i thoroughly enjoyed the article by SMSgt Duncan. I worked with CMSGT Dick Kisling while assigned to 6960th Spt Gp and HQ USAFSS PIO.

He was a great troop. I also made the acquaintance of MG Larson after I retired in 1980 when I escorted a group of civilians to HQ SAC. He was our guest speaker.

Rick Patrick

Another good essay written by Jim Duncan….

I was stationed with his wife (I assume), Sharon @ San Vito from 85-87.

He says it all about us former USAFSS, Silent Warriors.

Kudos..

Very good essay that explained USAFSS. One slight fly in the ointment was the 2T promotion program did not apply to the support personnel. If it had, I’d have retired as a CMS instead of a MSgt. I was a 304 (Radio Maint.) and had two consecutive tours. One from the 6922nd (Clark AB) to 6950th (Chix). The other was TUSLOG Det 94-2 (Karamursel) to 6912th (Berlin). Including my last tour at GAFB when it became ATC, I spent 16 years out of 20+ in USAFSS and think there was no other command that came close. Once in the command when you went to a new unit you either knew somebody from a prior assignment or knew somebody that knew somebody. One big family is the way I describe it.

Was very good reading, brought back the days I spent in 1961 in the 6980th. Went on to many USAFSS units in my 20 years of service. After that spent another 13 years with NSA. Met a lot of people over the years, my son Randy spent 23 years of service in the USAF and retired in Alaska. Again this brought back many flash backs.

USAFSS 6950th Chix 36 months as a
“ditty bopper”,
Received a call in 2011 from a “bloke” friend from 1962. He said I saved him and his girlfriend
in a very bad fog in Bedford back then.
Called my home and I answered the phone. Talk about past blast !

My father was with the 6960th Spt Gr USAFSS during Korea. I have just started a search to understand what my father did. Thank you for the information posted.

Was reading a post from Charles Nickerson about being on the Island in 1961…
I was there from Jan. 1961 to Jan. of 1962…I belive I was in B Flt.
I was a AP..Drop me a line if you get this…
Lee

I was stationed at Samsun Turkey Aug. 63 to Oct. 64 met good people there. WENT FROM Samsung to tHe AFCD at security hill at Kelley Field. I was a 30454 assigned to the EL team, we went try all over the world installing equipment for the 203’s and 203’s to Dr of their job. GOOD TIMRD.

I’m an ex-1717 in ASA (Alaska, 1951-54), then in USAFSS (1959-63) at Semach,Darmstadt, and Osan - then cross-trained & served as a Russian/German linguist. PCS’d to NSA (1977-94). Went to college btwn ASA and USAFSS. Had no plan to spend 22 years in the military, but I could never find a job more exciting,or interesting - or co-workers more dedicated, hard- working or hell-raising. Didn’t know Berlin ever had any ditty-bobs (292). They were gone when I arrived there in 1965, Cheers!

I was at the 6917th Brindisi,Italy from 4/64 to 12/65 then on to Kelly on the hill also…..

Was a 203xx in the 1960’s. Basic (’62)and intermediate (’65)Russian at Syracuse. Ground analyst at Zweibruecken(’63-’64)and an airborne analyst out of Rhein-Main (’66-’69. Cannot imagine any better duty in the military, nor could I want to work with a more talented group of em’s. Besides all that Ilearned to drink beer in Germany, now a long-lost talent. Finally everyone should read “the Price of Vigilance” by Larry Tart. Thank all of you for your sevice, professionalism and comaraderie.

Served many years in USAFSS. HQ USAFSS, Zweibrucken, Tori Station, Clark, Goodbuddy, and ended as IG Team member 73-74. The best of the best. Wonderful years and wonderful friends. A unique Air Force within the USAF. Loved those years and loved the many friends, some are gone now, but many remain.

served in the 6984 RSM from Aug 60 to Sep 61, 6981st RGM from Sep 61 to Oct 63. Felt very proud to have served in such a unique outfit. Johnny Cash was in the same ‘line’ over in Germany, ditty bopper.

USAF from Jan 1968-1972. Was at Syracuse for Russian from May 1968 to Feb 1969 then Goodfellow from Feb 1969 to June 1969 then to Elemendorf July 1969 to Jan 1972. On Charlie Flight. Wife worked for Mobil Oil in legal during North Slope exploration. Played a lot of softball with ditty boppers as the voice guys were not into sports except one. John Leskovac. Love to hear from anyone still around.

A primary job of USAFSS airborne linguists and Morse Intercept Operators aboard SAC reconnaissance aircraft was to provide self-protection early warning of impending fighter or missile response by a target nation’s air defense system.

I was a 292×2 at both Darmstadt, Germany, from 1970 to late 1972, then to Create, Greece until December 5th of 1973. I met some of the best guys I’ve ever known during those years. I just wish I knew where they all are now. Are they still living, and if so where? If any ok of you see this please connect wjth me. Living in Johnson City, Tennessee. Would love to hear from you. You can contact me through my E-mailed or on Facebook. God bless.

Was an RT20371 in USAFSS from 1970-1978. Attended the last Basic Russian class at Syracuse, leaving in Feb., 1971. We closed it for good. Goodbuddy then on the 6921st, Misawa AFB, Japan. Returned to the world Dec., 1972 to attend Intermediate Russian at Presidio of Monterrey., TDY to NSA/Ft. Meade, Sept ’73 to Dec ’73. 6950th at RAF Chicksands from Jan 74 to Oct 75 and finally taught at Fort Goodfellow until I left in Feb., 1978.