salmon AFS, Alaska Charleston AFS, Maine Retired to New Hamshire

30372-Radar Main Type assiend 798th Radrao, Belevo;;e.ll, 641st AC&W Sq, Mellelville AFS, Labrador; and T30372, 3380th Keesler AFB, w/TDY Instructor 4AST30372, Det 6, 8, and 10, 619th Tacticasl Contro Sq (TCS); Det 8, 621st TCS. Am interested in history of radar site, Mt. Hebo, OR. Was assigned Hq, 4700th Air Defense Wing 1960-1962. I `closed` Colville, Wash. Live in Oregon and am interested in 25th Air Divison AC&W Sites. Thanks Wayne

I was stationed a Bucks Harbor AFS Maine from Jan 61-Jan 63 was in radar ops in 63 was transfered to HqWads @ Ft Lee Va. was their till March 64 with about 4 mouths tdy to Thule Greenland was E-4 when I got out.

I noticed that the red, white and blue patch for the Northeast Air Defense Sector at Griffiss AFB is the same as the patch for the New York Air Defense Sector (DC-1) at McGuire AFB. Did they pick up NYADS responsibility when NYADS closed along with the patch? Anyone have any words of wisdom on this?

Was stationed at Cape Lisburne in 1974 & 75.NCOIC Power Plant. Looking for any of the folks that was there during that time frame.

Loved your `stories` and other link efforts. With your permission, I`d like to include the URL addys for some of your work including this Air Defense Radar Museum Link in my homepage: http://homepage.mac.com/mgnewman/KenLat/ and also give mention in tomorrow`s daily THIS AND THAT column I write each day I`m NOT on vacation. I split my military career between the USAF and US Army. While in the USAF, I was assigned to duties with the F-86D Radar Shop (Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan), and then to Air Research and Development Command duty at Eglin and Holloman testing pre production equipment on the F-101B, F-102, F-106 aircraft and then was assigned to Air Defense Command again at Bunker Hill AFB IN and Dover AFB DE (F-106 and F-101B Squadrons.) So I saw the opposite end of the Air Defense Spectrum as you perhaps. Then in the Army, I was assigned as Instructor for the AN/APS-94 Airborne Surveillance Radar School at Ft. Huachuca AZ, then attended Satcom School at Ft. Monmouth and factory school at Hughes Aircraft in Fullerton CA, then was assigned as an installer/maintanance troop for the MSC-46 Satellite Communications Stations at Clark AB, PI and Ft. Buckner Okinawa (two tours) and the TSC-54 Satcom Station at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airbase, Thailand. Also spent short tours working Sobe Receiver site in Oki, microwave site at Awase, Okinawa, and was assigned as Station Chief of the microwave station at Sriracha Thailand. Spent two tours of duty with White House Comm, at DCAOC, Wash DC to round out a great 20+ year military career. Ken Bower SFC, USA, Ret.

Sold! The former Cambria AFS, CA (Z-2) has been sold, according to information at http://www.jackposemsky.com/. This web page also has some very good recent photographs of this old radar station. The asking price was $3,600,000 ... but there is no mention of the actual selling price. -- Tom

Update on the sale of the former Cambria AFS, CA, via e-mail on this date from the real-estate agent, Mr. Jack Posemsky: `The base sold 1/13/05 for $2,000,000 cash. The new owner is Big Cats LLC, Bernd Schaefers. Intent...not clear at this writing but combination primary residence/retreat for artists and classes for the arts. There`s much work to do before these uses can occur. Please call me if you need other details of the sale/buyer. Nice website. Jack Posemsky Real Estate 805-927-4777`

Re Rod Forbess`s comments about airborne radar, we do have a small amount of information (and a number of links to other web sites) from our menu on the left. Click on ``AEW&Con`` and then scroll down. -- Tom

For sale on eBay -- again -- ex-military 40-acre Radar Base with numerous buildings (the former Gettysburg AFS, SD), eBay item number: 4354579146. Only $100,000.00! See http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1607&item=4354579146&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW (photos are included). For more information: phone 605-374-5444 or 374-5565; email jrosenau@sdplains.com; web site http://www.rosenauenterprises.com (``Miscellaneous``). Appears to be a bit of a fixer-upper. Note that an active FAA radar facility still operates within the property (not part of the sale). Who among us can afford to pass up such a sweet deal?! :-)

Re Rey Schmidt`s comments about BOMARC interceptor missiles in Canada -- in addition to the North Bay missile site, Canada had a second BOMARC missile facility at La Macaza, Quebec. Photos, past and present, may be found at http://www.pinetreeline.org/misc/misc21.html/. Thanks, Rey, for the comments. -- Tom

I was at Kessler in 74-75 and remember the story of the incident was still around, and had grown some. Later I was at 764th radar in St Albans,VT 75-77, then at 689th radar in Mt. Hebo OR 77-78. I was a GATAR troop (30454), and was also a Aux firefighter at both stations. THANKS for the chance to remember Mike

Was stationed at Det 1 728ACW Sq,Ft Bragg,NC, 727@Myrtle Bch,SC,Fire Island,Alaska,Ft Lee Va, Viet Nam, GuthrieAFS,W.Va,Houma,La.,RamsteinAFB,Germany,Kinsbach Germany,all as a 27350/27670.

Enjoyed your website. I`m curious as to why there`s nothing about airborn radar? My first assignment was as radar operator aboard the EC-121D at McClellan AFB, Sacramento, CA and Itizuke, Japan. I have almost 2000 hours of flying time. I then spent a year at Udorn, Thailand (1970-1971)as a radar operator at Brigham (621st) and then my last assignment was at Cambria, CA. Thanks for an interesting browsing experience. I will serously consider becoming a member. Rod Forbess

I was stationed at Truax Field,Wisconsin from 4/66 to 7/67...At first,I was assigned to the 327th Combat Support Squadron,then later to the 4631st Air Base Squadron..I was in the Traffic Management Section,Shipping and Receiving and a Air Police Augmentee..had many good friends at Truax..

I was stationed twice at 756 Radar Squadron, Finland Mn. The first time was from 1965 thru 1967. During that time frame we had some horrific weather. During the winter of 65-66, I was scheduled to be off a week-end and was ready to leave base on a Friday - weather turned nasty and the guy scheduled for NCOD could not get to base and so I was drafted for the duty. That night to check the barracks out and the dining hall, we were walking over the top of the 10 ft high steam heating pipes that ran around the site - first floors of buildings were completely buried in snow - dining hall roof was even covered over. Across the main road on site was a 27 ft drift that was highly packed from extreme winds and blowing snow. In order to get rid of it they used catipillars to grade it just like you were working with dirt. Cars parked in the parking areas were completely buried, not even the antennas were visible, digging them out was a touchy job - one by one they were dug out, then towed up to the motor pool and thawed out - under the hood was one huge solid hunk of snow. That same winter the site`s main road was completely blocked and we were isolated for over a week and made national news, we were in no danger, plenty of food and all that. We also had extreme cold during that time frame, we had an unofficial temp on site one morning of 71 degrees below. Naturally no ones car started - except one - my direct supvervisor Ed Buckles had a VW bug and he got the thing started. He had a cute sense of humor and would drive around the site waving at everyone to rub it in. That same winter there was a fire in the housing area - relocatable units - started from dust in an electrical outlet behind the refrig unit. Anyway, we fell out to fight the fire in the late evening hours, it was somewhat more than 30 below zero. The hoses froze solid very shortly even with the water flowing and we simply watched as the unit burned down. Behind the row of barracks and adjacent to the rear parking area was a building devoted to the sport of Curling. Many of the Canadien sites would send teams down to play our guys and one year a tournament was held at Finland - during that time frame, people were bedding down all over the site, all TV lounges were loaded with sleeping people and even the hallways were sometimes pressed into service. It was a good morale booster and fondly remembered by many. When I went back to the site for my second tour there in 1975 - the curling rink building was gone. When I inquired as to what happened, I was informed that someone had requested a formal work order to do some repairs. When checking AF and ADC figured out that no such building appeared on the actual layout of the site. It turned out that innovative GI`s had built the builing on the side to boost morale. That place has many present memories- was stationed there almost a total of eight years and still converse with many that were assinged there. It is the only site I know of that had a hip roof on the GATR building - long story to that little tidbit.

i am looking to find out more information about the Finland MN air base for an interpetive book about the superior hiking trail. the air base is seen from many vantage points along the trail, so would like to create a section of information. anyone that can help, please contact me!

Major,USAF(Ret);-@26AD(D)Roslyn,NY=COC Duty Ofcr,6/52-4/55;@773ACWS= Opns Ofcr & Acting CO, 04/55-12/55;-resident of Seaville 7/85-pres;- Member & ex-trustee of The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township NJ Inc.(see web site @ http://hpsout.tripod.com);- consulting on history of Palermo AFS & 26th ADiv(D)-- This is a great website!!!ReyS

My email #2 this date --- In addition, I retired from the 26th Air Div (Sage) as its first Missile Operations Officer. We had BOMARCs at Suffolk,McGuire,Langley;--the 30AD had BOMARCs at Kinchelo and Duluth;--32AD had BOMARCs at Dow,Otis, and Niagara. Canada had their site at North Bay. SAGE had control (with handovers) of all of the above nuke-tipped missiles!

Was in AC&W and Airborne Radar since 1954

There were two types of Ram Tactics as I remember, a Rudder pass, and an Aileron pass. Both were supposed to allow the aircrew to escape after the deed was done. I never saw them practiced, but the old heads used to talk about them, and they were an intimate part of the war stories I heard. In fact I saw them listed in an old tactics manual when I was a shiny new 2LT. The old `Rocket Beam` attack that the 102 and F-89 practiced was pretty close to ram tactics.

692nd Radron, Baudette, MN

Hey Guys, anyone out there from 718th at Unalkleet? 68-69 but any year id okay, I guess One Ak winter is about the same at all the rest, Liked your site, nice job.

Now on e-bay, unconnected with me in any way, a vintage radar book, described thusly (edited): “I obtained this book from the daughter of the man who created it for Chrysler Corporation dealing with the development and history of military radar, `The Great Detective.” The man who assembled and printed the material is “Jackson” and his sticker is inside the front cover. I don`t know how many copies were made totally, but it was created for executive leaders of Chrysler Motors in Detroit immediately after the end of World War II when the information was declassified. The book is small (5 by 8 inches, 99 pages, lavishly illustrated) but heavy because it`s printed on heavy paper and has a hard cover. Still, it`s light enough that I can ship it priority mail. Throughout the book it describes and details the development of radar for use by the military. There are at least 60 illustrations, black and white and color printed on heavy stock. You may never see another copy of this book so if you`re interested don`t hang back. I only have one copy.”

Re: Gary Jacobs` note below on the rare book. Radomes has laid a modest bid on this. It looks to be historically significant, even if the illustrations on the eBay page look mostly like SCR-248 (or something like this).

I am trying to find any information, photographs or personnel who served at Claysburg Air Force Station, Penna., with the 772nd AC&W Squadron. I hope to compile a historical record of this installation. Thanks for any help which anyone may provide.

I spent just over ten years in operations before retraining as a computer maintenance technician (305). My first assignment following Keesler was with the 660th AC&W at MacDill from Feb 57 to Nov 58; then H-4, 934th AC&W, Straumnes, Iceland from Nov 58 to Nov 59; then back to MacDill from Nov 59 to Sep 61; then the 965th AEW&C at McClellan AFB from Sep 61 to Feb 65; then Det 4, 623rd AC&W, Okino Erabu Shima, Japan from Feb 65 to Feb 66: and finally to the 703rd AC&W at Texarkana AFS from Feb 66 until May 67 when I left the 273 career field. Regarding the B-52 shoot-down, I recall the incident and the understandable flap it caused. I wonder how many of you remember filling out those damnable UFO reports that were so common in the late `50s--at least in Florida. And one final one for you ex-Weapons Controllers and ICTs: Do any of you recall that the then Rules of Engagement called for ramming as a final tactic?

John Tianen: The spring `62 story about the working ladies IS the absolute truth. I was in radar maintenance sets(class 26071) with this guy. He drove a candy apple red/burgundy (called it maroon back then) 57 Corvette. He was from Texas, Dallas I think, and apparently came from money. But lord help me, I do remember the business arrangements, being a member of the 3385th, and all. There were two (2) barracks of radar maintenance in this otherwise Air Traffic Control Sq. Can`t remember the guy`s name, but he was a fairly big, loud, blonde haired guy. After 43 years, it`s amazing my mind can still be jogged.

Good to read all of the postings again. Spent 2 and 1/2 years as a `scope dope` at 759th AC&W in Naselle Washington from February `64 until it was closed down in April `66. Recently received an e-mail from kenneth Leoutsacos, but when I replied, mail did not go through. Kenneth, if you would, send another one and tell me where you have posted those photos you said you had. I found several on one site, and boy, did the place look abandoned!

Stationed at Fortuna AFS ( 780 RADS)in 73-74 at GATR site--Still have fond memories of the FPS-35 rotating in the prarie winds at main site-Used to drive to Minot for a decent burger (120 miles) Stopped by Fortuna in 1993 and the site was a complete mess--USAF closed it in mid 80s and vandals have taken major toll on remaining bldgs.--Very aad to see!! Anyone have a list of all the Radar sites in Conus??--(BTW, The site in Osceola,Wisc is now a church camp---) Thanks for the memories !! rjj-St.Paul,MN

I would like to invite all former members of the 794th AC&W squadron at Cape Newengham to check out an join our site. www.msnusers.com/capenewenham Everyone is welcome to look at all the pictures. Thanks, Hugh

In regards to the `March on Biloxi` I was there as part of the 3392 SS from late 56 thru early 57 in 393x2 school. There was a big problem between the locals & the GI`sat that time. A couple of Airman were beaten rather badly. Word was that there was going to be a `PAY BACK` carried out on those involved. Word got out about it and BRASS made it very clear that it should not happen Right. I remember on a friday night that it was suppose to take place all the Gates were closed and all cars leaving the base were search for weapons . Ball bats etc. Any large groups were detained -split up ,etc. ( Did a lot of good.) Any way, it happened and the local Police chased two car loads of Airman back to the main gate. The AP`s opened the gate for the Airman but closed it for the Police. Locals were made as hell and it didn`t due much for everyone stations there either. There were several incidents over the next few weeks and for all intent and purposes it was not real safe to go into town. The Base Commander and the City fathers could not resolve the issue so the Base Commander but the town off limits. That lasted for about 2-3 weeks I believe. Once the impact of the Base spending hit the local merchants, they put the heat on the town fathers,etc. I guess they all came crawling on hands & knees and pleaded to have the restriction lifted

Great Site 1954 RADES 932 ACWs Iceland

Back again `bout the `march on Biloxi`. I arrived Keesler end of Oct `60, just pior to Jack Armstrong. Also, had TDY early in `63. An incident, similar in nature, occurred during my original tour. Probably, over the years, there were more similar incidents similar in nature. Were we angels?... To add, there was a drug raid (by the FBI) in Oct `61 at one of the squadrons in the Triangle. That squadron was broken-up, with 3/4 of the residents being reassigned (for stabilization) to 3 other squadrons, with the 3394th being one of the recipients. My understanding was that the FBI had agents go through basic training at Lackland, being assigned as per the normal procedure as the rest of us. Likewise, I believe the Base Commander was kept in the dark until the raid was made.

Ref: my FACT or Fiction msg 2/5/05: F86 shooting down B52. After some addtional searching I found out what occured and when: An incident occurred on April 7, 1961 when a B-52B (53-0380), out of Biggs AFB, TX, was shot down by an F-100A (53-1662) of the 188th TFS, New Mexico ANG. The B-52 was shot down over New Mexico and the wreckage fell to earth on Mount Taylor. There were eight airmen aboard the B-52 and five survived. The incident occurred while conducting practice intercepts. The Board of Investigation found that a tiny amount of moisture had seeped into a cracked plug in the missile’s firing circuit and although it had subsequently malfunctioned, it had somehow allowed the firing signal to pass to a second missile. This incident caused the inadvertent launching of an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile during the exercise. It was a common practice for fighters to make use of the B-52 for practice intercepts. Also found out the controlling agency was my own radar site, West Mesa AFS, NMex, which I had just left 2 months before this incident.

It`s been a long time - since spending my winters as a `bubble beater` at Limestone ( 1958-1960 ).

I have a msg dated 3-11-04 with my OLD e-mail I have since changed e-mail address. donandfran@knology.net I have some new pictures of 915th AC&W Sqdn Sioux Lookout on the Pinetree Line Site taken Aug 18, 2004. In 2003 I got permission to go on base to take pictures and they are also on the Pinetree Site. I got a set (8) Curling Rocks that were used on base. The Curling Rink was falling in in the middle, but I could not see it when I flew over to take pictures. Hope everone has a Very Happy New Year even if I am late telling you. Write when you find time and if you remember me. Thanks Best Regards Don

Station Aug 1965 to Aug1966

The `March on Biloxi` comments brought to mind a more bawdy incident that happened in the Spring of `62 with the 3383rd squadron. One of the troops met up with three `working girls` in a local bar. He told them that he could tap into a nearly unlimited customer base for them on the base. I have to admit, this guy had balls. He brought the three hookers on base in their brand new red `62 Pontiac convertible. He brought them through the barracks and announced that the girls would be taking on all comers (no pun intended) on the local beach. You can imagine the uproar this caused when those babes strolled into the day room and all the guys were hanging around in their shorts and tee shirts. Our entrepreneur and some of his buddies set up a shuttle and ran the customers back and forth to the beach. One incident sticks in my mind. We had one African-American airman who wanted to take advantage of the deal. The hookers were reluctant to do it. Remember, this was Mississippi in the early 60`s when a black man could get shot for just looking at a white woman. Negotiations went on and a price was finally agreed upon. He paid 2 1/2 times the going rate but afterward he said it was worth it because he could now go back to Detroit and tell his buddies he had had a white woman in Mississippi. The shuttle went on for a few weeks and I`m sure lots of money was made. The guy who did the pimping was a real Sgt. Bilko type. It was rumored that he came from a wealthy Texas family. He drove around in a late model Corvette back when an A/3c was making about 100 bucks a month. To my knowledge, he was never caught or disciplined. This is a true story, so help me.

Got to Keesler AFB December, 1962, right out of basic at Lackland and stayed as permanent party until April 1964, and then onto Galena AFS/Campion AFS, Alaska. March on Biloxi happened earlier in 1962, and several of the troops who were involved were permanent party and members of the 3400th, as I was. By 1963 the incident had fairly well blown over, and many of the permanent party guys were dating local girls without any problems. Anyone remember Harrison County Sheriff Dideaux? Pronounced `DEE-doh`, I met him late one night at a gas station on Hwy 98. Me and a bunch of guys took my recently acquired blue 55 Chevy 2-door on an initial cruise down the strip. Seems a similarly-colored 55 Chevy had been reported stolen, and suddenly there were 4 or 5 cruisers, lights flashing and sirens blaring, surroundng my Chevy! I pulled over, my buddies and I got out, and all of these very classic `fat-bellied sheriff deputies` got out, guns drawn! The oldest dude, Sheriff Dideaux, said, `Were you get this car, BOY?` I told him I had just bought it from a departing airman, and I produced the paperwork. The sheriff`s posse seemed OK with that, but then Dideaux said, `Well Boy, I`ll let you go, but you get that there car down to city hall and you get some tags! You understand me? `Yessir!`, I responded. Then Sheriff Dideaux looked around at his group of deputies and assorted cops from Biloxi and one State Trooper, and he said, `That means TOMORROW! Got it? And then as if on cue, every one of the other cops, in turn, looked at us and said, `Yeah!...TOMORROW!!. I was CLASSIC small town deep south, early 60`s! And yeah, I registered it the next day!

The March On Biloxi had to have happened before I got there on Thanksgiving Day 1960 because it was passed around as a recent occurence. So I believe Bob Winchester`s date was when it occured not 1962.

REF; John Rosso;; John I can`t say about the B-52 going down ,but controlling F86 against Civil jets are a fact. In 1959 while station at the 799(Joelton AFS TN)I was controlling a civil air liner throuhg our area and released him to Oakhill Site North of us At fort Knox. about 5 mins latter a A/C called stargazer and found they were a FLT of 3 F-86`s. they asked for a tgt to check thir weapons so I gave them a stap vector to the civil jet, confirmed they were not hot and to maintain 3mi clearance. All called judy ,and they stayed about 3mins on tgt, the civil jet never knew they were back there.To this day I never told any one and it was the last time .

Regarding intercepts of civil aircraft - While at Murphy Dome (AK) 1964 - We had 4 F-102s scrambled to intercept a Japan Airlines DC-8 enroute from Denmark/Netherlands to Tokyo - He entered US airspace 100 miles off-course - The aircraft was escorted until he was on the ground at Anchorage. Numerous Russian bogies were intercepted as well. I know of at least 1 KC-135 being chased by a Soviet Bear.

Still Looking for buddies stationed at Tatalina (717th) Alaska. from 1954 to 1955. Only person that I ever found was Chuck Sunder and he was at Sparrevohn ,when I was there,or should say near him. Still looking. Love this site tho and thanks!

Referencing Bob Winchester`s entry regarding the `infamous `March on Biloxi`` - I have faint recollections of the incident. I was in the 3394th at the time and had no connection with the event. However, if memory serves, Biloxi was placed `off-limits` (except for those who were billeted in Biloxi). The mayor was so concerned by the situation (lost revenue), that he met with the Base Commander to get the order lifted. On another matter, do any of you remember the incident which occurred when the reviewing officer failed to show on-time for the midnight review of the troops (C-shift)? When he finally showed, the students marched across the flightline - failing to give the eyes-left salute. He attempted to stop the formation which failed. Later that night, members of C-shift stole the (wooden) reviewing stand and placed it on highway 90. The result was the sinking of the concrete steps, from a Main Base barracks, at the location of the former reviewing stand. (A little harder to remove)

For Walt Miller....where HAVE they gone, Walt? Hell, it`s only been 50 years. I`ve found one guy I know from 1955 Sparrevohn...Glen Sizemore, who worked in the Comm Center with me. It`s funny how these remote places in the middle of nowhere have stuck in our memories. This website certainly has been instrumental in providing us a forum to share thoughts with each other.

I have been at 13AF ADCC at Clark PI, 903 Radar Sq. Gettysburg SD,731 Radar Sq WY. 676 Radar Sq. Antigo WI, 620TCS DetII Pleiku, Viet Nam 24 Air Division Malmstrom AFB, MT Clear AFS Alaska, NORAD Alternate Command Post Malmstrom AFB, Cape Newingham AFS Alaska. That was my last except three months at Wright Patterson Hospital waiting for Medical discaharge. 1963 - 1975

Re-reading my earlier post, I failed to make clear that I was more than an innocent bystander to the March on Biloxi....I was a member of the squardon, a number of whom made the march. I did not actually participate in the march, but I did help whip up the emotions by shouting encouragement as the troops assembled on the basketball court. (Incidently, marchers all wore USAF issue leather gloves, believing that made them appear tougher!) When the staggering, leather-gloved formation began making its way to the front gate, I and a couple of my fellow revelers determined to go to bed. However, when the few sobber barrack residents who did not attend the party objected, we merely proceeded to unscrewing every light in the open bay barrack from its socket and smashed it on the floor. That was such fun that we pushed onto the floor every mattress off every bunk on both floors - except ours, which we immediately fell into for blistful sleep. Despite my now publicly confessed participation in the infamous March on Biloxi, I have since conducted myself in such a manner as to avoid imprisionment - though I must say that six months in Biloxi came very close to putting me on the other path!

Hi fellow radar folks. I was stationed at the 772nd Radar Sq, Gibbsboro AFS, NJ from Jun 1968 to Oct 1969. I worked in the communications center. I am working on a little write up about my time there that I will send out to the Yahoo list later on. I also have quite a few pictures that I hope to upload later. Brian

I was assigned to the 965th (1957-1958) and 1964th (1961-1967) I was one of `Figeroid`s Hemorrhoids` on Gold Digger and two deployments of Big Eye. Enjoyed many good times and a few hellish ones. Love to hear from anyone who was there. Oh, Yeah. I was a scope dope.

Fact or Fiction: I seem to recall hearing of an incident that occured either in Arizona or in the New Mexico area between 1956-1960 about one of our National Guard F86`s accidently shooting down a B52. Seems they were practicing intercepting various targets in their area and this pilot accidently fired a missle which hit the B52 and all of the crew bailed out. In addition it was learned later that they also ran intercepts against civilian airliners. Does anyone have knowlege of this? Can anyone recall hearing anything like this occuring?

I really enjoyed this site. It brought back a lot of great memories. My father was stationed here in 1969-1971. It was the best years of my life. In memory of my father, TSgt John D. Ross.

WAs station at Joelton afs Tn and looking for any one that was station there.

Mt Hebo- 689th, 1962 to 64 & Hopedale, Labrador-923rd, 1965 Been reading the Quest Book and decided to contribute. I was a radar operator and worked many part time jobs on both sites. David Casteel, how in the world can you remember all those great life experiences? As I read stories of others it jogs my memory. Major Tony Boyles, I believe you were at Hopedale when I was there. Others I have ran across are; Jerry O`conner, Duane Solley, Jerry Gillian and John Malloy. At Mt Hebo I was Librarian, Helped Joel Crawford show movies. As David Casteel has mentioned, there was high winds, deep snow and in the summer lots of rain. I traveled much up and down the coast and bet its changed a lot in 40 year. I`ll throw out some names and places if anyone is interested. First Mt Hebo- Tillamook and the blimp hanger, the cheese factory, golf course, the salt and pepper room, the dory boats, walking the beaches, Haystack Rock, The winds that destroyed the huge dome, and then their was the beautiful sunsets and the huge snow covered mountain tops. At Hopedale I was libratian, bartender and bookkeeper for the Officers Club. I remember; Giving the `longtimers` a bad time, playing chess with Solley, being with Gillean at the Ham Radio Station, the Airman`s club, the village with the Morovian Mission,the eskimos(enuits), the enuit school, the children coming out to get candy, the helicopter, mail, Goose Bay. What growing up we did and did I ever learn to appreciate all the things I had previously taken for granted. If someone would have told me that in time I would relish and enjoy the memories I would have thought he was crazy. Would enjoy hearing from anyone from these two sites, Bob Metcalf, bob817@tds.net

I was stationed at Benton for 18 mo. 1957 and 1958. I was a ground radio repairman. Shipped to Yakota Air Base Japan and served one year there. Sreved 7 mo. at Osan Air Base, Korea before being discharged in June 1960. Glad I had the experience.

My frist active duty station was 701st AC&W Sq at Fort Fisher AFS, NC in 1957.

`Thanks for the memories!`...Enlisted in USAF 6/60...got to Keesler for SAGE training that fall...did any of you actually participate in the infamous `March on Biloxi`? The incident remained legend for years. I was there and can attest that a squadron of very drunk airmen marched right out the front gate of Keesler with the intent of extracting revenge on civilians who had savagely beaten a fellow airman because he had the gall to date a local girl, taking her to a high school football game. (There had been a squadron sactioned party at the Naval Reserve Park earlier in the day where nearly everyone, including the squadron commander, drank themselves into a beligerent, angry mob.) Before the squad got to town, they were met by a line of sheriff deputies. A bus or two from Keesler was dispatched to collet the disorderly airmen. Needless to say, all hell broke loose the next day when the squadron commander and his entire staff, as well as ordinary squadron members were dressed down by a group of very unhappy superior officers. I went on to serve 3 1/2 years at NYADS, McGuire AFB, NJ. Ended by service as Height Supervisor, working on the top floor. Would be great to hear from anyone who served at Keesler or McGuire during the early 60`s.

Good Evening All The Memberships link mentioned above this screen won`t let me do a thing, even though I am a PayPal member. Therefore I will provide this offering as an initial effort to introduce myself and establish communication with anyone who may be interested. I trained into 30332 from Aug 1960 through Jul 61 at Keesler and then was assigned to 784th AC&WRON (Later RADRON), Snow Mtn AFS Ky, Aug 61 - Jun 64. Discharged June 64 and re-entered AD Nov 64. Assigned to Phoenix Air Defense Sector (Sector Maintenance Control) until Oct 65 when I went on 30 day leave for the arrival of my first-born. To Det 4, 619th TCS (later 620/621) at Udorn Thailand 2 Dec 65 until 4 Aug 66. Next was 649th RADRON at Bedford AFS VA until Feb 69. Then off to 645th RADRON at Patrick AFB Fl until I crosstrained out of Radar into Computer Programming in 1971. Spent my first assignment as a programmer at SAC HQ Jul 71 - Dec 73. At Offutt, I completed my college degree and was accepted for the Bootstrap Commisioning Program in 1973. Graduated OTS 2 April 1974 and spent the entire commisioned period at Scott AFB IL and Rhein-Main AB Germany. Retired from AD 1 May 1984. Became a contractor working for USAF (AMC) at Scott until retiring in Dec 2004. I have seen very few references to any of the locations I served while in radar. If you`re out there, let me hear from you. Bob Davis rbdavis1@charter.net 618-581-6441 (cell)

At 609th Eufaula Al 1965/66 at 626th Fire Is Alaska 1966/67 At 666th Mil Valley CA 1967/68

Interesting site to visit -- it brought back a lot of memories I thought were long gone. I started my USAF service as a Weapons Director at the 21st Air Div RCC at Hancock Field, NY in 1977. I then went to the 744th ACWS at Murphy Dome AFS, AK as a crew Senior Director. From there I was assigned to the 748th ACWS at Kotzebue AFS, AK, where I served as the Ops Officer. Kotz was my last assignment in air defense radar, but probably the most memorable. I learned lots about human nature, good and bad, there. Oddly enough, it was hard to leave when my DEROS came up. I`ll trade `war stories` with anyone once assigned to the same places as me.

As a young lieutenant, after training at Tyndall AFB in Florida Aug-Oct 1957, I was assigned to the 615th AC&W Squadron, stationed at Prum, Germany, from Nov. 26, 1957, to August 21, 1960. I live at 4125 Normandy Ave., Dallas, Texas 75205, where my telephone number is 214-520-6522. My e-mail is jnelms@mac.com.

From 1961-1965 I was in the USAF and was an AC&W 273 type. I was stationed at the 5008th RADRON Elmendrof AFB & the 788th RADRON at Waverly AFS Iowa. I would like to hear from anyone at either of those sites. Sincerely, Jerry Stapp jstapp01@hotmail.com

I feel an affinity to Radomes, Inc. Because I have been associated with protecting America like you. Most of my years were spent flying AEW&C out of McClellan AFB, Calif. Prior to AEW&C, I was a Weapons Controller at Navy Fallon, Nev. My assignments include the 966th AEW&C at Orlando, Florida. First AEW&C assignment was to 963rd AEW&C at McClellan AFB, Calif. How time flys. To think that I can sit here and immediately bring to mind things that happened 45 years ago. I must say that in the beginning I couldn`t have planned my life any better had I tried. Most of us are now retired but have beautiful memories. George Merryman

I left a message on another page.

For Barry Miller and Ronald Millman. For information and photos of the various Canadian locations, go to the Pinetree Line web site linked to under Canadian Air Defense in the sidebar at left.

Even though its been 50 years past, I still remember some good times in the 751st at Mount Laguna, CA. It was probably one of the most influential periods of my growing up. At least it was one of the most eye opening experiences that I had had as a 19 year old from the sticks.

Looking for anyone from 666th Mt Tam, Ca. 932nd Rockville, Iceland or 964th McClellan AFB, Cal. At Rockville we had a pet dog we called Mojack. He could sure slurp beer from a saucer.

Hard to believe it`s been over 30 years since I left the USAF. My time at Mt. Laguna AFS, CA and the time I spent on active duty was a lot of fun in retrospect. My technical eduction and experience in the USAF laid the foundation of my current 30+ year career in broadcast engineering management.

I am finding the 762d AC/W listed in N Truro. It was at Otis AFB in Massachusetts until 1952. Hard to believe it has been over 50 years since I was stationed there as a radar operator, 27330. My name at that time was Mary Jane Rott. Any old buddies out there?

I was at the 923rd AC&W Squadron, Hopedale, Labrador, in 1957.

Are ther pictures of the radar station at Goose Bay somewhere on the web? I was there from 27June68 to 27June69. Thanks barry

I went to SAGE Maintenance (AN/FSQ-7) school at Keesler 1963-1964. Dc Site at Ft. Custer April 64 to Oct 65. Keesler Oct 65 to Feb 71. Schooled in BUICII AN/GSA-51and BUIC III. Mounkey Mt. 1971 (BUIC) Retired July 1973 E-8

If there is anyone who was stationed in Kotzebue (748th AC & W) - 1973-1974 - please drop me a line! I was a radar operator and Denise Pollack was my room mate.