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Copyright © Don Watson™ ®  1996-2011. All Rights Reserved.
No portion may be reproduced without the
written permission of Don Watson

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Please Report Missing Links At This Site!

Darmstadt, Germany
6911th Radio Group Mobile
Cambrai-Fritsch Kaserne



Frankfurt, Germany
6911th Radio Group Mobile
Detachment 1
Rhein-Main Air Base

"Proud, Fierce, and Fearless"

Communism - Straight Ahead USAFSS and The Free World
(Ask me who won!!!)

Humbly Dedicated To

Able

Baker

Charlie

Dog

Easy

Det-1

Don Watson, off-duty, "out on the economy," at our home in Eberstadt, 1958, and in 1998 at the Fort Meade MD Memorial for 60528, "busted" for taking photos!

Don Watson (29251, 29151)
Behind the Green Door --- Dog Trick

dwats (at) cox . net

EarlyBird Airborne Intel

For every red-blooded American boy
who served in the USAFSS



God Bless You!
Homecoming is not far away!

MAY YOU BE BLESSED!
DON'T YOU MISS IT!

Click Here!
(if you get an error message at the end,
start over at the main link and scroll
down afterwards to the next item.)

We are a group of rapidly aging and steadily disappearing veterans of a war that was fought with skills and talents not normally associated with the military, nor understood by the general public. Our pride is in accomplishments that are often secret, and memories are about things that happened, but will be officially denied.

--Bill Mahan, 15 June 2008

Classified Information Notice: Information about the activities of the USAFSS was cloaked in secrecy until September, 1997, when the veil was lifted. Since then several TV programs have told its story, along with a number of military magazines, websites, and books. Equipment involved in the science of cryptology during this time period is on public display at the National Cryptologic Museum, Fort Meade, Maryland, on the grounds of the National Security Agency, just behind the commemorative display for 60528, the C-130 shot down over Soviet Armenia.

For more on declassification at NSA read these links:

http://fas.org/irp/nsa/almanac-elint.pdf

http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/declass/

CODEBREAKERS

To the Code breakers toiling at the take
Of foreign voice and ditty chases
For those who served behind the scenes
In far off secret places.

Their silence sworn by solemn oaths
To strive with vigil stealth
To fathom evil, hostile foes
No thoughts of praise or wealth.

This is the Syndrome of the labyrinth
That eats one's pride away
There is no fame for anything
It is no game they play.

It's Freedom Through Vigilance
Their stated creed, you see
To serve our nation tried and true
The way it ought to be.

These are the loyal, silent few
And because of their noble strife
Their faithful trust, that has no end
Shall preserve our way of life.

Their countrymen might never know
Of deeds they've done not told
Without their part, no war is won
The hot wars or the cold.

6911^th RGM REUNION 2012 ALLENTOWN PENNSYLVANIA
SEPTEMBER 13-18, 2012
HOLIDAY INN ALLENTOWN
904 HAMILTON STREET
RESERVATIONS 1-610-433-2221
CODE 6911^TH RGM REUNION
CUT OFF DATE 13 AUG 2012 ! ! ! ! ! !

ROOMS $89.00 PER NIGHT, DOUBLE OR KING


PARKING IS OWNED BY ALLENTOWN PARKING AUTHORITY. THEY PROVIDE A REDUCED RATE OF $6.00 PER DAY FOR THOSE DRIVING TO PENNSYLVANIA WHO ARE REGISTERED AT THE HOLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN.

TOURS: All tour prices are based on 45 passengers per tour.
TRAVEL TIME (BUS): Philadelphia approximately ONE HOUR each way. NYC about TWO HOURS each way. Have a shot of morning coffee, catch some shuteye, and leave the driving to East Coast Touring!

Thursday 13 Sep 1900 - 2200 Welcome & Registration, Buckingham Room
Complimentary snacks and Hors d’ oeuvres
Get acquainted fun & games….Jane Truchan - Cash Bar

Friday, 14 Sep 0700 – 1630 Philadelphia Tour, Delaware River Lunch Cruise,
Price Per Person is $95.00

Saturday 15 Sep No Tours Scheduled. Day of Rest! Sleep in, Relax,
since those trips to PA and NYC will be Looooooong Days!!!

Sunday 16 Sep 0700 - 1930 New York City Tour
Ground Zero
Ferry to Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island
Price per Person $90, Lunch Included

Monday 17 Sep 0930 – 1530 Historic Bethlehem, Moravian Museum
plus 3-Hour stay at Sands Casino. This Package includes
$20.00 slot play / $5.00 food voucher.
The Sands Casino is 30 minutes from the Holiday Inn
Price per person $60.

Monday 17 Sep 1800-1900 Cocktail Hour / Photos
1900-2200 Three Entre Dinner Buffet
Price per person $45.

Speaker: Pending

Departure Tuesday 18 Sep Safe Journey Home until
we see you again in 2013 ! ! !

6911RGM yearly dues are payable at this time: $10.00

INFORMATION: Rich & Pat Merrill
303-985-3575
Rich1Pat2@aol.com

or

Keith Butt
740-380-3631
kbutt007@frog.net

MAIL ALL FEES FOR DINNER/TOURS/DUES TO:

Keith Butt
13729 Wesley Drive

Logan OH 43138

AIR TRANSPORTATION
Fly into Leigh Valley International Airport. Complimentary Shuttle to the Holiday Inn Center in downtown Allentown. For all details visit:

Lvia.org
or call
1-800-fly-lvia
Airlines offering nonstop service from LVIA include AirTran, Delta,
Continental, US Airways, and more.

YOUR STORY IN FOUR VOLUMES!!!

Volume I, “Freedom Through Vigilance,” our Air Force Security Service history, is the first of a three-volume set that addresses USAFSS (and successor organization) ground sites, discussing Headquarters and general USAFSS history with emphasis on units and activities in the USA, including the command’s schools, USAFSS support during the Cuban Missile Crisis and similar, and a chapter on WAF pioneers in USAFSS operations. Volume II covers USAFSS in Europe and the Middle East, and Volume III documents USAFSS in Alaska and the Far East. Volume IV (USAFSS airborne operations) will be available in 2011. Full details are available on my website www.larrytart.com

If you want to obtain a copies please send me your snail mail address via email.

Larry Tart

562 Brittany Drive

State College PA 16803-1424

SIGN LARRY'S GUESTBOOK!!!

http://LarryTart.com/GBook/gbook.php

National Cryptologic Museum

Former 6911th RGM Operations Site - "Ops"

My, my, how the parking lot grew!
And here is "the way we were":

OPERATIONS!!!
The way we were...

6911th RGM Det-1

15 oz (white) ceramic coffee/tea/cocoa mugs with the Security Service logo and 6911th RGM beneath the logo. The mugs are $12.00 plus postage.
CONTACT: Rich1Pat2@aol.com

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"Home of the Bloody Deuce"

The USAFSS Command Emblem: The globe symbolizes worldwide influence, the lightning bolt symbolizes transmissions, the wing symbolizes the Air Force itself, and the sword symbolizes protection and security. The USAF Security Service was established on 20 October 1948 at Arlington Hall Station, Virginia. HQ USAFSS moved to newly constructed HQ building 2000 the 1st week of August 1953. It further symbolizes the command mission. It consists of a shield divided equally into quarters by a vertical and horizontal line and identifying scroll. Significant of the command's worldwide influence, the first quarter is blue, thereon a green sphere with yellow land markings. Pertinent to transmission, the second quarter is red, thereon a yellow lightning streak. Significant of the United States Air Force, the third quarter is yellow, thereon a blue half wing. Symbolic of protection and security, the fourth quarter is blue, thereon over a sword with point to base (hilt and pommel yellow), a white shield, thereon a yellow flame shaded red. The emblem design by A2C William Rogers and was approved by Headquarters USAF in August 1952. SA-Lute, Airman Rogers!

6911th RSM/RGM

THIS IS A CALL for former members of the 6911th Radio Group Mobile between the years 1955 and 19?? to come forward! Bring your photographs and your memories and we will post them to this site, or you can tell us where they are already posted! If you will share information about those who are no longer with us, we will place their names on our Fallen Heros memorial page.

From the Official U.S. Air Force Historian
Organizational Titles/History

The 6911th Radio Group Mobile was activated and organized as the 6911th Radio Squadron Mobile at Darmstadt, Germany, on 8 May 1955. It had previously been known as the 2nd Radio Squadron Mobile, which was transferred from the Department of the Army to the Air Force on 1 February 1949. The 139th Signal Radio Intelligence Company had been activated as of 14 February 1942 at MacDill Field, Florida, acquiring its members from the 402 Signal Company-Aviation, in Tampa.  On 16 March 1944 the 139th Signal Radio Intelligence Company was redesignated as the 2nd AAC Radio Squadron, Mobile.

On 26 February 1949 it relocated from Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach, Germany, to Darmstadt. On 1 September 1956 the 6911th RSM was redesignated the 6911th RGM. It was known as "The Home of the Bloody Deuce." On 15 May 1961 the 6911th was inactivated. The 6911th was reactivated as the 6911th Security Squadron Mobile at Darmstadt on 1 July 1963 and assigned to the 6910th Security Wing. On 1 June 1972 it moved to Rhein Main Air Base, Frankfurt, Germany, and on 1 July 1975 it was relocated to Hahn Air Base, Germany. It was redesignated the 6911th Electronic Security Group on 1 August 1979. On 30 September 1980 it was assigned to Electronic Security, Europe. It was redesignated as the 6911th Electronic Security Squadron on 1 July 1981. On 15 July 1988 it was assigned to the 691st Electronic Security Wing. On 3 April 1991 the USAF converted it from a temporary Major Command Controlled Unit to a permanent Air Force Controlled Unit. It was reassigned to the 26th Intelligence Wing on 1 October 1991, and inactivated on 1 April 1993.

On 1 October 1993 the 2nd RSM was reconstituted and consolidated with the 6911th Electronic Security Squadron and redesignated and activated as the 402 Intelligence Squadron at Bad Aibling, Germany. God Bless Us All, We Are Alive and Well!

To Summarize.....

Darmstadt
1949-55: 2nd Radio Squadron Mobile
1955-56: 6911th Radio Squadron Mobile
1956-61: 6911th Radio Group Mobile
1963-1972: 6911th Radio Squadron Mobile

Rhein Main
1972-1975 6911th Radio Squadron Mobile

Hahn
1975-93
http://www.jambra.net/6911/

Bad Abling
1993-

Additional Details

Detachment 1
1955-60: 6911th Radio Group Mobile Detachment 1 Rhein-Main, subordinate to the 6911th Radio Group Mobile, Darmstadt, becoming the 6916th Radio Group Mobile, direct supervision by the 6900th Security Wing, IG Farben Building, Frankfurt. Relieved of that assignment and reassigned as the 6916th Radio Squadron Mobile 29 December 1959. See also http://www.6916th.org/.

6911th
1963-72: 6911th Security Squadron Mobile, subordinate to the 6910th Security Wing

6911th Electronic Security Group
6911th Electronic Security Squadron

6911th Electronic Security Squadron, subordinate to the 691st Electronic Security Wing

402nd Intelligence Squadron

Commanders/Adjutants for the 6911th
Col. Richard D. Small, CO
Col. Hardbrot
Lt. Col. Ira Wilson
Maj. Leonard S. Machado
(Initial CO of Det-1, Rhein-Main, as well)

Capt. Larson, Capt. Farr, WO Adams

Sergeant Major
Edwin Goehring

First Sergeant
Lee Cain

Acting First Sergeants
Crist
Ignarski

Are you aware of any Distinguished Unit Citations or Individual Citations received by the 2nd RSM, 6911th RSM/RGM, or our 6911th RGM Detachment 1? Can anyone comment on the possibility that the 6916th RSM was on tap for a Presidential Unit Citation? I've been unable to confirm this information. Please let the Webmaster (Don Watson) know!!

CLICK HERE for available Individual Citations!

Remember the sign at Cambrai Fritsch, right under 6911th Radio Group Mobile? "Home of the Bloody Deuce"? The 2nd RSM, forerunner of the 6911th RGM at Darmstadt, holds annual reunions. It was originally constituted as the 139th Signal Radio Company on 7 Feb 1942. The unit was redesignated the 2nd Radio Squadron Mobile (G) on 19 Feb 1944 and the 2nd Radio Squadron Mobile on 14 Nov 1946.

2nd RSM

If you were in the 2nd RSM up until 8 May 1955, the Website is found at the following URL:

http://2ndrsm.home.comcast.net/
2006 Photo! great bunch of heros from a strategic era - on the frontlines! SA-lute!!

6911th Royal Air Force Chaps - Photos!

HISTORY OF THE USAFSS

The "United States Air Force Security Service" (abbreviated "USAFSS") was the United States Air Force's intelligence branch. Its motto, "Freedom through Vigilance," was added after the USAFSS emblem was established. USAFSS was created in October of 1948 and operated until 1979, when the branch was redesignated the Electronic Security Command (now the Air Intelligence Agency).

Composed primarily of airmen culled from the cream of the Air Force's enlisted recruits, the USAFSS was a secretive and tight-knit branch of Air Force cold warriors tasked with monitoring and interpreting military voice and electronic signals of countries of interest around the world. They were designated under the "69" numbering system: 6901, 6911, 6933, 6989, and so on. USAFSS intelligence was often analyzed in the field, and the results transmitted cryptographically internally, and to the National Security Agency for further analysis and distribution to other intelligence recipients. Urgency of transmission ranged from "flash" to "routine".

Individual airmen stationed at locations scattered across the globe, ranging from Alaska to Pacific Islands to The Far East to Mediterranean Countries to The Middle East to Western Europe to North Africa did a variety of jobs, almost all of them related to listening to and interpreting Soviet and the Eastern Bloc (Warsaw Pact of East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and more), Communist Chinese, North Korean, North Vietnamese and other hostile military communications. Some airmen were linguists who listened to voice communications. Others monitored Soviet and other nations' military Morse Code broadcasts. Some were engaged in monitoring other types of radio signals such as facsimile transmissions. The information collected in the field was usually sent via a closed-door cryptological section, early on, via land- and radioteletype, later by sophisticated computers employing the latest in cryptological security. The information shared went to a co-located group of USAFSS analysts who would interpret the data, format reports, and send them on to the National Security Agency or other recipients, using the appropriate urgency indicator and cryptanalytic code.

These jobs, which required top secret codeword clearances, were extremely high pressure and were considered essential to U.S. cold war efforts. Members of the USAFSS were not allowed to discuss their jobs with outsiders. In fact, USAFSS members could not talk about their specific assignment outside of their own control group, and most were not cleared to see inside the cryptological communications room. Because of their value as targets (in Cold War Berlin, the capture of a USAFSS member was worth several thousand dollars), while stationed overseas, their off-base travel was severely restricted. When confronted by a foreign national, USAFSS members revealed nothing about their actual assignment. A voice-intercept-operator might reply to a question about his duties that he was a cook, or worked in the motor pool, or gate security, and so on.

The USAFSS had two major areas of operations: ground based and airborne. Ground based units were scattered across the globe, and collected information from fixed sites with large antenna arrays and from mobile units equipped with electronic gear and antennas that skirted sensitive areas collecting data. Airborne units, from the C-47 early-on, to the awesome C-130, were associated with intercept reconnaissance units. Some were aligned with the Strategic Air Command, flying aboard SAC reconnaissance flights to collect data from shorter range communication systems and other types of signals. A primary job of USAFSS airborne linguists and Morse interceptors was to provide self-protection early warning of impending fighter or missile response by a target nation's air defense system. Any launch by a hostile government initiated a "flash" response to NSA and the entire military community.

The activities of the USAFSS have only recently been declassified. These young Airmen (and later, Airwomen), were proud, fierce, and fearless protectors of "the good 'ole USA" (back in the world), and free nations everywhere. SA-Lute!!

More Detailed Account Online!

Online Account of the USAF Security Service!

THE SHOOTDOWN OF OUR 60528 17 Brave Young Men _______________________________________________ Fallen Heros Tribute Page

THE SOVIET SIDE OF THE STORY - TRANSLATED

USAFSS Intelligence Aircraft
"The Prop Wash Gang"

Two Christian Books written by 6911er Don Watson!

If you are interested in understanding scripture here is a book out that makes it pretty clear.

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth | By Don H. Watson | Category: Religion & Spirituality

CLICK HERE: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1345362

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There is another book for those seeking how to become a Christian.
Maybe you could share it with someone.

So You Want to be a Christian. Go for it! | By Don H. Watson | Category: Religion & Spirituality

CLICK HERE: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1345531

Might make a nice Christmas gift.

:-)

Don Watson

A memoir that includes twenty years with USAFSS (San Antonio, Alaska, Trabzon, Bremerhaven, Berlin, Nha Trang, San Vito, Darmstadt and Augsberg).

More information can be found by going to this website:

http://joycebio.com

Ode to  the 6911th RSM/RGM "Old Geezers"

At sporting events, during the playing of the National Anthem, 6911th Old Geezers hold their caps over their hearts and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them. Old Geezers remember World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Normandy, and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War, The Cold War, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing, not to mention Vietnam, and the Fall of the Wall.

If you bump into a 6911th Old Geezer on the sidewalk, he will apologize. If a lady passes him on the street, he will nod or tip his cap. 6911th Old Geezers trust strangers and are courtly to women. They hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection.

6911th Old Geezers get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children and they don't like any filth on TV or in movies. Old Geezers have moral courage. They seldom brag unless it's about their grandchildren.

It's the  6911th Old Geezers who know our great country is protected, not by politicians or police, but by the young men and women in the military serving their country.

This country needs more Old Geezers with their decent values. We need them now more than ever.

Thank God for 6911th Old Geezers!

Jim Fodor's
Jim's photo gallery is down .... watch this site for an update!! Thanks!!

REMEMBERING

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FALLEN HEROS

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Don Watson is looking for ANY photographs of him, or him and his wife, at the very first 6911th Reunion in Biloxi. He was scurrying around attending to reunion matters and got left out of photo opportunities! If you've got a photo socked away from Biloxi or know where he can find one, LET HIM KNOW!!

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NOTICE!!!
U.S. Military leaving ALL facilities in Darmstadt!
End of an Era
Lincoln Village converted to German citizen housing
Operations to remain open and staffed
by U.S. Army from Wiesbaden!

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CAMBRAI-FRITSCH DEMOLISHED

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The Germans will use our former duty station for
public housing! I feel like singing "Auld Lang Syne!"

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United States Air Force - Germany
Current News and Views - List of USAF Organizations and Locations

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CONNECTIONS: Europe & General

6901st Security Wing USAFSS Alumni Site 6911th RGM Det-1 6910th

NSA CRYPTO STORY CRYPTO WALL BUDDY LOCATOR USAF MILITARY.COM ONLINE USAF - Germany

USAFSS Veteran and His Missionary Journeys!!!
He share's a photo album with you!!!
Gene Klapper Missionary Photos

Gene Klapper Ministries

(Be sure to come back here after viewing!)

Ideas for this site?

Freedom Through Vigilance USAFSS Reunion Site
CLICK HERE

USAFSS Home Page
CLICK HERE

USAF Military History Website
CLICK HERE

World War II Veterans ~~ They are leaving us, folks.
Thanks, Vet! Thank You! God bless you, your sacrifice,
your family. We're proud of you!
CLICK HERE

Wait a minute, Airman! Please let me know you were here! Tell me about yourself and your service by registering at the USAFSS Register link.

Proud USAFSS Veterans!

USAFSS Entrenpreneur Links
Support these proud veterans!

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(Use your BACK BUTTON to return here!)

These are sites owned by our USAFSS brothers and sisters, Veteran Entrenpeneurs!!

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USAFSS Paraphenalia
http://nooga.com/usafss-store/

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Baseball Caps
Rich and Pat have a new supply of 6911th baseball caps.
You can buy yours from them.

SIGN IN! At the USAFSS ROLL CALL WEBSITE!!

www.usafssrollcall.com

See all of Darmstadt!

GLOBAL EARTH!
Zoom in on your front door!

Ladies and Gentlemen!
The 6911th RGM Proudly Presents:
The Fabulous Pharoahs and the
Awesome New Del Vikings!!!

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Nalton "Goodie" Goode
A Star Then and Now
Read this article for Black History Month
Team Tackled The Color Line

CONNECTIONS: Other Outfits

Welcome to Sunny San Vito!

CONNECTIONS: Far East

6922nd

CONNECTIONS: Other Services

U.S. Navy - Liberty Cryptologists

Talk to USAFSS buddies FOR FREE!
SIGN UP HERE
After you sign up,
follow the instructions. You must have a sound card, speakers,
and a headset or microphone for voice chat. However, you can easily
use the Text Chat function, instead.

Text Chat with the USAFSS gang at
Yahoo Air Force Security
SIGN UP HERE

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