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Re: The Heyday of Fort Funston

Re: The Heyday of Fort Funston

05/21/12 - posted by Jim Gallagher

I worked for the California National Guard as a civilian from September 1955 through 1959. Our mission was the air defense of the SF Bay Area, and we were designated an 271st Battalion Anti Aircraft Battery. We graduated from 90mm to 120mm anti aircraft weapons and finally to Nike ajax anti aircraft missiles.
The program was designed to replace military personal with civilian employees in the defense program.
It (the program) might be considered a success in that no hostile aircraft succeeded in bombing the area during our tenure. Then again the program was terminated and we still have a military. A final observation is that it is unlikely that anyone in Congress or the Executive Office that argued for or against the program still serves.
In any case, the stories of our defense tactics are fabulous but I'm not sure where to start. I suppose the situation reminds me of the story of the young prince visiting his future harem and was so awed by the prospect he balked during his decision.
Anyway it was once said that a picture is worth a 1000 words, so I'll try one and save everyone some time.

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