Stationed at Blaine AFS in Blaine, WA from Spring of 1967 till I went to Viet Nam in Feb of 1969. Then again from Mar 1971 till I seperated in Sept 1972. Was stationed at Limestone AFS in Caribou, ME from May 1970 till Mar 1871. Worked in radar maint and seperated as a SS.

Served at 615 ACW, Birkenfeld 1/67 to 1/70

Maybe the `beacon parrot` is a term that pertains to present-day FAA operations. I was reading online about the FAA`s Cummington, MA radar facility, and saw mention of a `beacon parrot` at Erving, MA., about 30 miles away. I agree that it sounds like something used for alignment/calib. Any FAA types want to educate me on the specifics?

Regarding the parrot beacon: Most (not sure of all) FAA LRR`s have parrot beacons. As Tom stated, its purpose is for alignment. We have installed several air surveilance systems for use on military ranges that utilize radar data received from FAA LRR`s. The software actually checks the parrot`s reported position against its known position, then adds a correction to all other mode 3 returns. This is done on every scan of the radar, and every radar that is feeding data to the system. I actually happen to have a parrot (on loan from Raytheon) sitting right next to me. It`s a rugged/portable box about 18` square, and 24` high (a little bigger than a bread box). Comes with a directional blade antenna. We use it for quick alignment of a mobile IFF interrogator.

Heads up, all you past and present mobile tactical radar technicians and operators -- MSgt Harvey Hartman has graciously ``volunteered`` to compile and organize a listing of CONUS Mobile TAC (now ACC) radar units and their ANG and AFRes counterparts, for a new section of Radomes. Accordingly, please e-mail Harvey your information about Mobile TAC (407L) and similar radar units here in the CONUS. Harvey`s e-mail addresses are harvey.hartman@txelli.ang.af.mil and HLHartman@houston.rr.com. He needs unit numbers, dates of operation, location(s) of operation, assigned radar equipment, photos, emblems / patches, plus anything else of relevance. Thanks, everyone! Thanks, Harvey!

Howdy folks. That`s right, us `TAC Trained Killers` are finally going to get our recognition in Radomes! Per the Radomes `Historian`s` message earlier today (below), I have volunteered (probably foolishly) to help Tom and Gene collect and organize everything that we can about the mobile USAF radar travelling circuses. If you were in a mobile unit, I would like to hear from you so I can start putting the database together. I don`t necessarily need names for the site rosters yet (that will come after we`ve collected the basic data on the units.) Right now I need unit numbers, dates of activation & deactivation if known, in-garrison locations (permanent, not deployed), notable deployments (such as `Southern Watch`, etc) primary equipment items (such as radar model, ops complex, tech control van, etc) and anything else that would be significant to our recording the history of the Forward Air Control Posts, TAC Control Flights and Squadrons and the newer ACC Aircraft Control Squadrons. Let`s show the bolted-to-concrete radar folks what the other side of the AC&W coin was all about: Radars, M35s and camouflage netting! Let`s make MOBILIZER a regular word on the Radomes website! :-) What makes me qualified to do this? I was assigned to the 609TCS at Cannon AFB, NM (Nov 1972 - May `75) and back to Cannon with the 81TCF (Oct 1977 - Feb 1981.) I knew every darned pin on every integrated circuit in the AN/TPS-43 radar! (Message to Scott Murdock and Mark Morgan: I blame the two of you for turning me into an amateur base historian!!!)

I was a member of the 118th AC&W Sq. in the NC Air National Guard when I was in high school. In 1949 during the Korean war we were activated and sent to Sewart AFB near Nashville TN. From there I went to North Africa to the then French Morocco and Lybia. I have some photos of a site on top of the Atlas Mountains that we calibrated for radar coverage.

Tom, while stationed at Homestead AFB with the 729th TCS we had in our inventory and deployed to Puerto Rico the AN/TPS-37 heightfinding radar. We then received a new version the AN/TPS-40 I beleive this was mostly used by the USMC at one time. When we activated the AN/TPS-43 these were mothballed. The 729th moved from McCoy AFB to Homestead AFB was later named the 4465 TCS then changed again to the 726 TCS all in a five year period while I was stationed there.

Can anyone tell me what a `beacon parrot` is? Is/was there typically one for each AC&W site? If yes, were they on USAF-leased acreage as a sub-site? Were/are they manned full time? Generator backup? Phone lines/radio back to main site?

Re Tom Hildreth`s questions about a ``beacon parrot,`` I wonder if he is referring to the RBPM (Remote Beacon Performance Monitor) used by the FAA? One is presently installed at the former Guthrie AFS in West Virginia. According to our source, the RBPM ensures proper operation of a Secondary (IFF) RADAR site (in this case, located at Higby, WV). The triangular tower is basically a parrot (transponder) that squawks back a set Mode IIIC code with an altitude in the moon. I myself am unaware of RBPM units ever having been used at blue-suit AC&W radar sites or SAGE radar sites -- I am pretty sure no such unit was installed at the two radar sites I was stationed at (Fort Fisher AFS, NC, and North Truro AFS, MA). However, I cannot speak for other sites or other time frames; does anyone else know? Anyway, to see photos of an RBPM unit, look at our ``Recent Photos`` of the former Guthrie AFS, WV.

I noticed that two men, Mike Mullenenix and Ed Cannon were looking for men who were stationed with them at Cape Newenham If they will go to www.msnusers.com/capenewenham and join the free website they will find 10 men from 72,73, and 4 from 81,82, Bob

Update: Per a Google search, ``RBPM`` actually stands for ``Radar Beacon Performance Monitor.``

Further update: Per another Google search, the ``Beacon Parrot`` is officially known as a ``Monopulse Radar System Monitor`` (MRSM), according to http://www.faa.gov/and/and400/and440/asr11/Restricted/Implementation/policies.htm/. However, it sounds as if the FAA`s RBPM and MRSM (Beacon Parrot) are similar -- a SIF (Beacon) equivalent of a permanent echo (a reference point). Also, take a look at http://www.aos.tc.faa.gov/aos270/RDAS/Registration/Index.htm/ for some interesting reading. Can anyone out there add anything here? Thanks.

Tom, Back in the late 1970s, I was stationed at Cannon AFB with the 81stTCF, a TPS-43E mobile TAC unit. Cannon is located on the eastern border of New Mexico in some of the most featureless land this side of Kansas and lacks even the faintest PE (permanent echo.) Therefore, there was no `existing` landmark for maintenance or operations to use for our daily checks of the azimuth`s accuracy. We solved the problem by installing a `small airplane` transponder (civilian IFF Transmitter/Receiver) and directional antenna about 100 feet up a Ma Bell tower about 25 miles south of the base. The transponder was fed from a simple 12VDC power supply that was connected to a timer. Twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, the little transponder would fire up and squawk 1204 for about ten minutes, just long enough for us to verify the sweep accuracy. We didn`t have a fancy name for it so it only cost Uncle Sam about $1000. But I`m sure if we called it a `Monopulse Radar System Monitor` our little home-brewed PE would have cost $250,000 or more. :-)

From the Base Realignment and Closing Commission relevant to air defense: Units dedicated to protecting the lower 48 states: 102nd Fighter Wing, MAANG at Otis ANGB, MA., Otis to close; 102nd Fighter Wing loses its flying mission; retires some aircraft, transfers others to 177th Fighter Wing, NJANG at Atlantic City, NJ.; 119th Fighter Wing, NDANG, Hector Field, Fargo, ND., loses its flying mission and retires its F-16A fighters; retains its ground support missions such as security forces, personnel, civil engineers and may be relocated to Grand Forks AFB, ND, after that base realigns and loses its active-duty aerial refueling mission; 120th Fighter Wing, MTANG, Great Falls, MT., loses its flying mission and retires its F-16s; retains a supporting mission posture similar to that of the 119th Fighter Wing; 142nd Fighter Wing, ORANG, Portland IAP, Portland, OR., loses its flying mission; retains ground support role and transfers some of its aircraft to the 177th Fighter Wing, NJANG at Atlantic City, NJ; 147th Fighter Wing, TXANG, Ellington Field, Houston, TX., loses its flying mission and retires its F-16s; will receive Predator UAVs and retain ground support mission assignments; 148th Fighter Wing, MNANG, Duluth, MN, loses its F-16s to the David-Monthan AFB boneyard with no new flying mission. Retains supporting missions including security forces, civil engineers, medical and personnel specialists. Note: No politics, please, this is only to show how contemporary air defense in light of history in these pages. I can recall watching F-100s at one ANGB base near a SAGE site. They`re gone, too.

Re the last posting from Gary Jacobs. We watch as, over the years, more and more of what we know (and what we knew) changes, is replaced or mostly, just fades away. It is inevitable and must be accepted, but any of us will be `forgiven` if we become somewhat nostalgic when we remember how it once was in our younger years when we all contributed to the air defense of the time.

Re Tom Cimino`s entry (below), this question has come up before. We do not presently list any of the tactical control squadrons, tactical control groups, etc., from the former Tactical Air Command (TAC) simply because we have no in-depth information on them. If you folks who were assigned to such units (stateside and abroad) would kindly compile a list of the numbered TCS / TCGp units with their home base of operations, assigned equipment, and years of operation (or as much information as you can remember), then we will gladly add these sites to the data base. On the other hand, in our ``Radar Equipment`` listings, we already have most of the mobile and transportable radar types listed -- e.g., TPS-1 series, TPS-10, TPS-43, TPS-44, MPS-8, MPS-11, MPS-14, etc. If you know of others we should include, please identify such. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I served at 787th ac&w,848,613,799,913,691,629, I was in power production also worked on lawn mowers ha.Retired in 1977 (SMSGT) Live in Cross City Fl.

would like to hear from anyone stationed at newenham 12/72-12/73

I was stationed at the 908th Radar Sqdn. at Marietta AFS, Dobbins AFB, Ga from 1962 through 1965. I maintained an AN/FST-2. I would like to contact former members of the squadron.

Hi Folks: Anyone at the 729TCS 66-68

Guys: I know i`m getting really old, I didn`t see any of the 507th Group Tac Control Sqds. 728th, 729th or radars (MPS 11, TPS 48, 44, etc.)

Is anyone out there interested in helping to save an old SAGE direction-center blockhouse from the wrecking ball? In this case, we are talking about the blockhouse at the former Stewart AFB near Newburgh, NY. Today, I received this message from Mr. Karl Rodman via e-mail (krodman@hvc.rr.com): Hello Tom, It has been a while since we corresponded. We continue to work towards establishing a museum within the SAGE building at Stewart, Newburgh. However, here is the latest, as sent out to our mailing list: Dear participants in the Cold War / Peace Museum adventure: NEWS 1. Stewart Airport just presented its proposed Master Plan, which calls for demolition of the SAGE building, two years from now. (It`s not going to happen.) 2. We put up a superb web presence; www.coldwar/peacemuseum.org It includes our 12-minute film, putting together all our accomplishments. 3. www.midhudsonnews.com put up a banner, entitled `save the SAGE`. If one clicks on it, one is directed to a page on our site by which one can write `save the SAGE` sentiments, to be presented to Stewart and to The Department of Transportation and to the Office of Historic Preservation - during the month of July, public comment period. PLEASE, look at these sites. Write your comments for presentation. E-mail to those with whom you correspond, asking them to make comments. Thanks. Karl and Susan Tom: Do you think it is possible to mobilize a letter-writing program from amongst veterans of this program? Can you help us to reach them? I hope you will agree that this is important, timely and worthwhile. If you want to talk about it we can talk via e mail, or my phone number is 845-255-1955. Thanks, Karl Rodman Tom here again -- we have already seen two SAGE blockhouses demolished, those being the ones at Grand Forks AFB, ND, and at the former Topsham AFS, ME. The blockhouses at Hancock Field, NY, are also being considered for demolition in order to expand the neighboring airport. That may not happen, due to cost. Nonetheless, Mr. Karl Rodman`s comments are well-taken. If we want to save these Cold-War icons, we have to act, and act before demolition takes place. One they`re gone, they`re gone. So, if you agree that saving this part of ADC history is important, we encourage you to send your comments to the addresses that Karl identified. Also, let others know, and encourage them to write. If you don`t do it, who will? Thanks!

I was stationed at the 751st AC&W Sq. from 1956 to 1959. I was stationed at the 641st AC&W Sq. from 1955 to 1956.

FYI, I recently had to do some research, and located the humongously huge government record archives website at www.archives.gov. The specific address for military personnel records is http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/index.html. Might be a good one to post to your `Just In Case` file. SS

More photos of the missile-defense Sea-based X-band Radar platform under construction may be viewed on-line at http://bmdsidc.mda.mil/MDA_Photo_Library/sbx.shtm/. This page has some very nice photos of the inside of the radar dome as well as the X-band radar assembly itself. (These shots are not the most recent, as the radar and the radome both have now been integrated onto the platform.)

I have not been here for a while but will try again to possibly reach some old cohorts. In 1957 I reenlisted and was assigned to 6520 AC&w sq (expermental) later redesignated 3245,(SAGE Test Team )at MIT lincoln Lab Hanscom Field MA. The Sq previous manned the test team At the MIT facility in down town Cambridge MA were very early SAGE testing was done on the Whirl Wind 1 computer. The Hanscom Lab facility contained the prototype of The future SAGE computer and a full mock up of a SAGE direction Center. We also supported the early SAGE operator training which was conducted at the old Murphy Army Hospital facility near by in Waltham MA. Many of the 273xo`s asigned had come straight from Tech School and had never seen a `real` radar site. Since I was fresh from REAL radar I was given the challege of preparing them for 5 Level testing very interesting when all these guys did was Sage type work and SAGE was a couple of years away from operation and far from being in the test ,not to mention we were part of the then ARDC and not ADC. Any way it was a great assignment we supported testing SIM and live 3days a week 4 hrs a day. The rest of the time was spent playing cards training ect. (had about 100 Airmen on the team at peak) Even when testing spent a lot of time sitting because of computer going into loop or other problems. Many thought we could get back into ADC SAGE and have a leg up but SAGE became operational and passed us by as we were frozen to ARDC and left to support a dying testing program. In 1961 was fortunate enough along with 4 other test member to be picked up by ADC to be members of the cadre for the SPACETRACK Center be formed in Colorado Springs and the rest as they say is history. I include this only because it marked a cross road in 273 history because when the Space center planning was in progress the question was raised what AFSC do we use and to make a long story short ADC went to the guys they always depended upon 273x0`s This was the beginning of the trend to use 273`s in space related positions when BMEWS and Spacetrack Radars were blue suited later. Any of you 273/276 guys who spent time on a Baker Nunn Satellite Camera tracking site can blame me for having those slots converted to 273/276 in 1969.Up to then the site were manned by non operatioal photo type of which the pool was small and as in all operational manning needs ADC always looked to thier largest pool, the 273`s. Spent 4 years as the ops inspector on the 14 Aerospace Div IG Team and hit every SPAETRACK, BMEWS,DSP,440L and SLBM site at least 2 times between 1970 and 1974. Would especially to hear from any old test team members who may still alive and kicking. at le

Gary, those pictures are definitely of the 622 TCF. They show the old huts that were the site when I got there in 1979 with the new maintenance building erected during my tour and two new ones built after I left in `82. I assume the one in front of the huts was a new admin and ops complex. The fence was not there during my time. ( Did you have a brother(Larry)there (80-81)?

To answer Gary`s question: What did the blinking lights on the front of the SAGE computer indicate? They actually each represented the output of one side of a bistable multivibrator or Flip-Flop. Each light also had a corresponding `partner` located on the rear side of the main frame equipment that represented the other output of the flip-flop. Tom Page was partially correct in stating they showed Q-7 status. More importantly, they were one of the primary means of troubleshooting problems.

I received the following from Walter Jenkins, who I don’t think would mind my sharing it with the Radomes community, “Just read your recent comments in the Online Air Defense Radar Museum Guestbook. I am the webmaster of the `U.S. Army in Germany` web site (www.usarmygermany.com) and am responsible for that page on USAFE`s Tactical Air Control System that you were kind enough to mention in your entry. Since this was a joint operation (primarily Air Force, obviously) and since no one has really provided any details on the Internet, I thought it would be worth discussing on my pages. If you had any involvement with the tactical air control mission in Europe, I would be very interested in any details that you can provide on this highly interesting topic.” I was a young radar maintenance E-4 in 1974 and my memories and insights are limited to that perspective. Though I would like to add stories, I am sure there are others more qualified who had extended, senior careers in radar maintenance or operations who could make substantial contributions. Also, thanks to the reader about the 622 TCF’s final look, and the item about the Q-7.

I was hoping Bill Leach would weigh in on the AN/FSQ-7 `blinking-lights` question. He was one of our main `go-to` guys at Hancock Field (21st Air Division [SAGE]) when I was there. I was in Maintenance Control at the time. Bill always seemed to know what the answer was when `Clyde` was ill. Thanks, Bill!

Left out one thing in terminology AC&W in the 50s when we were not PC it was `Alchoholics Cripples & Whores` hence AC&W

Looking for members stationed at 731 Radar Station, Sundance WY. Drop me a note. Thinking about a reunion in a couple of years. Cliff

was stationed at saglak in the early 60`s when bemews was being built. I remember when we forgot to program out the moon and when the fail-safe power failed.

Looking for information on 849th AC&W Sqdn, Det. 1 (849-1)located on Oshima Island at Most southern tip of Honshu. Largest mainland city is Kushimoto approximately three miles from Oshima Island. I was stationed there in 1956-57. Anyone stationed there or has information, drop me a line. fredteer@yahoo.com

I found what are presumably photos of the 622 TCF, Germany, location after closure. Has listings of other units, photos. Most Army materials but a surprising amount of air defense information. Find it here: http://usarmygermany.com/USAFE%20TACS.htm

Served at H-1, 932nd at Rockville, Iceland 62-63 and 657th Houma AFS, Louisana 63-Jan66. Recently attended 2005 Iceland Reunion in Colo. Springs. Had a great time. Looking forward to next reunion in 2007, wherever it is. Would very much like to hear from people who were at Houma during my time there. Have contact with a couple of guys from that time period. Thanks for the this great site.

Perhaps someone can enlighten me? As a civilian I am not up on all the nuances of AF terminology. Please differentiate between Radar Squadron and AC&W Squadron and how the transition came about? Thanks; Norm Smith

Norm Smith: Speaking only for the Air Defense Command (ADC), the term ``Aircraft Control and Warning`` (AC&W) was first applied to manual air-defense radar squadrons. When the manual system was replaced by the computerized system (i.e., the Semi-Automatic Ground Enviroment, or SAGE) in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the ``AC&W Squadrons (Defense)`` were renamed ``Radar Squadrons (SAGE).`` Also, some Radar Squadrons were later upgraded to Air Defense Groups when then took on a Back-up Intercept Control (BUIC) role (mid 1960s). The ADGp`s reverted back to Radar Squadrons when the BUIC program ended.

Thanks Tom, that explains a lot. On a couple of the sites I worked at the terminology at the onset was AC&W Sqd, but later became Radar Sqds. I understand now that the installation of the AN/FST-2 was a trigger to rename. Thanks Again, Norm

I`ve been gone for a couple of years. my puter crashed and couldn`t get another at the time but I am back. If you check the roster of several sites you will find my name. Condon OR, Keno OR, King Salmon AK and Wasserkuppe in Germany. When I left Alaska I changed career feilds. I was at Keesler at the time went to Lackland to retrain into the small arms feild and went back to Keesler and spent several years there. How ever my real love was the radar sites and the fun we had there. I retired in Nov 1983 and move to the Northwest US and went to work in security and retired from that in 1999. It is fun to read about the old day of the SAGE system and BUIC System I was a T-2 guy. Good to be back

looking forward to going back to Gettysburg and seeing old friends seeing old friends from fifty plus years past. Our reunion is a first (for most of us). Hopefully we will meet many more times.

Started at the 604th in Freising 57-60. 603rd 62-65. Freising 65-66. 661 Selfridge 66-70. Cape Romanzof for a wonderful year 70-71. Then TAC USAFE and no more sites. Enjoyed it all.

Started at the 604th in Freising 57-60. 603rd 62-65. Freising 65-66. 661 Selfridge 66-70. Cape Romanzof for a wonderful year 70-71. Then TAC USAFE and no more sites. Enjoyed it all.

To see recent photos of the new Sea-Based X-band Radar (part of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system), go to http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/gmd/gallery/photos1.html. While Boeing is the system integrator, the X-band radar itself was designed and manufactured by Raytheon.

Also, to view a recent photo of the new Sea-Based X-band Radar with its large RADOME in place, go to http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/05fyi0050.pdf or http://www.spacedaily.com/news/bmdo-05v.html (or several other websites).

Hi, I`ve linked to you from my site: http://www.cafetrip.com/directory/airtravel/index.html and was hoping that you could link back to me from your site. Thanks A Bunch. Kate:)

Assigned to material control at Det.3, 621st Tactical Control Squadron, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand from Apr 1972 to Oct 1973. Assigned to material control at 665th Radar Squadron, Calumet AFS, MI from Nov 1980 to Nov 1982.

If anyone has any first hand knowledge about the current Air Force career field---`Aerospace Control And Warning Systems`...1C5X1...I would appreciate hearing from you. Many thanks.

I am looking for photographs of the New Mexico 769th squadron from the mid 1950`s. My dad was stationed there Willard `Pete` Peterson. This was the AC&W squadron.

To Jeff States..... Type in 1C5X1 in the Google search engine. You`ll be surprised at the amount of info available on the subject.

Take a look at this URL. http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/milarticles/blgroundradar.htm Things have changed a lot since the days when an assignment to an AC &W squadron meant staying put for a while.

My father was stationed at Cape Lisburn, Alaska in 1955. This was a remote assignment for one year. While I`m sure Dad would have rather been stationed in Hawaii, he never complained about the conditions and make a number of life long friends as a result of his assingment there. SH

Was in the 633rd at Wheelus AB Jul58 to Jan60, scope dope. Tdy to Incirlik AB, Adana, Turkey in 1959. Would like to locate Roger Crow (Idaho), Hugh Danehy (Mass).

I was with the 689th from Aug 72 to Aug 73....I worked at the GATR site on the other hill. I was a 30474/30472 SSGT then to TSGT and was sent to Korea...Osan AB. My Home town was Florence Oregon, and I lived down on 101 in Cloverdale. It was a very interesting PCS for me as I was `Home`..........

What did the blinking lights on the front of the SAGE computer indicate? (Here I mean in real life, not aboard the Seaview.)

As I understood it, the neon indicators on the console showed the status of the AN/FSQ-7 (or AN/FSQ-8) SAGE computer. (And, I thinked the neon indicator lights only flickered in the real application, not blinked on and off as on the TV show.) For more information on the SAGE computers, see http://ed-thelen.org/SageIntro.html/.

And now for something serious. We all receive SPAM via our e-mail accounts; lately, I for one have been receiving SPAM from the ``@radomes.org`` domain! So, please be on the lookout. The only registered radomes email addresses are: radomes@radomes.org / gmcmanus@radomes.org / historian@radomes.org / history@radomes.org / memberships@radomes.org / echoes@radomes.org / taps@radomes.org / . So, if your ``From:`` is anything else @radomes.org, it`s definitely SPAM. Please beware. -- Tom

Hello, Seeking information Re:Newsletter published by 603AC&W. This unit was located at Giebelstadt Air Force Base. Thankyou! I also would enjoy contact from anyone stationed there 1954-1957

Found this site a few hours ago and only stopped reading for dinner. 658th radar sqdn. Winnemucca, Nv. 1/65 - 5/14/66 at which time i was injured in an auto accident. Anyone out there with info please e-mail me.

Looking for anyone from the original 932nd, 52-53 era.

Rocky, you are absolutely correct -- it indeed was ``Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.`` We have heard that the Q-7 console came from one of the two SAGE Direction Centers in California. If true, then it would have been either Beale AFB or Norton AFB; both ceased operations in 1963. We are hoping someone out there knows which site it was for sure. Thanks.

Was Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea really a `hit`? Only two seasons. I think when they went to color it was deemed too expensive. Watch the Movie `Airplane`. The air taffic control guys are playing a circa 1980/81 Atari video basketball game (which was a BIG BIG DEAL when we got a game console at Cape Newenham) on a SAGE operations console. Possibly an unsalvageable one from the Fort Lee fire...? As General Patton would say: `I was there`. Only I really was!

This was from the “TV Acres” web site. I have no idea if it’s true. “TRIVIA NOTE: The Seaview`s flashing master onboard computer was first seen in the movie Desk Set (1957). Spencer Tracy played Richard Sumner, a methods designer (efficiency expert) who invented the computer. Called `Emerac`- Emmy for short. The computer later appeared in the movies The Invisible Boy (1957) and The Fly (1958) before finding its way to the Seaview.” I don’t know about this one, either (edited), “A possible source of the consoles used in “The Time Tunnel,” was the SAGE radar/early-warning computer system/network. The computer banks are actually surplus U.S. military equipment from the early 1950s from the defense system called SAGE. The props are owned by a prop house and have shown up on HAWAII FIVE-O, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, several other tv shows, movies, and commercials. As I loved this aspect of IA`s shows as a kid, it became a game with me to spot them. I even found them in a publicity shot of R2-D2 and C3PO from Star Wars in 1978! I found the reference to SAGE in a book written around 1960 on automation (as well as the smaller panels used on IA`s shows. There seems to be a museum in New York that has an entire SAGE complex on display. I have found some web sights with info on the individual panels. Look around, you`ll find them. URL: http://neolase.lasers.org/TimeTunnel/Panel/Panel%2001.shtml

For what it`s worth, according to http://www.smecc.org/sage_a_n_fsq-7.htm -- ``... The DC to the South was located in California. When it was shut down, parts of the machine were sold to a Hollywood movie company. For many years later, we saw them in movies and TV shows, wired up to make the lights blink and flash. Most notable were the Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (the TV series) and the `Kellog Computer` commercial which spewed cereal boxes out of the test memory door! ....`` Also, according to other on-line sources, ``Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea`` was on four seasons. Even if it was not all that much of a hit, I still liked it. :-)

June 14: It was on this day in 1951 the world`s first commercially produced electronic digital computer was unveiled, known as the UNIVAC. It weighed eight tons, and used 5,000 vacuum tubes. It cost a quarter million dollars, but it could perform a thousand calculations per second, the fastest rate in the world at the time. The first one was bought by the U.S. Census Bureau. The president of IBM thought that computers were far too complex, and would never sell. But with the invention of the microchip in 1971, all the processing power of those thousands of vacuum tubes could be crammed into a tiny space. In 1975, an engineer named Ed Roberts was one of the first people to try to market a computer to ordinary people. It didn`t sell very well. You had to know how to turn hundreds of little switches. But it was an inspiration to Stephen Wozniak, who went on to found Apple, and also a young student at Harvard named Bill Gates. (From “The Writer’s Almanac.) I think among the first uses of these machines was air defense. (Note: I think in this case “microchip” meant “integrated circuit.”) Trivia: To what early computer element did this injunction refer: Do not fold, spindle or mutilate?

Do not fold, spindle or mutilate? answer: punchcards

Ah, yes, the punch card. Thanks goes to one Herman Hollerith for this invention (1881).

More trivia: What hit TV show in the mid 1960s featured the control panel (complete with blinking lights) of a retired AN/FSQ-7 SAGE Direction Central Computer? For extra points, from what SAGE DC site (location) did this control panel come?

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea utilized the Q-7 control panel. I don`t know exactly which one it was though. How about: One from the first Contol Center that was shut down?

Vet`s daughter helping Father find history / information on 728 ACW, early 1960`s, esp. in Keys during Cuban Missile Crisis. Photos, old news clippings, etc. or contact with anyone serving 728 ACW around that time. -- Much Appreciated.

Twice a year, my American Legion Post(Colonial Post 1776, Williamsburg VA)holds a flag retirement ceremony for the community. On June 11th, we retired 505 flags of many different sizes including a 20X38 (from the College of William & Mary)

What great memories the pictures of Makah AFS brings back. Outstanding website!

Interested in finding anyone who served with the 711 AC&W Sqdn. from 1954-1955.

Hey! I was at Cape Newenham in 1981 too. One of the best,if also more bizzare years of my, or anybody else`s life. Ed, serious musician. I remember.

I agree Sarge,LOL...Bob Past Chef de Gare 40et8 Voiture #1617 N.C.

Just came across this web site while looking for info on Cape Newenham. I was there May 81-82...`27650` scope dope...but they`re called 1C5X0, Aerospace Control And Warning Systems (Operator, craftsaman, etc., depending on skill level). Had a great year there with Larry `Diz` Milton, Danny `Don`t ya call me Jarhead` Byers, and others.

Bob Vincent, DUH, I guess the year 19`44` sorta stuck in my mind and I typed a 4 instead of a 6. LOL Cheers

Derved at several Radar stations duing a 21 year career in AC&W work

I was stationed at the 903rd radar sq. Gettysburg AFS, 1966 thru 1968, when the site was shut down. ( power production). My wife and I attended the 1st. reunion in the late 90`s. We can`t make this months reunion, and would have loved to, but can`t swing it. I enjoyed your site. It brought back many great memories. Thanks

June 14th is Flag Day. Take a few minutes this weekend to insure that you have a flag to proudly display next Tuesday. As veterans, setting an example for others continues our service to the country.

“The Last Secrets of Sergeant Presley: Believe it or not, there are still revelations to come about Elvis Presley, JFK, actors Steve McQueen, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, even author Jack Kerouac. But they won`t hold long. This week, the National Archives and Records Administration plans to release its military files for public viewing in Washington and St. Louis. NARA insiders tell us the military planned to trash the files of 1.2 million servicemen and women, thinking them of little value. But thanks to a new deal, the files of famed servicemen, including tennis great Arthur Ashe and boxer Joe Louis, are being preserved.,” from U.S. News & World Report, “Washington Whispers,” http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/whispers/articles/050613/13whisplead.htm#secrets

hi i was at indian mountain from jun 76 thru jun77

61 Years SMSGT Hatfield. small typo. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey just dropped in...was on a radar site in MI in early 60s. 781 Radar Squadron.

Just remember 41 years ago, 6 June 1944, the first scope dopes and radar maintenance weenies help to clear the skies of German fighters saving thousands of our troops landing on the beaches of Normandy. I am proud to be one of their descendents.

Re previous posting---10-4 SMSGT Hatfield

Was a scope dope for almost my whole legenth of service. Was in the secound class of enlisted weapons controllers. I`m glad to see this association.

Was a scope dope for almost my whole legenth of service. Was in the secound class of enlisted weapons controllers. I`m glad to see this association.

FYI 36th AD SAGE Topsham Maine 1966-7 Surv.Ops. 640th AC&W Sqdrn. Stephenville Newfoundland 1968-1969 Sgt in Ops etc Duke Field, EglinAFB Florida, 919th Special Operations, 711th SOS, AC130 Gunship Operations, Gunner

Stationed at Calument,MI, Barrington,N.S., Chandler, Mn. and Clark AFB PI and Wallace AFS PI. Anyone there that I was stationed with>

I`m here to say that forty years ago I worked with some of the craziest, whacked-out, good-for-nothing guys I`ve ever had the privilege of being associated with. I raise my glass and salute all of you.

Back in the early nineties, the USAF 303X1 (ATC radar maintenance), 303X2 (AC&W radar) and 303X3 (Radar Bomb Scoring?) AFSCs were merged and relabeled 2E0X1. And yes, the `X` represents the 3, 5 or 7 skill level as it always has. While the USAF is adamant that the relabeling was an improvement over the old system that we all grew up on, I have yet to be convinced that it wasn`t just changed for change`s sake. And I still haven`t forgiven the USAF for doing away with ADC, SAC and TAC and replacing them with ACC! What`s even sadder is that 99% of our new radar troops are oblivious to radar`s magnificant heritage. Of course, what do you expect from a generation that can`t understand that the `range` of our telephones used to be dictated by the length of their cords?

I am an ex air force radio/radar maintenance type but never AC&W member. recently at an auction I bought three mugs, that have `Officers` Club`. 752nd AC&W Squadron. 1957 each one has a persons name. `SMILEY`, `JACK`.,and `MARIE`. Smiley and Jack are dated l956. These beer mugs are in good condition no nicks or cracks. I would like to returned them to their owners or someone who has an interest in the 752nd. All I want is the price of postage to forward then on. reply by E mail.

Current AFSC for `Scope Dope` `AC&W operator` is 1C5X0 `X` being the skill level as it has always been

D`oh! Correction. AC&W career field AFSC is now -- 1C5X1 --

If you are a airborne scope dope your AFSC would be 1A4X1

I was in 669th AC&W Sqdrn 1954-55 on Santa Rosa Island, then to Manassas, VA AC&W. I was a Radar operator then later received Ph.D.(Chemistry) mid 1960`s. Those AC&W memories still live in me and I treasure those experiences. My first mentors were Sgt. Jim Staton, Capt. Finkus and Lt. Schriner (669th). I was NCOIC of BX at the Manassas station. Encountered many friends at both stations and would like to hear from them.

Back on 4/27/05, Havey Hartman was talking about hydrogen thyratron tubes used in trigger amps. I still have 2 left from the 24 tower at Port Autin MI. that I just haven`t had time to make into lamps yet even after 35 years. Where`s Harry Dixon when you need him ? If anyone wants them, let`s talk...