A big thanks to those who maintain this web site. This site directly resulted in a reunion of a group of us who served during the late sixties from the 848th, Wallace P.I., Clark ADCC, 683rd Sweetwater, TX this past year. Hopefully, we will locate others and do it again.

Happy New Year to all. Walt Martley (644th Radar Sqdn, 615th AC&W Sqdn, 7420th Radar Eval Sqdn, and AFSPPF)

Happy New Year to all of you,may you be blessed with good health,good times and peace. 704 AC&W,913 AC&W,799 AC&W, MInot ADS NDAK, 26th Air Div Adair AFS, BMEWS THULE,966 AEW,Mcoy AFB,621 TCS,SEA,Mt Laguna AFS, 25th Air Div MCord AFB,848 WAllce PI, 522 AWAC WG Tinker AFB, 963 AWACS, 26th ROCC March AFB

I served at the 682nd Radar Squadron, Amaden, CA in 1968. I understand it no longer exists....looking for fellow survivors.

I came to Melville Labrador during Sep 1970 and got bit by a `snow Snake` fresh off the bus. I left May 71. I was a Scope Dope and plotter during that year. Several of us spent New years day (nite) in the Labrador woods sleeping under a pine lean-to and cut green firewood to stay warm. Never forget that one nite. Anyone else there during those months? Big Mac, Huebner, Fish, Al, Mac Mckenzie ?? Tom Balcom (`zero`)

A happy & healthy 2006 to all Radomes members and congratulations to all our young men & women currently serving around the world.

For Bill Russell. I remember Blaine AFS which I visited as part of a 25th Air Division Chief of Maintenance gathering in 1966. We toured the site and the BUIC II facility - great place. I was stationed at Mt Hebo AFS at the time. I also visited other great sites in WA at Neah Bay (Makah AFS) and Naselle in the mid-60s. Small comes to mind for all 4 of these 25th Air Div radar sites in comparison to the size of McCord AFB and Ft Lewis. However, in addition to the radars I also remember the outstanding staff and a considerable supporting infrastructure that made these radar sites operational (e.g. power, water, sewer, communications, housing, support buildings, roads, and GATR site). At Mt Hebo AFS the site was spread out over almost 196.5 acres on and near a 3150 foot tall mountain top. I like to think of these radar sites as moderate in physical size, but a huge part of the nations air defense in the Cold War era. Indeed, my stories of Mt Hebo get bigger and bigger over the years with each telling! Cheers and glad you also enjoy the Radar Museum web site - Steve

Spent Christmas time in Northport, FL. I had put a Radomes patch on a plain baseball cap. At a local diner a fellow recognized patch and introduced himself. Ralph Rooney power production man from F-10 Alaska site. All so had ex- air force people ask where the museum was located. Gave them web site address and asked them to come visit us on line. SPREAD THE WORD!

Great site!!!! I was wondering if anyone out there remembers the small radar site at Blaine Washington. I was stationed there in 1965-66. We had an ANFPS-27 and 2 height finders, on of which was an ANFPS-6. I cant remember the other one. Thanks, Bill Russell

Dear Mr. Page, I`m sorry that you received the response you did from Mr. Harrington concerning your request regarding the historical marker at the Empire Museum. I`m sure that it does not reflect the attitudes, thoughts or memories of the residents of Empire or the surrounding area regarding those who served at the air station. Sincerely, Stephanie Beach

Stationed 663rd AC&W, Lake City, TN 1959-1960 Stationed 734th AC&W Morocco 1960-1961 Stationed 701st AC&W, Fort Fisher, NC 1961-1962 Like to hear from anyone stationed at any of the locations above.

A few words concerning Empire marker: I retired from USAF in 84. While at Empire we did not have female radar operators. But during my 20 yrs I worked wih several female ops troops, and they were outstanding. Without those `girls` I know I would have spent a lot more scope time. Reword the marker. Include male and female. That is not P.C. That is the honor that all justly deserve.

I do not think we need a course in philology to understand that all languages have a dual progression of evolution and devolution. We know that as time passes, our English tongue accumulates words from other languages, bends meanings to reflect new thought, and at the same time simplifies the underlying grammar, accommodating new users and the rest of us who are always looking for a simpler way to express ourselves. The person who grew up with Old English would be hard pressed to understand a speaker of Middle English, and that person would be lost today in the middle of Times Square. The framers of the Constitution new this, and erected a government which allowed for a body of more or less independent minds to moderate that wonderful document as time passed. Having said that, I really doubt that Mr. Jefferson or Mr. Hamilton (both consummate politicians) would be very happy with the way political parties attempt to modulate those wonderful phrases for their own ends in our world of today. The language of the Constitution does have a decidedly `antique` resonance when we consider the ways that the noun representing all of us is used. And, yes, dictionariess are merely repositories of examples of how people have used words in the past, not a means of maintaining the status quo forever. Having said that, I repeat that at this time of Good Will, acrimonious postings regarding gender seem to me to be somewhat outside the envelope of year-end cheer, and exceedingly trivial. Gary, your comment advising reflection on the way words reveal the speaker spoke to me. I am chastised to the extent that I was curmudgeonly concerning the earlier postings. Best to all, Walt

I was stationed a at Det-1. 728th AC&W Squadron, Pope AFB, N. C. 1961-1964

Regarding Mr. Harrington`s comments, something from the distant past comes to mind.....`Dummy Load`.

Regarding the Empire marker, I purpose that the the wording be changed to read `Americans from all over our Country.` All in favor? All oppose? No matter who, What, Where, our field Of work was A team effort around the world. And that is still a fact today as it was in the past. GO AC&W, LET`S ROLL!!!!

Re: men and women. My OED lists this as the very first meaning. Man A human being (irrespective of age or sex). I stand by that definition, in the face of all to the right or left or in front of me or behind me in matters of political or grammatical or philosophical persuasion. As to the nasty comments and defensive retorts, fie on you all. This is supposed to be a happy season. Walt Martley, MSgt USAF Ret., ex/30571/43271

The use of words is an interesting question. The Declaration of Independence includes those famous, ringing words, “all men are created equal.” Yet we know that the definition of “men” excluded certain classes of people as defined in our Constitution. The Constitution had the rather bizarre practice of defining who was a “man” in fractions, excluding some entirely. The term “men” certainly did not include women, since the Constitution had to be amended to permit them to vote. It was also amended for voting rights within living memory along other lines. We know, too, that the dictionary is hardly a be-all, end-all for word usage. For example, being “gay” met one thing in 1904, another in 2004. Words come into being as they are needed, as in “RAdio Detection and Ranging,” our radar. Words change, modify, adapt to the times in which people use them. I think it’s one of the strengths of our military, that enlistees (of whom I was one) and officers (ditto) swear allegiance to the Constitution, not some king, President, party. It’s worth remembering only our nation has the oldest written Constitution. We write the history of this experiment in human liberty every day. If people differ in opinions on words, wording, that’s part of it, too. How they do so tells much about them as the words themselves. You know, though, let them express themselves however they will. See the First Amendment for guidance.

Know of anyone who is receiving diability from the VA for exposure to radiation from radar they worked on? Thank you.

Regarding the Empire AFS controversy... One statement in Mr. Harrington`s rant sums it up...`We had some civilian women I hear, but they don`t count`. It`s probably good he`s not on active duty today. He probably would go nuts with all the women that are performing `men`s jobs` and doing them well. Earlier this year a female MP in Iraq was awarded a Silver Star for valor. Seems like there was a shoot-out with the bad guys and she kicked some ass...

I was stationed at 848 ACWS from 1980-1981 and 1983-1984. When I arrived the first time there was a Philippine Navy ship about 100 feet offshore from the site. When I arrived the 2nd time the ship was gone. Does anyone know when the ship was removed?

I just now saw a photo of the commemorative marker at the former Empire AFS, MI. While the overall sentiment might in the right place, the actual wording really surprised me. Now, I myself am not all that big on political correctness, but -- in this day and age -- to acknowledge the ``young men`` but to omit the ``women`` is simply appalling. There is just no other way to say it. I knew at least one female who proudly served at Empire AFS, and I`m certain there must have been others. I am sure they will feel slighted. I strongly recommend those responsible have the sign corrected. (No, I don`t have a wild hair up my butt; for historical correctness, I feel we need to acknowldege and commemorate the contributions by *all* who served: men and women, military and civilian, all races, etc., etc..) Thanks! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. -- Tom

I too served with women at 661st Ac&w sq. Selfidge AFB also in Mich. back in 1960 so the former WAFS proudly served, therefore it should be noted as such!!!

Re the marker at Empire, I guess the Women will have to build one of their own then.

I was stationed at following: Keesler AFB as Radar Operator Student Night Shift Classes(class leader)May-July 1958. Winslow AFS Radar OPS August 1958-June 1960. Cartwright AFS Radar OPS August 1960-1961. Tyndall AFB Weapons Controller School September 1961-June 1962

Reading the latest issue of ECHOES relative to the Killeen, TX site brought back memories of my time in Ajo, AZ. We too had our share of creepy crawly things on and around the site. Tarantulas abounded, scorpians were everywhere, centipedes galore and of course the dreaded rattlesnakes. A couple of times when the scope room doors were left open, against the rules of course, personnel reported snakes slithering into cable troughs, and of course much confusion and concern was the rule until proper investigation and search was made and the all clear was given. Additionally, in each barracks signs were posted to, as I recall, not walk around barefoot, always shake out garments and shoes before putting them on and checking bedding before retiring. Such interesting and fun times!!!!!

More re the marker at Empire: There were no WAC`s at Empire when I served there and I don`t know any that did- not one has ever came to a Reunion or contacted us, and there are none in our Roster of those who served- we had some civilian women I hear- but they don`t count- I wrote the words on that marker and I am dam proud of it, we agreed on it after many submissions ,voted on it and agreed to it- I could care less what you think or the one woman omission you think is appalling, you are whats appalling- to think you can come here and belittle the hard work and effort that went into creating that maker over some petty omission of Women-- Your not Politically correct my ass- Did you give up Merry Christmas also to accommodate everyone. Should I add Gays too and Lesbians, can`t leave any one out now can we. Where the hell were you and the WAC when the work was being done - No where to be found- so take your sensitivity and shove it.

Iraq, Falluja, June 23, 2005, U.S. Marines riding in a cargo truck were attacked by a suicide bomber. Three female Marines died: a 20-year-old who had enlisted to support her mother, a 21-year-old former cheerleader, and a 43-year-old single mother on her second tour in Iraq. I think of that when I read about a “young men” military memorial. I think it important our memorials – those things we identify with heroism and glory, reflect what we hold most dear in the light both of history as well as our current feelings. These things admit of easy correction, “all who served,” “Air Force members,” and so on. Invite some of those former WAFs to the ceremony when a new plaque goes up. Good PR, good sense, long overdue.

It is so sad to hear the rants of Mr.(?) Harrington, especially at this time of the year. Perhaps after a bit of cooling off time, he will realize how insulting his comments are. Let`s all try to be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem, shall we? Merry C-mas, Happy Hannukah & the Best & most Prosperous of New Years to all!! (No, that`s not an attempt to be politically correct but to be sensitive to the feelings of others)

To all members, as well as those who enjoy Radomes without joining, a happy and healthy 2006. Our collective memories become one year older, but thanks to Radomes, those radar memories continue. A toast to Tom and Gene!

I served on 720th ac&w squadren Middleton Island Alaksaa From april 1959 to may 1960. Have a Merry Christmas and A Great New Year

WAS STATIONED AT 611TH AC&W JAPAN 1957, 655TH AC&W WATERTOWN NY 1958 AND DIRECTION CENTER AT HANCOCK FIELD SYRACUSE NY 1958 TO 1960.

Was stationed for a short time at the 649th radar sq. on Apple Orchard Mountain near Bedford Va, from Jan to Jun 1971 prior to going to RVN. I was a radar tech.

Was stationed for a short time at the 649th radar sq. on Apple Orchard Mountain near Bedford Va, from Jan to Jun 1971 prior to going to RVN. I was a radar tech.

Does anyone have a collection of teletype art that was created and sent over the communication system on Christmas eve? I remember seeing pictures of the `Madona and Child` all done by teletype key strokes. While stationed at Nasalle WA (the 759th) on Christmas eves, it seemed that the traffic was coming from every station around the world. I`ld be interested in seeing such a collection again. Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Really enjoy visiting this Web Site. After many years was able to hook up with old friends who were there at the Radar Sites at the same time. I believe we were a special breed. We spent many hours on surveillance watching that trace go round and round. Sometimes thing got exciting when we has an aircraft emergency or and unknown aircraft was in our sector. Occasionally we would get a `Bubble Check` and that was a great morale booster for our people at the site. Thanks for the good work! Respectfully, Bill Hubbard

I served at the 718 radar SQ` IN Unalakleet Alaska in 64 also at the 637 in Othello Wa. in 62-63 as Radar repair. Is there anyone outthere that remembers ?

I served at the 718 radar SQ` IN Unalakleet Alaska in 64 also at the 637 in Othello Wa. in 62-63 as Radar repair. Is there anyone outthere that remembers ?

I was in the Air Defense Command from summer 1967 until May, 1971...SAGE center at McGuire AFB 6/67 - 12/67 (attended Controller`s school at Tyndall during that time); AC&W Squadron (32nd AD) at Jacksonville Naval Air Station 1/68 - 2/69; 708th AC&W Sq at Indian Mountain AFS 2/69 - 2/70; BUIC unit at Tyndall AFB 2/70 until my `retirement` from the AF in 5/71. Love to hear from `Cold Warriors`, especially from the 67 - 71 period.

I was assigned to the 640th AC&W Sqdn Stephenville Nf from Dec `54 to Dec `56. I`d like to hear from any one who was there around that time. I`m also looking for Jim Contraras. Does any one know what happened to him?

Thanks to both Norm Smith and Bob Vincent for your input about an incident in `61 that I refered to in a message here a week ago. The time frame you mentioned matches up with my recollection. That is, there was no snow at the time this went down. And since we had snowfalls covering `topside` from late Sept. through the second week in May, I`m thinking summer months of `61, same as you. I`ve wondered about this for over 44 years. You both helped me with a piece of the puzzle. I wonder how much, if anymore at all, I could find out through the FOIA and the Department of Defense?

I served at Sault St. Marie AFS, MI, from 3/1962 to 11/1964. I worked on FPS-35, FPS-26, and FPS-90(formerly 6, 6B).

Can anyone provide me with current and accurate information concerning the `pros & cons` of getting prescription medications through the VA? Please email me directly so as not to clutter the Radomes board. Many thanks.

USAF radar operator from 1957 to 1961. 765th Ac&W Sq. Oct. 1957 to May 1958. SAGE school then, NYADS Syracuse, NY until discharge in June 1961.

my dad was staioned on the 680 ac&w squad in the yaak. nw montana his e-mail is ebmesck@kvis.net. he was a radar tech

What We Want for Christmas -- We would very much like all you veterans who have not already sent us copies of your vintage photos showing air-defense radar stations, gap-filler annexes, GATR sites, ADCC and SAGE DC blockhouses, BOMARC missile sites, and related sites, to look through your collections and send us copies of such photos. The Online Air-Defense Radar Museum is what it is today because of contributions by many, many persons like yourself. No doubt, there are many more great photos and other items out there that will help document the history and the memories of all the once-important sites at which we spent so much time. So, please take the time to look through your memorabilia -- you never know what might turn up. Thank you very much in advance! And, have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! -- Tom

I, as Norm Smith, recall similar incident while stationed at Fortuna (780th). It had to of happened between the fall of `60 and 31 July `61 when I went to Minot AFB for Discharge. The whole deal was a real fiasco. Bob Vincent

I vaguely recall a similar incident at the Ajo AFS during that time frame. There was some sabatoge in the 4 Corners area, a power line brought down or some such thing. Several of the Airmen were armed and assigned guard duty on and around the mountaintop. As I recall, several shots were fired, and jack rabbits and javelinas ran scared during the time of the alert. We had some great fun with that incident, of course after the danger had passed. Norm Smith

I was stationed at Saglek from August of 1961 to August of 1962. I worked at the BMEWS facility.

When I was assigned to Rockville, Iceland in 1962, I was issued a steel helmet and a gas mask, but no weapon. One day while in the radar tower, one of our NCOs pointed to a pile of rocks a few hundred yards away on some high ground. He said it would be used as a machine gun nest in case of an attack. I did get to wear the gas mask occassionally. One of the guys in the barracks liked to eat pickled eggs washed down with beer when we had a party. The next morning, the atmosphere around him could be pretty nasty.

Re:: Use of weapons New Years eve 1955 Landstuhl AFB Ger. 1955 Ger. becomes it`s own from being occupied zone to a federal republic, 807th Tac Control SQ 501st TCGrp. worked in outlying sites just before midnight they took many of us out of NCO club broke open armory and handed out M1 car. with ammo so we knew it was serious, guys half in the wrapper with live ammo clicking bolts climbing in 6x6s out to sites to stand guard,AF had intel that sabbators from est zone on way to hit our transmitter and recv. sites in the hills what a nite!!! what a hang over!!! took a shot at a jack rabbit next AM but missed, my BIG war !! more comfortable being a Scope Dope

Re: RockyD, Gary Jacobs and Jeff States and weapons in the hands of Airmen. Your posts to this board reminded me of an occasion when I, and others, were called on to handle such weapons. Back in `61 I was a radar operator (27350B) with the 911th Radron. It started on a Sunday afternoon, maybe 3 o`clock or so. The O/D or CQ if you like, came into the chow hall to announce that he was placing our AFS on alert for sabotage. He told those few of us who were present, that an installation near the West coast had just recieved severe damage from sabotage. And info that he had, said we were a likely next target. I was pulling KP that day so heard all this first hand. First thing he and the A/P did was march (figurative) us over to our arsenal. I didn`t even know we had one until that moment. Although we didn`t have the M-16 you talked about, we did have the M-1, .30 calibre US carbine. They gave each of us one, and at least in my case, live ammo, 2, 20 round magazines worth. They had me ride in the `shotgun` seat of the 1st weapons carrier they sent up to topside from the cantonment area. I was told to keep a round in the chamber until further notice. Anyway, I pulled guard duty into the night as did many others. The whole incident lasted a couple of days and by mid-week things were back to normal. Over that short period, a number of shots were fired (not by me), with no-one or anything getting seriously hurt. There must be other stories like this one that could show more, or better training,than just our trip to the firing line at Lackland could have helped us. But like they say, `no harm no foul`.

C-mas `54--I was at Sparrevohn, AK, just weeks before shopping out. The Army Corps of Engineers had just finished some VERY nice buildings (as opposed to our predominantly quonset huts before) & they opened to a BIG party!! What a change of pace for us!! Even had nicely decorated C-mas trees!! Those were the days all right....one of the FEW good memories of the place. HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL!!!!

CORRECTION!! E-Mail address is incorrect in previous msg--this is correct.

765th Radar Sqdn Charleston AFS ME 1966 907th Radar Sqdn Bucks Harbor AFS ME 1967-1968 701st Radar Sqdn Fort Fisher AFS NC 1968 792nd Radar Sqdn N Charleston AFS SC 1968-1969 606th AC&W Sqdn Hof AS Germany 1969-1972 485th E&I Sqdn Griffis AFB NY 1972 Any of these ring any bells?

SERVED FOLLOWING:36TH AIR DIVISION TOPSHAM AFS. ME. SAGE 1968-69/773RADAR SQD. 1969. 12TH MISSILE WARNING SQD. THULE AB GREENLAND1970-71 907TH RADAR SQD. BUCKS HARBOR AFS. ME. 1971-72

I served in the Air Force for 30 plus years and was a grunt prior to the Air Force stint.

Looking for the Urief and Dean families (I was friends with their boys, Kent and Wendell back in the early-mid 60s) stationed with the 658th Radar Station in Winnemucca, NV. Thank you kindly.

very good site, found a lot of the guys I worked with from 1956-1970 before I retrained into coumputes. Very good job Guys!

Hello. Came across your site. I need alittle help on radar info. I am working with the Panamanian Gov, on saving WW1 coastal gun sites in the canal area.Also I am working on WW2 sites all across the canalarea (CANAL ZONE).One of the projects is old SCR sites of WW2.I am not sure of what I am looking at. I have one site at Gamboa. It is a town site along the Panama Canal.It is big site.We got it all in one place. I am in the States.Dallas FT.worth area.My phone number is 817 281 1629 call afther 4:00pm.Or email to above adderess.

I was stationed at the 770th ACW Squadron in Palermo, NJ from 1951 to 1952 and at the Headquarters of the 26th Air Division in Roslyn, NY from 1952 to 1954.

I went through ac&w radar repair at Keesler in 56-57 was stationed at 777 acw squadron in Klamath Ca in 57-58.

Where did you spend Christmas in radar? How was it? Me: Xmas 1974, CQ, 622nd TCF, Rhein Grafenstein, Germany, 12 hours of boredom interspersed with calling someplace every hour to test the “Hitler’s Revenge” phone lines and say, “Read you 5 by 5” to an operator someplace. Someone brought up their kids to say hi, but really to use the AUTOVON system. The kids were terrors, running around and getting into things. AFN had a seemingly endless stream of best wishes on this great day from one general after another. I think anyone who had a star must’ve recorded season’s greetings for the troops. Events in 1974: Popular Electronics displayed the Altair 8800 computer. The word ‘internet’ appeared for the first time in print in an academic paper by Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn. An Arab oil embargo against the United States resulted in gasoline shortages for car-dependent commuters and contributed to a recession. To conserve fuel, Congress created a national 55 mph driving speed limit and extended daylight savings time to 10 months. The war between North and South Vietnam continued, but U.S. combat troops had withdrawn the previous year, though some advisers remained.

The Ocean City Site was Palermo AFS. Try looking that up.

For Gerald Hill Red Rock Mtnrobably was the Monterose site

Red Rock was the 648th known as Benton AFS.