History of Little Rock Air Force Base Little Rock Air Force Base of- assigned to Second Ail,;.Force on The 384th Bombardment Group's ficially came into being on Febru- 1 August 1955. Colonel Joseph J. target was Halberstadt, Germany. ary 1, 1955. Preston was assigned as the first Though under 25 minutes of su~- Actually its beginning started in Commander of the 825th Air Divi- tained flack fire and an enemy air- October 1951, when an unofficial sion. craft trailing a bomb on a steel spokesman of the United States The 825th Air Division has the cable through their formation, the Air Force made an extemporaneous responsibility of monitoring and Group lost no aircraft. The 384th comment that, Air Force wise, coordinating the manning, train- Bombardment Group destroyed Arkansas looked like the "hole in ing, equipping and operational six enemy aircraft with two the doughnut." That comment was readiness of its assigned units for 'probables' and either destroyed or actually the conception of Little the primary purpose of conducting dealt heavy damage to targets. Rock Air Force Base. At the time strategic air warfare on a global The group received the first of its the comment was made, every scale. On 1 August 1955, the 825th two unit citations for participating state bordering Arkansas had at Air Division had two wings, the in the raid. The second citation least one Air Force station while 384th Bombardment Wing (Medi- came in April 1944 when the 384th Arkansas did not have a single um) and the 70th Strategic Recon- Bomb Group led a task force of active base. naissance Wing, the 4225th United 113 planes through enemy aircraft In January of 1952, the citizens States Air Force Infirmary and and flak to destroy a German air- of Little Rock and Pulaski County the 825th Air Base Group assigned craft componc'1t plant. The Group officially opened the drive to have under their command. All of these participated in 316 combat mis- an Air Force base located in the assigned units units were physical- sions. county. By the end of September ly located at Little Rock AFB, The "384th" appeared again al- 1952 the committee had raised al- Arkansas, except the 70th Strategic most nine years later at Little Rock most one million dollars. On De- Reconnaissance Wing which was Air Force Base as the 384th Bom- cember 12, 1953, the Army Corps located at Lockbourne Air Force bardment Wing (Medium). The of Engineers was instructed to al- Base, Ohio. Today the division has 384th Bombardment Wing is pres- lot $9.6 million for initial construc- two bombardment wings, the 384th ently composed of a Headquarters tion and to take possession of ap- BW and the 70th Bombardment Squadron, 544th, 545th and 546th proximately 7,500 acres just north Wing, the 825th Combat Support Bombardment Squadrons, 384th of the town of Jacksonville, Arkan- Group and the 825th Medical Group Armament & Electronics Squad- sas. located at Little Rock AFB. In ad- ron, 384th Organizational Mainten- By August 1, 1955, all units as- dition the division has the 68th ance Squadron, 384th Field Main- signed to the base were activated Bombardment Wing, the 68th Com- tenance Squadron, and its newest with the exception of the 70th bat Support Group and the 806th addition, the 70th Air Refueling Strategic Reconnaissance Win g Medical Group located at Chen- Squadron. which had been activated January nault AFB, Louisiana under their 24, 1955, at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio. command. The 70th started its move to Little 70th Bombardment Wing Rock AFB in September 1955 and 384th Bombardment Group The 70th Bombardment Wing had completed the move and was On 1 December 1942, the 384th was originally activated on Sep- in full operation by October of that Bombardment Group (Heavy) was tember 13, 1941, at Gray Field, year. activated at Gowan Field, Idaho. Fort Lewis, Washington, as the With the move of the 70th com- It was first commanded by Cap- 70th R e con n a i s san c e Group, pleted, the 825th Air Division was tain Ralph E. Switzer, whose pri- equipped with thirteen obsolete 0-47 in full operation with its four as- mary duty was that of flight sur- type aircraft. signed units. In September 1958, geon. Originally the Group had With the coming of Pearl Har- the 825th Air Base Group and the only 27 officers and 225 enlisted bor, the 70th Reconnaissance 4225th USAF Dispensary were personnel. The group remained at Group assumed a mission of coast- changed to the 825th Combat Sup- Gowan Field only a month before al scouting and anti-submarine port Group and 825th Medical being transferred to Sioux City patrol along the Pacific coast. Al- Group respectively. Army Air Base, Iowa, for training though this mission was not spec- The growth of the base con- in B-17s under the command of tacular, the personnel of the 70th tinued and in 1961 the missile age Colonel Bud J. Peaslee. After com- served with great pride and honor. came to Little Rock Air Force Base pleting this training, in early 1943, The reconnaissance group was with the construction of Titan II the group stopped briefly at Camp inactivated June 27, 1949, and re- missile sites in the northern part Kearney, Nebraska to equip with activated January 14, 1955, as the of the state. Little Rock Air Force new B-17s prior to overseas trans- 70th Strategic Reconnais san c e Base will be the headquarters for fer. Equipped with new aircraft Wing, assigned to the 801st Air Di- the 308th Missile Wing and its as- the Group arrived in the European vision, Second Air Force, SAC. signed units who will control, main- Theater of Operation in May 1943. On August 1, 1955, the 70th Wing tain, and use, if necessary, the June 22, 1943, was the day of the was moved to Little Rock Air Titan II ICBM which will be housed 384th Group's first combat mission. Force Base, and on June 2, 1958, in the giant silos in Arkansas. The first mission was unsuccessful. it went out of the reconnaissance Two airmen were killed, three business and assumed the mission wounded, two aircraft were lost of a combat crew training wing. 82Sth Air Division and 11 damaged. On January 11, It remained in this status until The 825th Air Division was acti- 1944, the 384thBombardment Group October 25, 1961, when it was re- vated at Little Rock Air Force participated in the first large scale organized and designated the 70th Base, Jacksonville, Arkansas, and air raid. Bombardment Wing. -2- 3 SATAF SATAF Little Rock is a detachment of the Bal- The top 28 feet of the silo wall is eight feet thick; listic Systems Division of the Air Force Systems the remaining sections are four feet thick. The silo Command, Los Angeles, California. It has the job contains the launch duct, a· flame deflector, two of seeing that the Titan II missile launch com- exhaust ducts, a 100,000-gallonwater tank, and nine plexes around Little Rock Air Force Base are built levels of equipment-mounting access space. to specifications and turned over to SAC in an oper- The control center prOVIdes a hardened and ational condition. Military and civilian personnel of separated area, with space for electrical and me- the Air Force and the Army Corps of Engineers chanical equipment rooms, and messing and sleep- make up the task force. ing quarters for operating personnel. It is a 37-foot ins.ide diameter, dome-shaped concrete sub-surface Titan II is a two-staged, liquid fueled, inertially structure connected to the silo by a 209-foot tunnel guided ballistic rocket, over 90 feet long and 10 feet and the blast lock and access portal structures. The in diameter. It is launched directly from its under- floor levels inside the control center are suspended ground silo, and is directed to its target by a self- from the dome, to minimize blast shock. contained, all inertial guidance system which can- The blast lock is a hardened, single-level struc- not be jammed by any known method, and which ture containing three rooms, one of which is for provides the capability of launching the entire Titan decontaminating purposes. The structure is 38'8"x II force in 'salvo'. Titan II uses storable liquid fuel, 34'8"x20' in height, with roof, walls, and foundation rather than the highly volatile cryogenic fuels used slabs from three to five feet thick. The blast lock on the Atlas and earlier Titan missiles. contains two pairs of blast doors, one to prevent The launch silo is a reinforced concrete cylinder nuclear blast reaching the control center from the with a concentric steel and concrete inner launch access portal, and one to prevent the resulting blast duct. The silo provides nine separate levels, is from an explosion of the missile in the silo from approximately 147 feet deep and 55 feet inside reaching the control center. diameter. The foundation is a seven-foot circular A cut-away drawing of a typical launch com- plate with no extension beyond the exterior face. plex as it will appear in operational status is shown.

-8- WELCOME 308th Strategic Missile Wing ,:a~~" monstrous metal hopper and a tall concrete building- all resting below the earth's surface. Inside will be the latest Titan missile, which will be ready for launch in " moment's notice.

Colorful History In assuming identity as the 308th Strategic Missile Wing, the new unit brought a colorful history to Little Rock AFB. Originally designated as a bombardment group, the unit compiled an outstanding combat record during World War II. The 308th Bombardment Group was first activated 308TH STRATEGIC MISSILE WING in April 1942and in 1943was assigned to China, Burma and India Theatre, flying the B-24 aircraft. After an impressive combat record and two Distinguished Unit Citations the unit returned to the United States in COMMANDER'S WELCOME December 1945and in January 1946was inactivated for the first time. A hearty welcome to you as a member Since its first inactivation, the unit has held desig- of the SAC Aerospace Team. Here at Little nations as the 308th Reconnaissance Group (Weather), Rock Air Force Base you will be a member the 308th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the and part of one of the greatest deterrent 308th Bombardment Wing. forces of SAC. One of Three Titan II Wings We enjoy one of the finest locations and With the new missile mission on its reactivation most suitable climates of any missile unit in in 1962, the wing became one of three units which will SAC. give direct support to Titan II Complexes strategically I sincerely hope this tour will be the most located throughout the United States. Other units are successful, pleasant, and memorable of your located at McConnell AFB, Kansas, and Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. career. In joining the LRAFB family the 308th SMW will add to the deterrent force of the base and the Strategic Air Command.

HISTORY On April 1, 1962, Little Rock Air Force Base entered a new era when the 308th Strategic Missile Wing was activated as a unit of the 825th Air Division.

Composed of Three Squadrons The Wing, composed of nearly 1000personnel, will have three squadrons assigned, the 373rd and 374th Strategic Missile Squadrons and the 308th Missile Maintenance Squadron. The 373rd was activated at the same time the Wing was assigned to the base, and the remaining two will become active after all Titan II ICBM Complexes in Arkansas are completed. Mission of the 308th will be to man and maintain the Titan Sites throughout Central Arkansas. After America's most powerful ICBM has joined the inven- tory at Little Rock AFB, the wing will assign five combat ready crews to each Titan II launcher on a rotation basis. Each crew will consist of a crew com- mander, missile officer and two airman technicians. These four men will man the controls, as part of SAC's Global strike force. These crews will be assigned to one of the wing's Strategic Missile Squadrons. TITAN II ON ITS LAUNCHER-An Air Force TITAN II inter- Personnel assigned to the Missile Maintenance continental ballistic missile stands on its massive steel-and- Squadron will be charged with keeping the missiles concrete launcher at Cape Canaveral during preparation for combat ready and performing periodic maintenance a flight down the Atlantic Missile Range. The TITAN II, which checks at each site. utilizes storable liquid propellants, combines the quick start Each complex manned by the wing will have the advantages previously associated with solid fuel rockets and general appearance of a gigantic metal igloo, a the brute power of liquids.

-16 - I ! ROG**4 CLEB RNE /) ROG =:I ------! l

LEGEND :

I!I PROJeCT'SiTE' IIESIDENT ~ICI

CEBMCO @ PROJ£CT SITE AREA OFFICE ~ SAFE DRilliNG TIME 'ETWEEN STARS .II HIGHWAY MILEAGE 'ETWEEN STARS

CORPS OF ENGINEERS BALLISTIC MISSILE CONSTRUCTION.~OFFICE ~ -AL-__ , LITTLE ROCK AREA TIME AND ACCESS MAP ~ 0 lO iLittle Rock SCALE - - - I I 15 FEBRUARY Kll'1

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY I..:rr1'LI ROC3: AIR FORm; BASE

!-8 - MILEAGE CHART - BASE TO CmIPLEX AND OOMPLEX TO OOMPLEX

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14 49 -:r7 11 12 1...7 il M 77 62 t...'i 2CJ L.9 22 10 1] ~1 1~ 20

1~ 60 la.8 L..J.. 1..~ 'i8 Ii Ii 71 ag 7~ ls2 26 1..6 1q 21 11 . \ 1& ~O 9 29 36 '59 kO II 72 '57 U 32 48 k3 23 33 U 33 34

20 19 3k.. 31 39 ~ k9 5k k2 62 35 19 13 24 33 . \ 17 ~ a ? l , \ 18 64. 25 2l. 12 Zl 32 U 39 48 61 49 69 42 26 20 31 34 7 OFFICERS CLUB. The Little Rock Air Force Base Officers Club is a structure which has the appear- ance of a Las Vegas "Sunset Strip" night club. The ultra-modern facility is equipped with a ball room, a sinuous bar, dining room, lounge, TV-game room, private dining room and a cocktail lounge. Like the NCOClub, the Officer's Club engages a band at least twice weekly.

SERVICE CLUB. An ultra-modern service club is lo- cated just south of the airmen's dormitories. The three-quarter million dollar facility has been classed as one of the best in the Air Force. Sponsoring a complete program of entertainment for the airman, NCO or officer, the club boasts of the largest dance floor in the state of Arkansas, 9,000 square feet. It has a hi-fi room with booths, game room, television room, snack bar, music room and lounge.

NCO CLUB: "Stratosphere," the Little Rock Air Force Base Non-commissioned Officers' Club, is a fabulous $300,000facility located across the street and west of the base exchange area. The Club is equipped with game room, stag room and bar, dining room, ball room, lounge, kitchen, patio and one of the longest bars in the state. Membership dues are the usual $2 per month. All new members get the first month's membership fee. A band is usually on stage on Friday and Saturday nights with at least one name band appearing monthly.

-11- The uniform will be worn by person- authorized combination with the ex- 2. Blue wool shirt and trousers may nel of Little Rock Air Force Base in ception that after 1830 hours ties are be worn in winter during duty hours. accordal).ce with pertinent Air Fo!·ce to be worn within the clubs. Off base A coat or jacket is required when the Directives. It is intended that the uni- any combination may be worn to and winter uniform is worn off bast'!. form be clean and' presentable at all from places of residence or while in times, both on and off base, and that the performance of duty at anytime, 3. Athletic clothing may be worn only while going to or from, or while proper insignia, decorations, service day or night. Tie will be worn with medals, and badges be worn as ;)I"C- engaged in athletics. uniform at all times off base except scribed. going to and from residence to place 4. Fatigue clothing will be worn The winter uniform is authorized of duty. After 1830 hours ties will be only while engaged in duty requ1l'lng for wear from November 1 to April 1. worn when in the club. When offi- such wear. It may be worn to and from work providea the wearer does The blue blouse and trousers arc re- cers are representing the Air Force quired at all ceremonies and retreat not come in contact with the general at public functions the blouse must formations. The blue jacket with public. be worn. Officers are required to trousers is acceptable for ordinary 5. Styles, types, and-or colors of uni- daily wear and is authorized to be wear the blouse off base after 1830 form will not be mixed at any time. worn as a duty uniform on the base. hours with the exception of going to and from residence to place of duty. The summer uniform is authorized Civilian dress should be clean and for wear from April 1 to October 31. Miscellaneous items: presentable, whether formal or in- The new summer cotton service uni 1. Service cap or flight cap is auth- formal, and should at no time be in- form may be worn on base in any orized for year around wear. ter-mingled with military or-ess.

-12 - • Strategic Air Command is the long-range nuclear strike force of the United States Air Force. Commanded by General Thomas S. Power, it is one of the nation's two specified commands. The chain of command proceeds from the President to the Secretary of Defense, acting as his agent, through the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the SAC Commander in Chief.

SAC'S MISSION: civilian) for short periods. This makes it virtually impossible for any enemy to forecast the location SAC's mission is to prevent nuclear war by of SAC's bomber force at any given time. For the operating from a position of unquestioned strength. past several years the command has been dispers- By maintaining a bomber and missile aerospace ing its B-52 Stratofortress heavy jet bombers and force capable of winning under all circumstances, KC-135 jet Stratotankers to additional bases for SAC hopes to preserve the peace on honorable protection. terms. Should its primary mission fail, however, Since early 1960, SAC has had one-third of its the command is prepared to destroy the enemy's bomber and tanker force on ground alert capable of capability to continue the conflict. SAC's war plans reacting to warning within 15 minutes. As part of are predicated on absorbing a surprise attack, al- this force, SAC maintains a number of B-47's on though a situation where SAC would gain the initia- alert at overseas bases under the Reflex Action tive through strategic warning has not been ruled program. out. SAC can maintain a portion of its heavy bomber fleet on airborne alert to further safeguard the com- SAC'S ORGANIZATION: mand's striking power from destruction on the ground in a surprise attack. On a typical airborne The command consists of a world-wide network alert mission, a B-52 bomber would stay in the air of more than 80 bases, 260,000 personnel, 3,000 as long as 24 hours, taking on fuel at specified inter- tactical aircraft, an ICBM force, 4,000 combat ready va Is from tankers. When the bomber is carrying crews, and tangible assets of more than $15 billion. a heavy fuel load, its assigned target will be deep The SAC structure' comprises four number air within the enemy's heartland. At medium fuel forces - Second Air Force, with headquarters at levels, the target will shift to mid-range. Then, as Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; Eighth Air Force, West- the fuel load dwindles, the target will change to a over AFB, Massachusetts; Fifteenth Air Force. shallow range. After refueling, the target cycle will March AFB, California, and Sixteenth Air Force, start again at deep range. Torrejon AB, Spain - two overseas air divisions - Also maintained on 'round-the-clock alert are 7th AD in the United Kingdom and 3rd AD at the Free World's first intercontinental ballistic mis- Guam - and 1st Missile Division, at Vandenberg siles, the Atlas. This one and one-half stage ICBM AFB, California. burning liquid fuel, was the first operational bal- SAC's operational aerospace force includes listie missile assigned to SAC achieving operational Atlas inter-continental ballistic missiles, Snark in- readiness on 9 September 1959. Some 13 bases have tercontinental cruise missiles, B-58 Hustler Mach 2 been assigned Atlas missions. Other SAC bases will and B-47 Stratojet medium bombers, B-52 Strato- be equipped with Titan I and II and the Minuteman. fortress heavy bombers, and KC-135 jet and KC-97 Two other missiles coming into operational use conventional tankers. by SAC are the Quail and Hound Dog. The Quail is During periods of extreme international tension a decoy missile, launched by B-52 aircraft to con- or in the event of war, General Power would direct fuse enemy defense radar, while the Hound Dog is his far-flung force from the underground Command a supersonic guided missile, carried by B-52's and Post at SAC Headquarters, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. launched hundreds of miles from its target. In order to assure continuity of the command func- Currently nearing operational readiness are the tion should SAC Headquarters be destroyed, Gen- Titan I and II ICBM's. Titan I will be raised from eral Power announced on 1 May 1960 that the com- a silo to ground level and launched, while Titan II mand was maintaining an Airborne Command Post will be silo launched. Titan burns liquid fuel and is ready to take off at all times with a general officer a two-stage missile. Minuteman, a second genera- aboard to serve as commander. The Airborne Com- tion, solid fuel ICBM has three stages and will be a mand Post would be linked with all SAC bomber versatile addition to the SAC force. and missile bases by single side band radio. The A manned bomber capable of speeds in excess advanced radio system, put into operation 4 March of 2,000 miles per hour at altitudes of above 70,000 1960,enables the Commander in Chief to communi- feet, is presently under development. Designated cate with SAC crews in flight around the world. the B-70 Valkyrie, this long-range Mach 3 bomber Major SAC programs seek to insure survival will add greatly to the command's nuclear counter of the force under the minimum warning condi- force. Also, the Air Force and Atomic Energy Com- tions. Giving greater protection to the B-47 medium mission are working together to develop a nuclear- jet bomber fleet, SAC occasionally deploys its powered bomber with a range limited only by crew bombers to non-SAC airfields (both military and endurance. -15 - J R-Air Scoop , Thursday ) March J 7, J %6 OT PROGRAM TESTS CREWS--MISSILE By K.W. Lindsay by Headquarters Strategic. operational unit perform all designating the task force the installation of ran ge h a v e resulted in a very successful program thus far. Since the inception o~the Air Command of the mis- normal receipt tasks. commander, site command- safety equipmen~ when the Participation by the 308th Operational T est i ng Pro- sile to be launched. The Refurbishment of the er, chief maintenance of- missile arrives and a final SMW in the OTprogram is gram (OT), the 308th Stra- missile comes from an op- launch facility is by SAC/ ficer and the missile com- check of the facilities is summarized below: tegic Missile Wing has erational site and is rep- AFLC agreement. Vanden- bat crews that will partici- carried out to insure all First Launch achieved the best launch rec- resentative of the operation- berg per so nn e I perform pate in the exercise. Main- is in readiness for arrival a. The fir st launch by ord of the three existing al force. The unit possess- these functions required to tenance teams including a t>fthe task force. 308th personnel was entitl- Titan II wings. ing the missile, which has meet current range and safe- re-entry vehicle team from Selection Of Personnel ed "Magic Lamp." Task Operational Testing is a been selected, is notified ty requirements. the 27th Munitions Main- program for exercising the by an amendment to the ap- When the launch site is tenance Squadron are form- Personnel whoparticipate force commander was Col. Edgar E. Bartlett. Site Com- weapon system in as near pro p ria t e fragmentary ready for the missile and is ed. Persons in the Direc- in the OTprogram are selec- mander was Lt. Col. Her- an operational environment order. This notification is acceptable to the operational torate of Personnel, pre- ted very carefully. Missile as possible to determine authority to remove the mis- unit, the 308th maintenance pare to brief the task force combat crews who monitor man C. Ahrens Jr. and chief of maintenance wa. Maj. Ben system reliability and ac- sile from the launch facil- teams install the missile and and s tar t assemblying mo- alert readiness and launch curacy factor s under rep- ity, prepare it for shipment perform all tasks necessary bility folders for all per- the missile when directed G. Scallorn. The missile resentative operational con- and monitor its movement to place the missile in a sonnel to be deployed. The are selected because oftheir was launched by crew S-138 ditions. to Vandenberg AFB, Calif. "readiness status." At this Base Comptroller reserves outstanding records as com- fro m the 374th Strategic Maintenance teams, mis- time. the launch complex is funds to cover the costs bat crew members anddem- Mis s i Ie Squadron. Maj. It involves all system sile combat crews and the manned on a 24-hour basis of travel and implements onstrated professionalism. Ronald C. Feavel was Mis- functions, including typical command element are then by 308thSMWcombat ready procedures to insure timely Only the most highly quali- sile Combat Crew Com- maintenance and readiness mander (MCCC). de p I 0 Ye d to Vandenberg. crews • .After a period of pay for those going to Van- fie d maintenance person- periods and terminates with Vandenberg personnel off- readiness monitoring, the denberg. nel are chosen. Allare fully Second Launch the delivery of the re-entry load the missile, transport missile is launched uponre- In the meantime, main- qualified, certified to per- b. The second launch vehicle to the impact area. ·it to appropriate check-out ceipt of a "no-notice" ex- tenance teams are busyper- form assigned and reqUired "New Role" was under the .location and accomplish in- ecution me s sag e from the Selectin& The Missile forming those tasks incident tasks and have demonstrat- direction of Col. Peter H. stallation and checkout of Commander in Chief, Stra- to the removal of the selec- ed outstanding proficiency in Spear, task force comman- Each test sequence begins range safety instrumenta- tegic Air Command. ted missile from the launch their respective specialties. der. He was assisted by' with the random selection tion. Personnel from the Preparation For Trip ,facility andinstallation ofthe In addition to the command Lt. Col. AdolphAguilar, site Upon receipt Of notifica- replacement missile. Also, element consisting of the commander and Maj. RoyN. tion that a particular mis- arrangements are beingfor- task force commander, site Minor, chief of maintenance. sile has been selected for an malized to t ran s p 0 r t the commander and chi ef of Capt. Harold D. Caselton, OT shot, the missile wing missile by .air to Vanden- maintenance, the task force MCCCof crew S-042 andhis lillareal becomes a beehive of ac- be rg. Base Op e ra tion s is comprised of three com- crew from the 373rd Stra- tiVity. Careful pre-planning people get into the act by b'at. 'ready crews and ap- tegic Missile Squadron and programming permits planning airlift for the task proximately 60 maintenance launched the missile. the wing to assume the ad- force. personnel of varying Air Third Launch IDlestlleDts ditional workload in v 0 Iv- At Vandenberg,refurbish- Force Specialty Codes. c. "Power Box" was the ed without a degradation of ment of the launch facility The concerted effort of third successful launch of a STATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS current effectiveness. A r is taking place in anticipa- the 308th SMWandthe splen- Titan II by308thSMWcrews. 308th fragmentary order is tion of the receipt of our did cooperation and support This task force was com- i m me di ate I y published m i s s i I e, and maintenance rendered by activities here manded by Lt. Col. GlennW. 221 lOUISIANA limE ROCK FI 2-7134 and Fa 2-7135 forming the task force and ~eams are being alerted for on base and at Vandenberg Continued to P-19,

~ :BEST "'VVISS:ES III. International Harvester Co. Marion L. Crist, MoioRI TRUCK - PARTS. - SERVICE - SAUS and · .. 3081H CREWS LAUNCH FIVE 'BIRDS'

READY FOR LIFT OFF .. Following predeparture briefing, Crew S.117, con· helicopter for flight to a missile complex for an alert tour of ins tru cti on. sisting of (from left) Maj. Howard T. Blackwelder, 1st Lt. Peter C. Spring, Sergeant Cirelli and Airman Hurst are the students Participating in this alert SSgt. Sammuel Cirelli and A2C Hewitt W. Hurst, prepares to board a H·19 tour.

Missile Crew Training •• Exposedl!

The 308th strategic Missile Wing Combat Crew Training of the instructors to effectively communicate their out- will insure effective use of the missile procedure trainer Kt::AU rv~ Ir I ~ -- • -"_ .•••••~ ,..._--r'-._-~ __ ~. sisting of (from left) Maj. Howard T. Blackwelder, 1st Lt. Peter C. Spring, Sergeant Ci reI! i an urst are tlie stuoents arti pdt SSgt. Sammuel Cirelli and A2C Hewitt W. Hurst, prepares ta board a H·19 tour.

Missile Crew Training •• Exposed!1

The 308th strategic Missile Wing Combat Crew Training of the instructors to effectively communicate their out- will insure effective use of the missile procedure trainer. Section, directed by Lt. Col. William J. McGee, Senior standing knowledge based on experience and un1!elfishde- This crew has been instrumental in the high success of the [nstructor Crew commander of Crew S-009, is responsible votion to the study of the "'itan II Weapon System. High Wing's activities such as Operational Readiness [nspections for all. Titan II missile combat crew training at Little Rock results have been achieved ~ith a total of over 50 students and high alert times. AFB. since Jan. 1, 1967. [n the standboard evaluations, over 50 To facilitate the 50 hours of student study and produce Mission of the section is to maintain the highest quality per cent of the students have been highly qualified. a research file for the instructors, Maj. William E. missile combat crew to fully accomplish the Wing mis- Maj. Howard T. Blackwelder's crew, Crew S-117, is Reynold's crew, Crew S-I04, maintains a limited techni- sion. Seven regularly assigned, select, combat ready responsible for the scheduling of the students' activities cal order file. Accuracy of this file must be impeccable. crews utilize the Missile Procedures Trainer, cardboard throughout their six-week program. [n addition, they Major Reynolds' crew has achieved a goal of "zero de- simulators, alert tours at the missile complex, lectures schedule all activities of instructor crews. The mating of fects" in the file. and a self-study library to perform the various training appropriate tasks, students and instructors at appropriate Combat Ready crews are directed to perform 11 hours programs. There are also certain additional crews that places and achievement has contr1buted to the Wing's of self-study per month while on alert. To accomplish only instruct on alert. success in training activities. this training, Maj. Douglas C. Cameron's crew, Crew The most· significant training program is the Upgrade Capt. Joe G. Pillman's crew, Crew S-131, determines, S-130, develops a monthly set of problems covering nor- Training Program. Capt. Nolbert A. Gotner's crew, Crew assigns and follows up on corrective training. This cor- mal operating hazards and launch procedures to cover S-033, is responsible for this program. The students have rective training may be required of crews as a result of each crew position. At the missile site, the problem been through Sheppard AFB, Tex., for Titan II technical higher headquarters inpections or standardization checks. is initiated by a noninvolved crew member giving the re- training and their upgrade. Captain Pillman's efficient direction has reduced re- sponsible crew member an index card with a set of light Crews are given an indoctrination briefing by Lt. Col. curring weaknesses to a minimum. He reviews the indications depicting some malfunction, hazard or launch Adolph Aguilar, Chief of Training, Colonel McGee and Cap- Monthly Descrepancy Analysis Review Report and then situation. The training crew member then initiates and tain Gutner for Titan II strategic alert. This intense coordinates with other instructor crews to follow up on completes the appropriate procedures for the simulated program leaves little time to attend to personal affairs, any areas of additional em,hasis. situation. but is necessary in forming top-rate crews. The program Capt. Joe D. Friedman's crew spends many long hours The training is long, rigorus and demanding, but the end includes 50 hours of supervised self- study, 11 lectures, in applying creative thinking and imagination, coupled results are very gratifying--a top-rate missile combat five cardboard trainer classes and at least four alert with analysis of training trends, to develop packages that crew! tours with an instructor crew. These activities range from the progressional entry of the missile site to all aspects of launching the missile if ever directed to do so by the strategic Air Command. [n the sixth week, the student is evaluated by the Wing Standardization Division to determine if he is ready to assume alert duty. Evaluation results are determined by the diligence of the student in applying himself and the ability Air Scoop, \lll~'ll, .1%7--11

MANUAL CHICK -- Second Lt. Phillip S. Keenan uses his "Dash 1" check- list to verify his SAC high frequency radio communication settings.

Iran a Ie rt tou r 0 fin s t r u c t ion . ,tudents Participating in this alert [posedll

ective use of the missile procedure trainer. been instrumental in the high success of the ,8 such as Operational Readiness Inspections :imes. the 50 hours of student study and produce ile for the instructors, Maj. William E. v, Crew 8-104, maintains a limited teclmi- Accuracy of this file must be impeccable. Is' crew has achieved a goal of "zero de- Ie. GUIDANCE AND ALLIGNMENT AID .. AlC Doncld Kierig (left) receives dy crews are directed to p"erform 11 hours training aid from SSgt. Paul Love, Crew S-018, pretaining to the functions of per month while on alert. To accomplish various modes of the missile Guidance and Allignment control panel in the Maj. Douglas C. Cameron's crew, Crew missi Ie procedures trainer. '5 a monthly set of problems covering nor- hazards and launch procedures to cover lsition. At the missile site, the problem a noninvolved crew member giving the re- w member an index card with a set of light ,,1L •• Exposed!1

will insure effective use of the missile procedure trainer. This crew has been instrumental in the high success of the Wing's activities such as Operational Readiness InSpections and high alert times. To facilitate the 50 hours of student study and produce a research file for the instructors, Maj. William E. Reynold's crew, Crew 8-104, maintains a limited techni- cal order file. Accuracy of this file must be impeccable. Major Reynolds' crew has achieved a goal of "zero de- fects" in the file. GUIDANCE AND ALLIGNMENT AID u A1C Doncld Kierig (left) Combat Ready crews are directed to perform 11 hours training aid from SSgt. Paul Love, Crew S-018, pretaining to the fu of self-study per month while on alert. To accomplish various modes of the missile Guidance and Allignment control pc this training, Maj. Douglas C. Cameron's crew, Crew missi Ie procedures tra iner. 8-130, develops a monthly set of problems covering nor- mal operating hazards and launch procedures to cover each crew position. At the missile site, the problem is initiated by a noninvolved crew member giving the re- sponsible crew member an index card with a set of light indications depicting some malfunction, hazard or launch situation. The training crew member then initiates and completes the appropriate procedures for the simulated situation. The training is long, rigorus and demanding, but the end results are very gratifying--a top-rate missile combat crew!

HAPPY WITH GOALS AT T A I NED -- Capt. Norbert A. Gotner (seated), member of CrewS-033, LAUNCH CONTROl CEN fER •• Capt. Wharton E. Duke (front) reviews an upgrade lesson plan with (fr~-n left) struction from Capt. Randolph J. Scheel, missile combat crew c SSgt. Roger B. Carl son, mi ssi Ie foci Iities tech- Crew S-018, on the action that takes place when the hazard sen nICian, and 2nd Lt. Howard E. Duvall, deputy I dt;!te,«ts G. i!,.•thEt .c.o.mplex., mi ssi Ie . combat crew commander. f~r~ lO-Air Scoop, May 11, 1967

STANDARDIZATION EVALUATION .. Constant review of Crew proficiency ratings is the task of Crew 5-131. Capt. Joe G. Pill man (~eft), cre~ ~om- mander, and M5gt. Eugene E. Becker, Balistic Missile Analyslst Technician, review the results of a crew standardization evaluation summary.

S II if A

n

COMMUNICA TIONS LECTURE -- Communications are an absolute essential to an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launcher. Capt. Larry C. Glad (top), crew deputy commander of Crew 5-009, points out the antenna configuration locations to a group of crew students. locations to a group of crew students.

PROCEDURES TRAINER .• SS9t. James L. Fort, of Crew S-108, reviews the j ...,:,function'of, the Facility Power Control Board with'studeirit, A2C John'Jackson}"

crews who man SAC's "owerful .ICBM's are dedicated to the concept of mission accomplishment ana a high degree of professionalism.

HIS article has only one intent: To afford squadron in addition to the missile combat crews. T you an opportunity to join us as an honorary The crews and staff are briefed on scheduled main- crew member and observe a Titan Missile crew tenance activities, weather, safety, special exercises in action during a typical 24-hour alert tour. and other pertinent information. In addition, the Welcome aboard, our crew is composed of MCCC's and DMCCC's are administered tests on two officers, the missile combat crew commander emergency war order procedures. (MCCC) and the deputy missile combat crew At the completion of the briefing, the crews commander (DMCCC) and two enlisted person- proceed to their assigned vehicles. A safety brief- nel, the missile system analyst technician (MSA T) ing is completed prior to departing for their as- and the missile facilities technician (MFT). signed missile complex. The first "happening" at the beginning of an The drive to the complex, located 50 miles alert tour is predeparture briefing. This is con- from the base, is an excellent time to acquaint ducted at 0715 hours in a secure room. In attend- you with a few facts about the Titan II weapon ance at this briefing are members of the wing and system. The Titan II ICBM has a computer con-

4 COMBAT CREW trolled inertial guidance system and storable pro- ducts; and weather instruments. Any abnormal pellants. It has a range in excess of 5000 miles. condition observed will be reported and necessary The missile complex houses the necessary ground corrective actions taken. equipment to monitor the alert readiness of the After completing the topside inspection, the missile and to provide an immediate launch capa- surface security surveillance system is reset and bility. There are 18 Titan II missile complexes the crew members performing the inspectio::\ pro- located around Little Rock, each separated by ceed to the control center. To gain entry into the distances of seven to ten miles. control center, one must pass through the entrap- Upon arrival at the complex's outer security ment area and journey down a series of winding fence, the MCCC notifies the crew on duty of our stairs which lead to the first of a series of seven- arrival by direct line telephone located adjacent to ton steel blast doors. These are electrically inter- the electrically locked surface gate. After proper locked, hydraulically operated, and only one can security measures are taken, the gate is unlocked be opened at a time. The crew now enters level by the MCCC on duty in the control center by two of the three-level control center. The launch pressing a pushbutton on his console. Once in- control center, a buried, re-inforced concrete struc- side the enclosed area, the two MCCC's verify by ture and the blast lock doors are designed to with- phone that the gate is re-locked. The crew then stand the effects of a blast topside. The LCC proceeds directly to the access portal and our contains living quarters, communications equip- MCCC enters the entrapment area which is se- ment, battery power supplies, equipment for check- cured by two electrically operated doors. Here out and monitoring of the weapon system and he is monitored on closed circuit television camera equipment for initiating launch. and communicates with personnel in the control Formal crew changeover, a procedure designed center by telephone. As soon as he has been posi- to transfer alert responsibility, is now initiated. tively identified, the MCCC on duty resets the During the changeover briefing, the oncoming surface security surveillance system. The crew is crew is advised of launch complex status and any then authorized to enter the launch control cen- conditions affecting normal EWO operations; ter (LCC) and to perform required topside equip- critical safety and security requirements are veri- ment inspections. fied; a systematic inventory of materials, publica- During this inspection, equipment is checked tions, and documents is performed; and finally, the for corrosion, leaks, proper belt tension, excessive wing command post is notified of the change of noise and vibrations, and so forth. Included are command. such items as the 700-ton silo closure door which Our crew is now in command of the missile covers and protects the missile; fuel and oxidizer complex. The first order of business is the veri- hardstands which facilitate propellant operations; fication of the alert readiness of the missile and communications antennas; air intake and exhaust other launch essential equipment. Readiness mon-

..*:; ..'0 ~r

i i

NOVEMBER 1968 5 which monitor and control hazards and abnormal conditions which may exist throughout the launch complex. Flashing red indicators denote fire and toxic vapor hazards. Amber and red indicators indicate other hazardous or abnormal conditions which require immediate attention. The MCCC conducts a formal crew operations briefing following readiness monitoring. It covers safety, communications, emergency procedures, checklists, technical orders, EWO responsibilities, scheduled maintenance, and training to be accom- plished. Daily shift verification is performed as soon as possible after the crew operations briefing. It con- sists of lamp tests, checkout of communications equipment, and visual checks of equipment and in- dicators. The verification begins in the control center where lamp tests and visual inspections of equipment status are performed. The MSA T and MFT are then dispatched on a walk-through in- spection of the entire launch complex to visually check and verify operational efficiency of the equipment. A cableway, which is nine and one- half feet in diameter and constructed with steel floors, connects the control center and the launch silo. Located in the cableway near the control center are two blast doors which provide protec- tion for personnel in the control center from hazardous conditions which could occur in the silo. The cableway provides for passage of per- sonnel and equipment, control wiring, utility dis- tribution, air ducts, and piping. The launch silo is a reinforced concrete structure with inside di- mensions of 146 feet in depth and 55 feet in di- TITAN ameter. A launch duct containing the missile is In'.rconlln.nlal e.•III,hC Mi •• U. located in the center of the silo. Equipm~nt areas are located between the launch duct and the launch silo on nine separate levels. Equipment on each level is inspected during the verification. This procedure is time consuming since the daily shift Itonng is performed by light indications on the verification checklist contains 210 steps. launch control complex facilities con sol e It is approximately 1300 hours and time for (LCCFC). Readiness monitoring consists of sur- lunch. Alternating shifts, which are composed of veillance of the LCCFC to assure the absence of an officer and an enlisted crew member, may now indications preventing launch and conditions relax and eat their lunches in the kitchen before which could result in injury to personnel and dam- the next scheduled activity, a missile and launch age to equipment. verifica tion. The LCCFC is of such importance that a de- Positive direction and guidance for conducting scription should not be omitted. The console panel these verifications are contained in technical data. is divided into three sections, launch control and The missile verification is an automatic sequence monitor, readiness control and monitor, and fa- that verifies missile components are functioning cilities control and monitor sections. The launch properly. The launch verification is a semi-auto- control and monitor section contains switches to matic sequence that exercises the weapon system. select a target, initiate a launch, shut down the During this test all systems required to insure system and reset. It also contains indicators to launch and successful flight of the missile are monitor the pre-launch, missile and launch verifi- tested electronically. The crew now begins normal cations, and launch sequence functions. The read- readiness monitoring. Suddenly, visual and aud- iness control monitor section contains operational ible alarms on the security surveillance system an- guidance system indicators, power distribution in- nunciator panel ~ndicate that a possible intrusion dicators, missile status indicators and RV indi- or attack has occurred. It is of the utmost import- cators. The facilities control and monitor section ance that wing command post and central security contains pushbutton-indicators and indicators control be notified. Until a missile security alert

6 COMBAT CREW team (MSA T) arrives and performs tained in the Dash One and other a security inspection topside, no one technical orders, simulated malfunc- may enter or depart the launch com- tion analysis problems are per- plex. Our course of action is to close formed. These problems are direct- the control center blast valve and ed in the monthly training package monitor the launch complex for ad- for each alert tour. Problems in- ditional events which may indicate clude: launch no-go; toxic vapor attack or intrusion. The audible hazard; fires; power failures; and alarm may be silenced, but the visual others. one signifying the area penetrated The first sleeping shift goes into remains illuminated until the MSA T effect at this time. An officer and completes its topside security inspec- an enlisted crew member remain on tion. level two of the control center to The security surveillance system monitor the LCCFC an.d comply provides for the silo closure door with security regulations; they de- area and control center air intake vote a minimum of three hours to shaft. Alarms will register whenever diligent study of technical data. any movement is detected in the pro- The two sleeping crew members tected area. are awakened by the MCCC using The MSA T contacts the MCCC the voice signaling system. This by radio/telephone as soon as they system can be used to announce arrive in the area. The security team emergency conditions and direct re- reports that the inspection is com- medial action. Acting as a public pleted and the intruder is a small address system, all personnel can be squirrel observed sitting near the alerted simultaneously. As soon as silo closure door; the MSA T is now the MSAT and MFT have per- free to depart the complex. Neces- formed a midnight walk-through to sary calls are made to the wing com- check operating equipment through- mand post and central security con- out the complex, the second sleep- trol on the result of the inspection. ing shift goes into effect. The security surveillance system is reset, and the LCC blast valve Morning arrives and we begin opened. preparation for crew changeover. The MCCC now begins a review The crew must insure that the ap- of the many checklists covering pearance of the control center is im- briefings in his technical data. Con- maculate; mainten.ance forms are stant study and review is required to complete and accurate; and perform maintain the high degree of profi- one final operational check of the ciency required by the Strategic Air LCC equipment prior to the on- Command. The MCCC is respons- coming crew's arriv.al. ible for many briefings. A safety Upon receiving a call from the on- briefing is given to all visitors. An coming MCCC on the surface gate activity coordination briefing is con- phone, our MCCC unlocks the gate ducted prior to any maintenance and allows them to enter; relocks performed at the complex and a silo and verifies that it is locked; posi- entry briefing is given to all person- tively identifies the MCCC in the nel entering the silo. Other briefings entrapment area; and then allows cover such topics as crew safety, his crew to perform daily entry veri- launch duct entrance and exit pro- fication. As soon as they have com- cedures and no-lone-zone require- pleted it and come down to th~ con- ments. trol center, a formal crew change- At one time or another during over is conducted and responsibility each tour, the MSA T and MFT per- of the complex is transferred. form corrosion control on assigned At approximately 1000 hours, the levels. During their absence from crew departs the complex and re- the control center, the MCCC and turns to the base for debriefing; this DMCCC query each other on posi- signifies the end of another alert tive control procedures and simulate tour's activities. The crew completes various checklists in their Dash One their day knowing that they kept its to insure proper coordination. sortie in a ready to launch status Crew training is accomplished and that each member's perform- I after dinner. Using checklists con- ance played an important role. ~

NOVEMBER 1968 7 MISSILECREWS OF THE MONTH

TITAN Crew S-117: Captain Roger W. Davidson, MCCC; lilt Dennis J. Stanley, DMCCC; TSgt Willis A. Clark, ITAN CREW S-117, 308th MSAT; and SSgt Samuel Cirelli, MFT. T Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, and MIN- UTEMAN CREW S-204, 351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, are SAC Missile Crews of the Month: Their superior teamwork, sustained dedication, and professional performance are out- standing and they now join a select group.

MINUTEMAN Crew S-2~: Major Edwin B. Cantrell III, MCCC; lilt Bobby R. Quisenberry, DMCCC; and Captain Arthur E. Johnson, AMCCC.

MAINTENANCE MAN OF THE MONTH

ECHNICAL Sergeant Richard A. Stoewer, T 306th Bomb Wing, McCoy AFB, Florida, has been selected SAC Manitenance Man of the Month for outstanding performance and contribu- tions to the maintenance effort. On his own in- itiative, he designed and constructed an ACjDC generator test set which allowed all voltage regu- lators to be precision adjusted prior to their in- stallation. He was also responsible for improving the method for rewiring the electrical harness on the }-57-27 engine. Sergeant Stoewer's versatility, initiative and in- genuity reflect great credit upon himself and the Uni~ed States Air Force.

NOVEMBER 1968 27 strategic o,r

Correspondents

2 BW lILt. Joseph H. Wi.e 5 BW Captain Bobby O. Welch ...... Captain John T. Gleason 6 SW Captain Wm. T. Price, III 7 BW ...... •.... Captain Charlie Rodriquez 9 SRW Major Buddy L. Brown 11 SAW Captain Frederick E. Gerken, Jr. 19 BW Major William W. Brandon, II 22 BW Captain Michael B. Seaton 28 BW Captain Gordon W. Lightfoot 42 BW Captain Bertram A. King 43 BW Major John L. Snow 44 SMW Captain Donald E. Krajewski 55 SRW Captain John J. Brannelly ... Captain Peter S. Carpenter 68 BW Captain Robert C. Hyde 70 BW Major Jerome S. Dwelle 72 BW Captain Thomas J. Doubek 90 SMW .. Captain Raymond V. McMillan 92 BW Captain Roy L. Laughton 93 BW .. Major William P. Hum 96 SAW .. Captain Jerry R. Weatherby ... liLt. Robert L. Kimball 97 BW Major Robert J. Baertrch 99 BW I/Lt. Peter F. Fazio 100 SRW Major Richard G. Woodhull, Jr. 301 ARW Captain William J. Gate. 305 BW Major Elden S. Billington 306 BW Captain Frederick M. King 308 SMW Captain Bobbie J. Reynold. 319 BW lILt. Kenneth C. King, Jr. 320 BW Captain Vernon B. Kelly 321 SMW Captain James Bradley 341 SMW lILt. Robert J. Perry 351 SMW liLt. Robert M. Feldman ... Major Terry P. Weyant 379 BW Captain John M. Fabian 380 SAW Captain William G. Halpin 381 S~{W I/Lt. Maximilian J. B. Welker, Jr. 390 SMW ,.I/Lt. Lester L. Walker 410 BW . ... Captain Homer A. Caouette, III ...... Captain Jerry L. Sinclair 449 BW . ... Captain Albert L. Yantis, Jr. .. . Captain Gerald W. Cralt 454 BW .. .. Captain Michael H. Keyserling . Captain David S. Whiteman <56 BW ...... Captain Philip D. Doud . . Major Billy E. Bristow 509 BW. ... Captain F. Rodriguiz

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