51
Subj: Kodiak
Date: 7/23/2001 2:56:33 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: dleyva@charter.net (dal)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Bob-
Just found your website and its great. I see my old buddy Vince has already
visited. However, on your layout picture, you have numbers 1 and 12
reversed. Number 1 is the Prelort and number 12 is the FPA. The FPA was in
an inflatable dome and was a little taller than the Prelort. I spent a lot
of time in both on my numerous trips to Kodiak in the 60's and 70's. By the
way, someone mentioned Annette Tracking Station. I was never there but I
know that their tracker was an upgraded Verlort which was dubbed Verlort II.
It susequently ended up on Guam in 1965 when we initially installed the GTS.
I remember once on one of my trips to Kodiak, I was invited to Gino Guerra's
house for a party. Having no wheels I borrowed Sam McCauley's big old
station wagon and off I went. Gino's parties usually lasted a while and I
woke up the next morning still at Gino's and realized I had to get to work
quick! Roaring up to the site the wagon skidded and I hit a big boulder,
denting up the left rear panel pretty badly. I parked the car and while I
was looking for Sam, he came out of Ops, hopped in his car and took off for
town. You remember how dusty it would get on that road. Anyway, Sam was
behind somebody and couldn't see too good because of the dust so when the
road curved Sam didn't and he went off a hill. He told me later that he had
it under control untill it rolled the third time. Luckily he wasn't hurt
but the car was a total loss. I figured it wouldn't do any good to tell him
I wrecked his car since you couldn't tell it anyway so I kept quiet. I did
tell him when I ran into him at one of the TechRep Bashes sometime in the
nineties and he forgave me after I bought him a few drinks.
I also remember you guys always kept a bottle of Tanqueray Gin in the
cooler at the Casa De except it wasn't Gin, it was everclear with just
enough gin to give a little taste. First Martini is on the house you guys
said. Ha!! If you got half way through the a second one you were lucky!
I have a lot of good memories of that place. By the way I ran into Otto
Wheeler in 1995 at Buckley when I was working there. I retired in March of
98 and we moved to a little village in Louisiana called Madisonville. It's
just across the lake from New Orleans. We go in once in a while to the
Casino or to have lunch in the French Quarter.
Keep up the good work and say hello to old Joe Lopez (Joe Lobis).
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
50
Subj: Hello again Vince.
Date: 7/8/2001 9:20:51 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BubbaSip
To: vincecappelletti@prodigy.net (Vince Cappelletti)
Hi Vince.
Oh ya, I remember you very clearly and all the troops you mention. Those
were the days. I thought that Rocky , only went on the bear hunt with Wayne
Pearson and I. Rocky was scared shit-less when the bear charged us and he
dropped his gun in the creek and started running. What happen was, I
presented our hunting rules. We would abide them, only in a non emergency
situation. The person who first saw the bear would get first shot. I saw the
bear behind a fallen log scooping salmon out of the creek into the bank. We
were walking down the middle of the creek when I spotted it. I waited until
he went to the streams bank to eat his fish. He walked over to where the
salmon was and he smelled us. I dropped my first turd about that time.
He was on his hind legs bobbing his head back and forth trying to pick up on
us. I shot him right thru the middle. I couldn't miss, He just stands there
for a minute then starts walking towards the brush that was about 5 yards
away. I get a side shot off. I knew I hit him again. He goes into the brush.
I told everyone look for a tree to climb I think were Fxxxxx. I'm walking
half backward, I spot the bear again, same place. Wayne shoots while I take
bead and knocks my gun almost out of my hand, I missed. I have my last round
in the chamber. Fe her he comes on the run towards us. I didn't think a
heart shot was going to do it. I aimed for the throat, fired and I think I
closed my eyes for a moment after that. He dropped six steps from me. Thats
when turds 2 through 20 were released. My shorts were full. Wayne and Rocky
were on the otherside of the creek when this happened. Rocky said no more of
this sxxx. No, I didn't attend the reunion. I had medical problems at that
time and couldn't. I'm retired Dec 1, 1997 after 36 years in the Satellite
Support business SCF/SCN. I live in San Jose, Ca. I'm divorced single and
having fun selling stuff over the Internet. All Space Program related. The
name of the book I'm writing is titled (Palace of Kodiak Past.} Attached are
two pictures. One is Kodiak leveled. It was taken by Joe Stevens, Dec.16,
2000. The other is the custom patch I had made to commemorate Kodiak
Tracking Stations Memory. If you want one the are $7.00, which includes
shipping. Please send me an E mail stating your request before sending
money. I want to make sure I have some available Send payment to:
Bob Siptrott
3033 Sierra Road
San Jose. Ca.
I'm going to add your E mail and my response to the KTS Guest Book.
49
Subj: Kodi Revisited
Date: 7/8/2001 8:27:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: vincecappelletti@prodigy.net (Vince Cappelletti)
To: bubbasip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Hi Bob,
Just a short line as I just finished reading your guest-book, and it was a
delightful read.
- - -
I was glad I did as I stumbled across the name of the guy that I had posted
some photos to, Joe Stevens (the caretaker of the Kodiak Military History Museum.
I sent him all the photos that I found.
- - -
Del Leyva (formerly WDL and then Lockheed) tipped me to the "other" Kodiak
site run by Joe, and I ended up posting a message to him about that site.
Shortly after I received an e-mail from Ernie hopper's daughter (hate to say
I've forgotten her name now, must be having one of those "Senior Moments".
She wrote me @ my earlier e-mail address. Currently married, (maybe
divorced!) and lives out on the Aleutian chain somewhere. She made mention
that her parents ran the bar @ the Rendezvous, (or somewhere along the road
to the site) for several years. Jeez I wish I had kept her e-mail address,
but I'm sure that Joe Stevens might have some record of it. She also
mentioned that several guys still live there in Kodiak City, like Bill Beatty
- - - -
Some of the photos I sent to Joe were of the line shack I lived in behind
the Rendezvous; some were of another one of those bear-hunts on the other
side of the island; (Rocky Shirayki was on that hunt as well) If I recall,
there was only one bear bagged on that hunt, but if my memory serves me well
it was a clean shot and the hunter shot it from a sitting position as the
bear was approaching him in the stream bed. I really don't remember who it
was that got it but it was a young lad.
- - - -
If you recall I was the DCM (Data Configuration Mgr.) there @ KODI from the
spring of '66 through July '68. Prior to that I had made a number of visits
up there as an Installation & Checkout team leader from Philco-WDL,
installing ECP's. I had been going up there for a couple of years, but it was
after the quake and Tsunami had pretty much destroyed the down-town area.
- - - -
At the time I had just married the former Millicent Meyer, and we lived in a
line-shack behind the Rendezvous Bar there @ Middle Bay. We spent one winter
there and she decided that was enough, and her mother needed her back in
Evansville Indiana. While there she worked for Herb Long back in the their
logistics/supply office. I completed the remainder of my tour there as a
bachelor and shared a trailer with one of the CDC-engineers, darn it, I can't
recall his name! (another senior moment!)
- - - - - -
Millie returned to Kodi mid-summer of '68, just before I transferred to INDI.
She traveled through Europe with me all the way to INDI, and lasted about 4
or 5 months, seems she had a thing going with her former boyfriend back home
and was anxious to leave. I managed to get a divorce from her and remained
single for 15-years till I met a lovely German gal. We have been married
18-years now.
- - - - - -
I was posted to Brussels in ' 74 to open an office for WDL, as we were after
NATO Business. We ended up pursuing the NATO-III Satellite and Ground
Terminals Programs. We won both, and I ended up staying in Brussels for
23-years. I retired in Jan of '97 and Ursula and I settled here in SW Florida
in Bonita Springs.
- - - -- -
I have always recalled my tour @ KODI with mixed feelings, a lot of them will
always remain with me: glazed roads requiring chains on the front wheels for
steering control; Solly's, The Ship, The hairdresser that was next to
Solly's, who would cut guy's hair after closing-hours, Getting my worst
sunburn ever on the black pumice beach there @ Chiniak Creek, 4-5-6 games
where big-bucks changed hands, the Philippine Cooks, Snagging salmon and
cooking them right there on the beach, wrapped in aluminum foil, carrying a
side-arm when salmon fishing,
Titus C. Hall who was site cmdr. during the latter part of my assignment.
- - - - -
To keep busy I bought one of the many VW's that was rolled off the road up
there and stripped it and put an "Avenger" body on it. It was built by
Fiberfab down in Santa Clara.
-- - - - - -
I had some pictures of that effort and think that I included those in the
batch I sent to Joe Stevens.
- - - - -
I still hear from some of the folks that were there during the period I was
there '66-'68. The Hagens (Gary & Kitty) Gary was the ICR, and took over
after Varel Grimes left. Gary still lives in San Jose and you can reach him
via e-mail : greybeeerd@aol.com Another guy I'm sure you recall is George
Cauthern, He was in the FM/FM Section.
I was in touch with he & Dottie, until just recently and lost his e-mail
address via a crash. But They live at 987 Gina Court, in Oakdale, CA. 95361.
We've exchanged Xmas cards and letters for several years. I'll have to call
them to get their e-mail address again.
- - - - - -
By the way, did you attend that joint re-union @ the Hilton there in
Sunnyvale last August? The Old Philco-Tech-Reps had a joint dinner with the
former SCF guys? The SPO even sent along an O-6 to tell us that the SCF as we
once knew it is still alive and well (though somewhat modified) I know for a
fact that the dual station (at which I was Activation Manager) @ Buckley ANG
Base in Aurora,CO. (just east of Denver) is still operational. In fact there
are now five (5)-110' Radomes there. I put in both of those where FACC had
the prime role ('72 & '73). Hughes already had two on site when we arrived,
and later a 5th antenna and radome was installed. I haven't a clue who did
that as I was out-of-the-loop in Europe.
- - - - -
I got a kick out of Lyle Burnham's inputs to the accuracy of the events as
they transpired. I recall he was a well regarded member of the Lockheed staff
running the ground station. Ross Opaugh was another name I recall. Chico
Riverea was at the joint reunion as I saw him the next day @ the Tech-Rep
picnic down in San Jose. I'm scratching my head to recall the other guy who
had a long-wheel-base Toyota off-road vehicle. He was always there to help
pull someone out of the ditch with his winch. In fact I'm sure he pulled me
back onto the road at least once! Don Blacklock's name just popped up, and
there's another name lingering, another Italian guy that worked for Lockheed,
his name is on the tip of my tongue but eludes me for the moment. Dale
Galloway was in the Philco supply room. John Pruitt's, name just popped up.
He was also another of the Philco-Supply roon guys. I recall having downed a
nice Buck on the way home one night, and having passed most of it to him and
his family.
- - - - - -
I'll be getting in touch with the Cauthern's again soon, and I'll certainly
tell George about your web-site. I'm sure he has a lot of memories as I
recall he had that Cessna, and used to fly back and forth to the site rather
than drive those 49-miles of bad road. It was what 8 or 9 miles straight
across?
- - - - - -
That's about it from here for now, so I'll bring this to a close and wish you
well in your efforts to compile a history of KODI's role during the cold war
and many of the "recoveries" of film from the skies near Hawaii!
- - - - -
Best regards,
Vince Cappelletti
Bonita Springs, FL.
[Ed. note: Ernie Hoppers phone number is 907-486-2938]
48
Subj: KTS Raydome
Date: 4/23/2001 8:37:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BubbaSip
To: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil
Hi Warren:
Even though I was back in Sunnyvale at the time of both your stories, I sure
heard about them. The one about the Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) in the ocean
had people crying from laughter for days, it was so funny. I will ask Joe to
post in the KTS Guest Book. Thanks again. Bob
47
Subj: KTS Radome
Date: 4/23/2001 8:13:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil (Pearce, Warren, CTR)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com ('BubbaSip@aol.com')
Back in 1973, DVEH tasked Capt. Warren Pearce to see why the signal strength
from "those satellites" had become weak and erratic at KTS. I got a TDY
there with some of the Philco folk to inspect the radome. The "KTS BOQ"
was nice and it was a really short walk to work. Also, the seating and
"Stewardesses" on the C-141 were different!
It seems that the KTS commander felt that the contractor the SCF had
painting the antenna's styrofoam radome was charging way too much and he
could save the AF a lot of $ by having a local person do it. Well, the local
painter used an aluminum based paint. You can imagine what that did to the
signal strength!! So he had the paint sanded off; however, the sanding took
off the vinyl cover off the outside of the styrofoam.
Now imagine, what styrofoam does in KTS' nice rainy climate. It wasn't long
until "those" users started complaining about the weak signal strength
again. We cut a couple of cores out of the bottom on the inside and watched
the water drip out.
Luckily, there was an old radome on Guam that was the same size. We flew
it up to Elemendorf on a C-141 and then on a barge to Kodiak City. Since we
were in a big hurry, I had an extra expense on the ECP for a bottle of
Chives to get it unloaded in a hurry. We installed the new radome and all
the problems were solved. A short time later, sadly, KTS was closed.
Also, once their SGLS 10 kw TWT died and one had to be flown down from
Elemdorf on a helicopter. Because it was so long, it was put in a sling
under a helicopter. Well, when the helicopter arrived, the sling was empty.
So if we need another TWT, there is one on the ocean bottom still waiting to
be used.
46
Subject: Nope, not Teeny, but close
Date: 4/20/2001 2:40:50 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KWakef2156
To: BubbaSip
Hi again Bob,
This is actually her little bratty sister Kathy. Teeny (Melody) is however
close by. I just left her house. She lives in Beverly Hills Florida and I am
in Lecanto about 8 miles away. We are north of Tampa about 75 miles near
Crystal River and Homasassa Springs. Greg, the youngest of us kids is living
in Orlando and Jimmy is in Salem Oregon. As you're probably aware, Danny the
oldest died in 1969 and Ricky, the next to oldest in 1971. Gino died in
Kodiak in 1979 or 80 and our mother Mickey died 5 years ago while in Arizona.
Starting with Melody, seems you mentioned her first, she is married, has 4
grown kids, two of whom are still in Kodiak. Melody moved away from there
about 8 years ago and came out here. She's doing very well, about to open a
bird shop while her husband Ed works alongside of Greg and my husband Lee. We
own a construction company and do hotel renovations.
Greg is married, he and his wife Fran have three kids, the oldest being 7
I believe. They have a nice home over there and we get together with them
frequently seems they are just over an hour away from us.
Jimmy and his wife Julie have two girls, the oldest is 12 now. They live
in Salem and Jim is a principal of a large elementary school, while Julie is
a teacher. They have been there for several years now. Mom lived there for
about 8 years before she passed away.
Myself, I just moved here about 6 months ago. I lived in Washington state
for 15 years with my husband and two kids. Lee retired in 96 from the Puget
Sound Naval Shipyard. We bought a motorhome and traveled the country for 5
years. Got sick of that so here we are. My oldest son, Jeff is 25 and works
in Orlando doing some sort of construction to new homes while my daughter,
Heyli 22 is married to a cop in Yuma Arizona and they have one child, Morgan
who is two. What a cutey. Imagine, me a grandmother.
Some of the people I have been in contact with, other than my Uncle
George and family is of course, Mike Malette who I email back and forth all
the time. Liz Frizby who lived out there for a while and attended the school.
David Honeywell who was also in school there and Marcy Myers to name a few.
Bill Kirk I lost contact with a few years ago but he was in Ocean Shores, WA
the last I heard. Anyway, my last name is Wakefield now. Gino was my
stepfather. Mickey of course my mother. I do remember you, but in all honesty
wouldn't know you to see you today. Too many years ago.
As for the letter I wrote you, do with it what you like. I just thought
you might get a kick out of it and I see I was right. That was my intent.
Glad I could help make someone's day.
Keep in touch
Kathy
45
Subj: What about all the kids.
Date: 4/20/2001 10:20:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BubbaSip
To: KWakef2156
Hi, I'm Bob Siptrott, I know you know that. I'm sitting here in amazement
that Tina Guerra would even remember me, or care about writing me. Are you
Tina? if not please let me know who you are. If you are I will tell stories
about being in your Cabin with Mickey, Gino, George Lions and the Midget
Mafia having a song fest, all the kids were there.
That type of get together didn't make me so do home sick. My eyes are
actually fogging up with sentiment. Incidently Mike Mallete has written me
and I haven't posted it, because I haven't finished my response to it yet.
"E" mails like yours is exactly what I want. What I might do with this letter
and with your permission is incorporate your story in the short story section
of my main material. I would label it Kodiak Tracking Station Children
Experiences. Come up with something better and I will use. It won't get
buried there, because after every new E mail comes in I send around to all
that are on my KTS list. Have you read the Guest Book as of yet? My
intention was in the KTS Web Site was not to let the KTS and it's family
memories go untold. I just want to do my part. I had fun there and loved most
of the people and midgets.
What you have accomplished here with your E mail about subjects untouched by
me is exactly what I intended to have happen. If you noticed in the book,
there are many chapters and titles for stories related to the Kodiak Tracking
Station and its People. I plan on finishing some of the first chapters soon.
There will be many names of the past. I'm so glad you "E" mailed me. Please
write soon and let me know who you are. Do you remember staying up with the
kids and me all night at the Lu'au, (Pig Party)
Thanks so much for making my day. Bob Siptrott
44
Subj: What about all the kids??
Date: 4/20/2001 6:44:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KWakef2156
To: BubbaSip
Hi Bob,
I went thru your site recently. Some very interesting material in there. No
mention of all the kids that were forced to watch all the antics of you so
called adults who worked the tracking station. You know, the next generation.
A handful of those kids I'm still in touch with today, although we only wish
we could be called kids now. Some of us from that time wish we could call our
kids, kids but in truth they are grown adults and were now watching their
babies grow like good ol grandparents are supposed to do.
Here are a few names that might ring a bell with you that I didn't see
mentioned on your site could bring back some other memories for you. Ernie
and Dottie Hopper, Gino and Mickey Guerra, George and Sandy Lyon, Bob and
Rita Malette, Bill and Leatrice Kirk and Dee Hunt, just to name a few. Some
of your readers surely remember them and the darling little kids they brought
to Chiniak in the mid sixties. Myself I lived in town during the earthquake
but moved into the quonset huts with my family directly after. I suppose at
the time I thought living that way was some sort of a curse against my family
or one of God's cruel jokes. However looking back on it today, I am thankful
I was raised that way despite some of the hard times. The bonfires on the
beach for the grunion runs each year, swimming in Chiniak Lake, fishing off
the culverts at Chiniak beach, all of us kids sitting around a picnic table
(our only table ) each morning with our mother home-schooling us, then later
the little green school house we attended with Fred Zharoff as our teacher,
(could tell some stories there) the ice skating at the lake and being pulled
on skates and sleds by a Volkswagon that Bob (the pots right) Malette took
out on the lake. Even had a bonfire right in the middle of the frozen lake
that time. No fear for us Chiniak idiots. No brains either I guess.
I remember one time Dottie and Ernie Hopper had a sick baby seal in an old
bathtub they kept for about a month that they brought back to health. Not
your every day pet. I recall my mother walking Chiniak beach and collecting
little shells she made jewelry out of. I recall my grandfather walking down
the beach suffering asthma trying to find a whole group of us kids that had
wandered down the beach out of his sight. He thought we would all drown when
the tide came in so he set out to save us but of course we had all climbed
the cliff and in turn it was almost he that drowned as he couldn't make it
back and he too had to climb the cliff. Not an easy task for us, let alone
him. Boy did we pay later.
I recall the bear that chased my two brothers out of Dee Hunts home out at
Kalsin Bay back to the car. I also recall Dee Hunt allowing all
of us to ride his horses there while all you grown ups had fun at the inn
next door.
We later moved from the quonset to milepost 16 but still attended school out
there. Our Dad piled all us kids in a Volkswagon bus and drove us each
morning until one day we finally got an actual schoolbus and moved to a new
building and a new teacher. His name was Gilliam as I recall. I stayed in
Chiniak school until part way thru the 8th grade and at that time David
Honeywell and Steve Myers were the only other two in my grade. The moss tree
forts we built, the plastic play houses on the beach, coleman or kerosene
lanterns to read by, outhouses, sharing one tub for 6 kids, eating and
canning salmon til you were sick, the weekend parties at our home with all
the site guys there singing along to an accordian. George Lyon on his banjo.
Lots of other stories of course. Thanks for letting me share some with you.
Again, enjoyed reading your material.
43
Subj: Hello Mike Malette
Date: 4/20/2001 12:05:15 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BubbaSip
To: Skins48
Hello Mike Mallete, Leader of the kiddies.
It's been to long. Sorry about your Dad, I really like him. We always had a
fun time together. I want to add your E mail with the others on the KTS web
site. I will edit the midget Mafia out of it.
My life story is somewhere on the KTS web site or in the guest book. I wanted
to do this for along time. If I hadn't been cruising the Kodiak web sites I
wouldn't have come across Crusty Old Joe Stevens's Kodiak Military History
Museum. He was looking for someone with material about the KTS. It happened
I was looking for some place to land my material. Instead of going straight
to short stories, Joe wanted a little more on the technical side. It took
both of us to about 7 months to get where we are. It was activated first
part of February this year. We are up to 40 messages in the Guest Book.
I don't want the Kodiak Tracking Station and it's families' memories to ever
die. I remember the people you wrote about, however didn't think about them
much, out of sight out of mind. If you have photos to send you can e mail
them to me. Or I will give you my address in an another e mail. We have about
15 KTS Humpers now that have written in about Kodiak. If you don't know,
there is a guest book at the end of the Book. Mike I'm interested in the
photos you have and the Midget Mafia. Bob Siptrott
42
Subj: Slipknot
Date: 4/13/2001 2:41:28 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Skins48
To: BubbaSip
Aloha Bob!!!!
Mike Malette here, Bob's oldest son. I have been in contact with Dale Finlay
lately and catching up on the goings on in Kodiak. I worked in the mess hall
with Ron Hall and Ernie Hopper in the the late 60's. My Dad passed away last
May of lung cancer in Wasilla. I found out that he was in bad shape so I flew
up late in April to spend my last time with him. He could not talk very well
but we drove around a lot in the valley and watched the geese and the
sandhill cranes come in for the last time. We drank beer and watched his
beloved Red Wings on TV. He was pretty deaf from the years in the power house
and you could hear his tv for about a quarter mile thru the woods.
It was very hard to say my Alohas to him when I had to go back to Hawaii, as
I knew I would never see him again. Mom and my sisters were with him when he
passed away and he did not suffer. I live in Hawaii now after 25 years in AK.
I spent time on the WACS at Northeast Cape and KAL Creek. Worked in Anch for
AK Industrial Hardware for 15 years. Met My 2nd wife there and Married. She
is from Hawaii so when the mass exodus of 1989 occured we came here. I now
work for Hardware Hawaii the No. 1 True Value in the USA, have two sons and
have settled down to family life. I hear you are writing a book.... If you
need any information on the Miget Mafia I believe I can be of some assistance
as the statute of limitations has run out on some of our more infamous deeds.
Nice to read your website I thank you for taking all your time to keep our
memories alive. I will talk to you later as it is bedtime. I have some
pictures of Woody, John Schumaker and Scootch, Ken Hansen, Ron Hall etc. If
you want them I will send them. Take Care and Aloha
Mike Malette
41
Date: 4/12/2001 4:59:33 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Hi Bob
Lyle's second letter relating what really happened during and after the
quake, was excellent. For the record, I got to Kodi in November of 1964, well
after the Good Friday quake, but during the time when you had to time your
departures to and from town with the tides, and Tony Smaker didn't arrive
until well after me. Although I can't remember, I know it couldn't have been
until well into 1965. I know one thing for sure, he (Tony) didn't arrive
until well after Augie (the arrival and installation of the CDC 160-A
computers and associated data handling equipment, plus the new ground
station). I thought Lyle's recall of that time was quite good. Dennis
40
Lyle Burnham's account of the "1964 Kodiak, Island Earthquake."
I read Tony Smakers account of what he thought was transpiring at
the Air Force Satellite Control Facility, Kodiak Tracking Station
(KTS), during and surrounding the earthquake events. I regard the majority
of his story, a Fictional Novel, not a true account of events, as he states
many times. I Don't want Tony's fantasies to be recorded in time as an
accurate history of the Kodiak Tracking Station. I will provide my
comments. I'll only comment, at this time, about Quake events and
statements. Tony mentioned the following occurred at the time of the
Earthquake of March, 1964. These events were imprinted rather clearly in my
memory.
I was at the AFSCF Kodiak Tracking Station from the last days of 1959 until
the end of 1968. I as a Satellite Operations Controller and Head of
Operations, with some time spent down south in 63.
Tony Smaker wasn't working at the Kodiak Tracking Station during the
Earthquake, in fact he didn't work at Kodiak Tracking Station, until some
time after the Earth Quake. Tony left Chiniak (KTS) the last of 62 or the
first of 63 when Philco lost the technical contract to Lockheed Missiles and
Space. At the time of the Quake I believe Tony was at the Tule Greenland
Tracking Station with Philco, where he was fired. Later Tony hired on with
Lockheed and came back to the Kodiak Tracking Station [KTS]. He worked in the
Maintenance Program Document Control.
The 1964 Alaskan Earth Quake was the largest in recorded history. It was
recorded at about 8.5 on the Richter scale and lasted more than two minutes,
Tony mentioned five seconds. Another subject, that isn't often mentioned, is
during the next month and a half after the quake, there was more than 200
strong after shocks. Many with a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale or
better. [Considered to be very large quake in California.] These
aftershocks caused many people to leave Kodiak for the Southland. Most of
the quake damage and deaths were caused by the three tidal waves, [or more
correctly, Tsunamis] which occurred during the first few hours after the
quake. A Williwaw [a type of high wind] that occurs only in few places in
world beside Kodiak] occurred two days after the quake destroying the
fishing fleet because the quake/tidal wave caused the loss of the sea wall
around the small boat harbor in Kodiak.
The quake fault line ran NE-SW only about two miles east of the Kodiak
Tracking Station. It caused the ground and beaches to dropped about 6 feet,
wiping out the road to Kodiak. No road lasted until mid December of 64.
Tony described the actions of Herb Long during and after the quake. Herb
Long, a great KTS support manager, wasn't working at the site during the
quake. The support contractor manger was a retired Navy Captain, whose name
I, forget [Cruthers perhaps]. The contract manger and I went down and
inspected the road as far as we could go, just a couple of hours after the
quake. Herb Long came to the KTS Site with the post quake Emergency
Contract. It had a management clause in it that was written in such a way
that only Herb could qualify. The Air Force Commander at that time was Major
Banister. Dixie Magee, who Tony mentioned was there during the quake, had
died of a heart attack more than a year earlier. Another thing Tony said was
that the Little Navy Station had been taken over by the AFSCF Kodiak Tracking
Station, at the time of the quake. When in fact it was two years later in
June, that this event had occurred.
The bit that Tony stated about motor cycles after quake is wrong. An hour or
so after the quake, Ross Ophaug and Bob Lowenberg and their wives, who had
planed to camp down in Quonset area for the week end came to the site and
told us of the horrible happening on the beach. By motorcycle, I inspected as
far as I could go, which was only the first few miles of the road past
Chiniak Creek. The tidal wave was still draining back out to sea. About a
week after the quake, Chico Gentis, Fred Hicks and I were the first to
attempt to get to Kodiak by road on motorcycles after making sure that we had
a very low tide. My bike got brush in the chain and bent rear wheel support
before we got to Kalsin Bay Inn. I turned back to the site with tire
squealing. Chico & Fred continued on, fording streams and circling the tide
flats at low tide to make it to Kodiak some seven hours later. Fred, Chico
and a few others made a number of other trips by motorcycle to Kodiak after
that.
A month or so later, some
of the Chiniak crew formed four wheel vehicle drive parties [usually with
large low pressure tires & wrenches] they put temporary repairs in spots so
they could travel back and forth to Kodiak which was only possible at very
low tides. Groups usually of three or more would make the Chiniak-Kodiak trip
at very low tide until the road opened for normal traffic in mid-December.
The Kodiak and nearby Alaska area has the second largest tides in the world.
[Kodiak's tides are very mild compared to Seldovia. Joe Stevens]
Where in the world but Chiniak would you have to consult a tide table before
you could drive home by vehicle. Some road trips I remember took place after
midnight to take advantage of the tide.
The only aircraft, which was kept at Chiniak when the quake occurred was
Chuck Rensuvald's Cessna 170 which, was put to good use after the quake. I
purchased a Piper PA12 Super Cruiser several weeks after the quake so I
could get around. Dick Monnell bought a Seabee amphibian later.
The day after the quake the families of site personnel living in Kodiak, plus
some Kodiak residents, were moved to the site by Kodiak Airways & the other
bush pilot companies for about a week until power and some phones were
restored in Kodiak. Site personnel were transported back and forth by
contract aircraft until the road was restored in December. Navy small boats
or aircraft brought in supplies.
Tony made reference to his operating ham equipment on the site the night of
the quake, wrong. Leroy Witlatch was the ham at the site that had his ham
rig going after quake and in contact with Walt O'Neil in town. After I had
inspected the road as far as I could go I talked to Connell and Bannister
through Witlatch and O'Neil ham rigs and told what I had found. I relieved
Witlatch on his Ham rig for short periods during the first night. I was
then, and still am a ham (call W7QE) but I did only a little hamming while at
Chiniak. Ham Radio and CB radio was the only communications we had with the
city of Kodiak for several days after quake however we had our normal phone
lines to the Satellite Test Center (STC) Sunnyvale, California.
Communications was back in operation some twenty minutes after the quake. We
handled several hundred messages from Kodiak residents to their friends and
relatives in Southland since there wasn't any phone lines out of Kodiak. The
messages were brought by plane from Kodiak to Chiniak then keyed on our
teletype circuits to Sunnyvale, CA, some also went out by Witlach's ham
radio. Witlatch manned his radio several days almost continuously until
he almost dropped.
These are the sequence of events on quake day as they happened to me. We
had just finished a bird's {satellite operations, there weren't any
operations scheduled for some time. There had been several comments on what
an unusual beautiful quiet serene day it was. It was after work on Good
Friday about 5:30. Most of the brown baggers (Married KTS people that lived
in Kodiak) and others, had left the site and were on their way to Kodiak when
the quake struck. Therefore there was relatively few people left on site. A
few set out for Kodiak [51 miles] immediately after the quake but none made
it all the way to town before the tidal wave struck several ended up staying
at the Rendezvous for several days. At Quake time I was in the Casa De Toro
and had just rolled very good liars dice hand when the building started
shaking violently. When everyone started running outside, I was yelling
"come back," I didn't say that for long, everyone was blocking the exit when
I got to the door. I was saying "Get out of the way." When I went outside
the Casa De Toro, the ground had small waves in it like the ocean and cracks
were opening and closing. There were a couple of cracks that must have been
almost a foot wide and deep. When the cracks would suddenly close, sand
-dirt would be blown many feet high. Anther problem was, we were standing
next to the cliff that supported the Verlort radar tower and the dome was
waving violently, while some rocks were coming off the cliff and rolling down
on us. To stand, it was necessary to keep your legs well apart while looking
for cracks. That was a very long two plus minutes. On a humorous note, our
Casa De Toro bartender, a consciences AF Sergeant [name forgotten] had stayed
in the bar during quake and had run up and down the bar pushing the bottles
back on shelf as they were about to fall off. He was very apologetic for
letting a half full one fall. That was a good thing because we needed a
drink after that.
When the quake occurred, the power went off due to a broken diesel fuel line,
which shut off communications with the outside world but fortunately power
was back on in about 20 or 30 minutes. As soon as power came back I was on
the phone answering a call from a woman judge in Kodiak warning me about
possible tidal waves. I was saying the tidal wave was probably over. During
the quake I had seen waves throwing logs weighing several tons. They were
being hurled over the 100-foot plus cliffs along the ocean below the site.
How wrong I was. Then she begins screaming and there were other strange
noises on line and it went dead. The tidal wave had destroyed the telephone
building in Kodiak and it was almost a month before normal telephone service
was restored. The Tracking station itself was relatively undamaged, however
our supply storeroom was a mess.
The unique thing I found after the quake was how everyone worked together to
get things accomplished. The brotherhood of man was highly demonstrated
after the Quake.
Lyle
39
Subj: Hello, Pat and Frank
Date: 3/26/2001 11:38:28 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: pfstelwagon@earthlink.net
Hi Pat and Frank: 3.'26.'2001
Wow this Kodiak adventure I created sure is fun. Welcome aboard, The KTS hump
list is growing. See the KTS Guest Book for explanation for the name I made
up for the group. Give it a few seconds to load.
http://linux.kib.co.kodiak.ak.us/kmxt/af_track/bob.html
Scroll to the end, for the guest book
This site shows The kodiak Tacking Station Leveled. Double click the picture
to make it bigger.
http://www.kadiak.org/af_track/2000_pan_3-.jpg
I will be incorporating your original 'E' mail to me, along with my response,
in The KITS Guest Book.
I recently joined the Air Force Space Operations Association. It is made up
of people that work and worked The Air Force Satellite Control Facility and
later changed to Network. You might be interested. See their Web Site . There
is an application on the Site. If you join, I would appreciate if you used me
as your referral. Thanks
It has been a long time since I have seen or talked to either one of you. I'm
divorced of 12 years. Judy lives and works in Rainier Oregon. She lives with
her aging mother. I talk to her about once a month as I do most of my kids.
Robin is married, has a 14 year old, Super husband and lives in Sacramento
Cal. Lori has two children, a boy 10 and a
girl 13, Super Husband, and live in Fremont California. Jonnie the youngest
34, recently married a Super Lady and have no children. They live in Holster,
soon to move to Sacramento where they bought a new house. Michael is married
to a real nice woman, has 1 boy, age 5 and they live in Spokane Washington. I
was at the Kodiak Tracking Station from June 1963 through June 1972.
I recently received from a friend of mine that lives in Kodiak, a VHS 30 min.
tour of the Kodiak Side of the island. This might save me a trip.
Just received an E mail from Lyle Burnham. He gave me Ed Chavaud's "E" mail.
I will write to him shortly. Thanks for writing. Comeback at me with some of
the things you have been upto since you left the best place in the world.
Your Friend always, Bob Siptrott.
38
Subj: Kodi
Date: 3/23/2001 8:08:59 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: pfstelwagon@earthlink.net (Frank Stelwagon)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com
Bob,
The Web Site is great. I can answer the question about the Dome on the
roof. It contained the VHF and UHF Command helix antennas. Don't remember
when they were put up there. Keep saying that the wife and I are going to go
back up there but haven't made it yet. I was there from December of 1965 to
July of 72.
Looked for you at the Tech Rep reunion last summer but only found Chico,
Hixon and Dennis, was great talking to them.
The wife and I went up to Ed and Glorias 50th wedding anniversy in late
December, Ed and Gloria look great.
Say hi to everybody and put me on the list.
Frank and Pat Stelwagon
pfstelwagon@earthlink.net
37
Subj: Hello Lyle Burnham!
Date: 3/14/2001 2:10:26 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: lburnha@attglobal.net (Lyle Burnham)
Hello Lyle Burnham. Man oh Man, do you bring back memories. 3.14.2001
Did you realize that you went insane for a brief periods of time?
Remember when you had your green bomber of an airplane. If you don't, I sure
the frig do. You gave me the biggest fright of my life. Caused me to become
impotent for a month. The incident I will be mentioning, happen after
someone, with Ron Ludwig, were practicing touch and goes on a frozen lake.
They finally augured in and lost the aircraft. Fortunately no one was injured
yet.
Can you believe the two fools were on the other side of the island in the
mountains when this occurred. The reason I call them fools is they did not
let anyone know they left the station, let alone where they were going. I
don't know who the pilot was. I don't think it was Sky Chuck. (Chuck
Rensvolt.) Who ever it was, had the fleet moments of craziness that other's
had or were catching. It took those guys two days to walk out. Of course no
one carried radios in their planes, cause I think it was because the pilots
around there thought they weren't invented yet.
All I know is, one afternoon I went on a plane ride with you to the other
side of the island. Everything was normal until you told me your going to do
touch and goes on the Friggen beach. No Lyle lets go home. Well, here we go,
dodging driftwood during the event. You finally had to land because there was
too much driftwood and you couldn't pull up, Frigg me. Now the tide was
coming in and we had to clear 49 acres of dead stuff to make a runway. Oh
goody, now we have to wait until the tide goes out and their is some beach to
lift off from. Thank God it was in the afternoon and we still had light for a
while. Tell me the truth, did you tell anyone we left and where we were
going? Never mine, I really think I don't want to know
I'm going to incorporate this letter of response and your original letter to
the Guest Book;
Kodiak Tracking Station Web Site is at:
http://www.kadiak.org/af_track/bob.html
Scroll to the end for the Guest Book.
Photos showing KTS leveled are at:
http://www.kadiak.org/af_track/2000_pan_3-.jpg
I remember the bear hunt. Rocky Shiraki, Wayne Person and myself were in one
party. Your hunting
party was Dave Gingrich, Hal Halcomb, Leroy Maybarry and yourself, (Lyle
Burnham). The bear picture that was in the Lockheed Star is my chapter 9 in
the Book.
I remember telling Hal Halcomb that he came back with the evidence the bear
he shot was so small it would fit in a size 9 shoe box. The dam bear still
had its mother's teat between it's teeth.
Yes, I do remember you coming down to our hunting camp bringing B-52 class
misquotes with you.
I remember explaining to you why in all this high brush we found a long bear
spot. (I didn't misspell the word.)
We found this spot when we were looking for a place to camp after we unloaded
the plane. We couldn't believe this spot was there. We found out the next
friggen morning why it was there. We were in our sleeping bags when a bear
went through our food stuff the next morning. I heard Rocky and Wayne yelling
something. I didn't want to say much because I could see the bear out the
flap of my tent. I couldn't unzip my sleeping bag. My rifle was in there
with me. Good thing I brought extra shorts.
We were camped on a bear trail!!
I sure would like to know were easy Ed Chavaud is. Both Ed and I were
responsible for adding several points each week to the wine industry stock
market. We called Ed easy because he was easy to get along with sober. When
he was flying on the sauce, he would sit there and smile. Take his bottle
away and he would make a loud noise. Super nice to hear from you Lyle. kick
the bushes for more old timers to join us.
Bob Siptrott
36
Subj: You have a good site
Date: 3/13/2001 2:08:53 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: lburnha@attglobal.net (Lyle Burnham)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Hi Bob
Lyle Burnham here, it's been so many years since we have seen
each other that it is difficult to comprehend. I was looking
at the material you put on the Kodiak web site and wanted to
congratulate you on it's fine quality. It brought back memories that
I thought I'd forgotten.
Most of the stuff that Tony put on the internet was vast
exaggeration or outright lies. The things he said about the
earthquake events especially. Tony wasn't even on site during the
earthquake, he left KTS when Philico lost the contract and
came back with Lockheed after the Quake.
There's something unique that I remembered after reading your
material and wondered if you remembered it also.
When you shot your Kodiak bear we were camped a few miles
further up the Bay. I had jumped in the boat and came down to
your camp while you were salting your bear and trying to avoid
the vast hordes of bugs that wanted the bear. We discovered that
if we went out in the tall 6 foot grass the bugs would form a
cloud near the top of the grass and wouldn't fly lower in the
grass so we sat down in the grass and proceeded to celebrate
your bear with your ample supply of good cheer. The only problem
as the day warmed up the bug hordes, which sounded like fleets of
bombers, got lower and lower until we had to actually lay on the
ground and pass the good cheer thru holes in the grass, when
that didn't work anymore I jumped in boat and went to home camp.
We got a couple of bears the next day. I have the large bear
in the Star photo hanging on my wall.
I left the STC in 70 and came back to Idaho. I just stayed
in Idaho for what I thought would be a few months or a year
but bought a farm and accumulated so much junk that it's
actually got more complicated than that. I remained in contact
with Ed Chauvaud and later Don Austring until last year when a
good many KTS'ers showed up on the internet.
Now that I'm semi retired a lot of the Kodiak memories pop
back. It was a unique place to be and work. The Esprit de corps
or whatever and can do KTS spirit was different than any other
place I worked. The attitude of the people that stayed after
the quake was something rarely found. Although we couldn't talk
about the job we knew that we were part of events that were
important and hadn't been accomplished before.
Lyle
35
Subj: Re.Membership and Dome.
Date: 3/14/2001 6:45:05 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: rophaug@qwestinternet.net
Hi Ross:
I left in June 1972 and I don't remember that dome being there either. Both
your original letter and this response letter will be posted in the Guest
Book. Thanks for joining AFSOA. Let's put the question you have about the
Dome to our viewers.
If anyone has information leading to the Dome's residency on the main
building please "E" mail bubbasip@aol.com. I will relay it to Ross and also
post that information in the Guest Book. Bob
34
Subj: AFSOA
Date: 3/14/2001 5:00:06 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: rophaug@qwestinternet.net (Ross Ophaug)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Bob,
I was happy to hear about the AFSOA and have sent in my membership
application listing you as the recruiter.
On the pictures I have seen of Chiniak, there is a dome on top of the
main building. Is my memory failing or was that put there after I left?
I just do not recall it being there.
Ross Ophaug
33
Subj: New KTS HUMPS + Explanations.
Date: 3/14/2001 8:10:25 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: WL7AML@ARRL.NET (Joe Stevens),
Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil (Pearce,Warren,CTR),
jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew),
jpl@digital-star.com (Joe P Lobis),
RWoll@scitor.com (Woll,Ron),
cdgo@earthlink.net (Wayne Pearson), Turcoje,
ae_gj@fidalgo.net (Ed & Gloria Norris),
brookman@alaska.net (Gerald R Brookman),
Charlie.Green@ONIZUKA.AF.MIL (Charlie Green), Jeanne LTOC,
lburnha@attglobal.net (Lyle Burnham)
CC: nelson07@pacbell.net (nelsoncj)
BCC: STEVEGU
3.13.2001
Hi all:
KTS Humps, and now I guess, Humpette. (I am bad, just plain bad)
Before I get Started with the below, I want to inform all of you what I'm up
to.
I really have to apologize to Crusty Ole Joe Stevens. Joe Stevens is the
Director of the Kodiak Military History Museum. Without whom, my material
would not be available to any one. I wouldn't even have been able to write
and assemble the material displayed on the KTS Web Site. See Joe's huge
Central Web Site at kadiak.org. He has his own home page, woven into the
central Site. For this, I just made him an Honorary Kodiak Tracking Station
Hump. Hi Crust man!(Joe Stevens)
For the new Troops: The reason I named a group, and especially this name for
the group is:
I wanted to refer to the troops with some kind of name.
These are the special people that is making my life now enjoy two
ingredients. I have eaten my cake, now I have the frosting to go with it.
Memories, oh what memories. Hump does not stand for the nickname of a species
of Salmon, most of us have enjoyed at the other end of a wine bottle. Isn't
that right Lyle, Ross, Charlie and Wayne?
Hump is short for the down right Humping (busting ass), almost all the KTS
troops endured during the performance of their duties. The KTS people always
displayed "Esprit de corps"
The people/personnel at the Kodak Tracking Stations, are a breed apart.
I almost wish I hadn't started this project. Now I have a friggen
handkerchief dry cleaning bill. Yes, I get moist a lot, hearing from all you
precious people.
Newly acquired members of the KTS Hump Group.
WELCOME ABOARD:
Jeanne Gehrung, Satellite Control Facility
Satellite Test Center Administrator for the Three Lockheed Remote Tracking
Stations.
She was called by many our "KTS Sweetheart."
Lyle Burnham: KTS Operations Controller.
See recent posting in the KTS Guest Book for that explanation Between page 27
and 31.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patches are being manufactured with the following text on them. ...Air Force
Satellite Control Facility.....Kodiak Tracking Station....1958 - 1975.....
Kodiak Alaska..... I have seen it! means you have worked or
visited KTS. Also if you have seen the KTS Web Site and haven't worked there
but have worked else where in the SCF.
In the center will be computer art work of the station from the air. Just
like the one on the KTS Web Site. These Patches will be available for current
and future members of this group. I hope they will be under $5.00
--------------------------------------------------------------
Current up to date roster. KTS HUMP GROUP
WL7AML@ARRL.NET (Joe Stevens),
STEVEGU@aol.com (Steve Gurican),
Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil (Pearce,Warren,CTR),
jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew),
jpl@digital-star.com (Joe P Lobis),
RWoll@scitor.com (Woll,Ron),
cdgo@earthlink.net (Wayne Pearson),
Turcoje@aol.com (John Turco),
ae_gj@fidalgo.net (Ed & Gloria Norris),
mykowalsky@aol.com (Mike Mykowalsky),
rophaug@qwestinternet.net, (Ross Ophaug),
brookman@alaska.net (Gerald R Brookman),
Charlie.Green@ONIZUKA.AF.MIL (Charlie Green),
JeanneLTOC@aol.com ( Jeanne Gehrung),
lburnha@attglobal.net (Lyle Burnham)
32
Subj: Hello again
Date: 3/13/2001 4:11:54 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Jeanne LTOC
To: BubbaSip
Was able to bring up the web site - sure brought back a lot of memories of
people like Dennis LeDrew, Ron Woll and others. The picture of you with the
bear was terrific Bob. Thank you for the nice words you had for me. I loved
all you guys at Kodi and was happy to do whatever I could to help you all
out. Not to mention the good salmon.....
Thanks again Bob - take care and keep me posted on developments regarding
Kodi. I am sure Bart is looking down on us and wishing us all the best.
Take care
Jeanne Gehrung
31
Subj: Re: I remember you.
Date: 3/12/2001 3:36:43 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Jeanne LTOC
To: BubbaSip
So good to hear from you - yes it was a long time ago that I saw you at
Lucky's. I am still working for a doctor - 8 yrs now. I tried to log on to
your web site but it wouldn't connect. I will try again later. Wanted to
see the pix of you and your bear. Yes Bart would be suprised at all of us. I
think of him often - he was a great boss to work for. John was too for that
matter. Actually, John was responsible for my finally getting promoted to
Sr. Administrator after Fred Manning left. Don't know what happened to Fred
- have not heard in years. So many of our old buddies are gone - time seems
to take it's toll doesn't it? Are you still having medical problems? I know
you were having trouble at one time. Guess that comes with age.....
I will try again to reach your web site. By all means put me in your book.
Kodiak was a big part of my life at the STC for quite a few years. I
remember when we had to phase out - that was a sad day.
Take care Bob
Jeanne
30
Subj: I remember you.
Date: 3/12/2001 12:05:57 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: Jeanne LTOC
Hello Jeanne:
So nice of you to brighten this young man's day. I have one source of light
into my room, now with your "E" mail, I have two. The last time I saw you,
was in the Lucky Store along time ago. How the hell are you? John tells me
you're still working in a doctor office or is it a dentist office? Doesn't
make a difference. They're both expensive.
I don't know if John has told you. I wrote a book about Kodiak and the STC
Operations of the sixties. It is about 80 pages long. In the center of
that book, I reserved an area for my short stories about the Tracking
Station. There is one short story there already. I will have two more in a
month, maybe more.
I have a guest book that is at the end of my book. Several people have "E"
mailed me as having seen my book site. I respond to all. I would like you
to respond to my web site. I will respond to your E mail. Both E mails
will be posted in that guest book for the world to see. I have E mailed
back and forth with people I haven't seen in 30 or 35 years.
My Web site is:
http://linux.kib.co.kodiak.ak.us/kmxt/af_track/bob.html
or http://www.kadiak.org/af_track/bob.html
Takes a few seconds to load the picture of the polar bear and me in front of
the station. Don't forget to visit our guest book. Thanks again Joe
Stevens.
The best day's of my life were the Bart Morgan, Jeanie Gehrung, Bob Siptrott
days. That's when working was fun. I didn't know John Turco as of yet.
When I have enough time, I will tell you the story about why I was down at
the STC looking for a Job in 1972. Remember you had to baby sit me for a
while.
I would like to add your name to the Satellite Control Facility (SCF) Rangers
group list. That's my group name for the ones that E mail me and have worked
in the SCF, not just Kodiak.
I recently sent the art work to the Patchman for 100 "Kodak Tracking Station
Patches" to be made. They will be available to our group only. Check my KTS
Web Site out and E mail me. Friend always. If Bart could see me know, he
would SxxT Bob
29
Subj: Hi Bob
Date: 3/12/2001 10:56:35 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Jeanne LTOC
To: BubbaSip
Jeanne here, the old Administrator. So good that you are putting together a
piece on Kodi. I remember it well especially the earthquake. I used to love
it when the guys would bring me salmon..yum yum. I have many fond memories
of the guys at Kodi and the good old days at the STC. I see John Turco,
Roger Heinsohn and Carl Malberg as often as possible. We have lunch and
reminisce.
Hope all is well with you Bob - keep me posted on the Kodi venture. My
e-mail address is jeanneLTOC@AOL.com
Jeanne Gehrung
28
Editor's Note:
Jeanne Gehrung was one of the Sunnyvale Test Center's Adminstrators.
She and one other were in charge of moving LMSC personnel to and from
the Kodiak Tracking Station (KTS.) Everyone would stop and see Jeanne,
whether going or returning from KTS. Most of the time bearing gifts from
the Northland. She was KTS's Sweetheart. She was actually performing a more
needed function than Management. Can't get me now, I'm retired and hide
fast. She brought tears to my eyes when she wrote me these E mails today.
*****
Welcome aboard Jeanne Gehrung. Bart Morgan, where ever you are, look at her
now. Jeanne says, "One for the Giffer."If you "E' Mail me, something isn't
right.
*****
Her E mail is available and I'm sure would like to hear from all of you.
27
Subj: Thanks sooooooo much.
Date: 3/6/2001 3:43:39 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: Turcoje
Hi, John 3. 07. 2001
I had to get Dennis La Drew's response out, This gave me enough time to fill
out my AIR FORCE SPACE OPERATION ASSOCIATION (AFSOA) application, and drive
to the Post Office to mail it before I responded to your "E" mail like I
planned.
WOW, this venture with the KTS Web Material and all the nice letters and then
the two super nice ones from you and Dennis almost make me look like I'm
paying you guys to write this material. Talk about someone having their cake
and eating it also, look at me, looks like I do. Am I bragging? You BETCHA.
In my response to Dennis, I did mention that you had sent an "E" mail
mentioning AFSOA. I did say I had joined from your information from going to
the AFSOA Web Site. http://home.earthlink.net/~twn/afsoa/afsoahome.html
On my application I put you down as my referral. Thanks much John. Bob
26
Subj: Your KTS Web Site
Date: 3/5/2001 8:32:39 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Turcoje
To: BubbaSip
Bob- you have done a great job and service to all who remember satellite
operations from the very dawn of non augie supports. Remembering the past is
good for all of us old RTS types. Seeing the names of former controllers and
station personnel is a kick; I've retraced my days of years past from NHS to
VTS and on to STC. I'm sure others will do the same after reading your
episodes. Keep up the great work!
Suggest you consider joining AFSOA and share some episodes with other SATOPS
types via AFSOA Downlink.
By the way I've already received emails from Dennis LeDrew and Steve Gurgin;
they got my address from your guest book.
I've sent the KTS web site to Don Hopper and also to Bob Bentley; will send
it on to others as like Tom Cline and John Hagen ; but the Downlink will get
to many more.
Regards John Turco
25
Subj: Response to Dennis La Drew
Date: 3/6/2001 2:44:09 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew)
Hi Dennis 3.07.2001
I'm still in a Daze and moist from all the very nice words you mention about
me. What can I say other than thank you very much!!
How about mentioning to Chico, Astring, and Burnham we are about to go big
time.
Look for the "E" mail John Turcoe wrote me about the KTS Web Site. I'll send
you a copy.
He mentioned the AIR FORCE SPACE OPERATION ASSOCIATION (AFSOA)
Web Site: http://home.earthlink.net/~twn/afsoa/afsoahome.html
I looked at it and decided this is something I want to be part of. We are
going to link two Kodiak Sites to AFSOA
(1) Kodiak Military Historical Society.
Web Site: kadiak.org (Kodiak) is not misspelled. This the way their History
spells it.
(2) AIR FORCE SATELLITE CONTROL FACILITY
KODAK TRACKING STATION
Web Site: http://linux.kib.co.kodiak.ak.us/kmxt/af_track/bob.html
> Scroll to the end until you see the Guest Book, when you are looking for it.
John Turcoe sent me an "E" mail on the 6th of this month. He was recommending
the mention AFSOA site. I haven't responded to him yet for two reasons.
(1) Your Response came first.
(2) I didn't want to respond to John's letter until my application was in
the mail
and it is.
Applications are on the AFSOA Web Site, with much other neat stuff.
Note: If anyone joins the AIR FORCE SPACE OPERATIONS ASSOCIATION from their
exposure to the KTS Web Site, I would like to be referenced on your
application as your referral. I don't receive anything out of it, but a Warm
Glow.
Have fun with this site everyone. Bob
24
Subj: Great Stuff
Date: 3/4/2001 8:43:32 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Bob,
I just took some time to return to the web site and all I can say is
Great Stuff! Obviously, you have been spending a lot of time and effort
on it. Before I went back to Australia in 1984, there was a buzz word
quite current with Aerospace Corp. people, to wit "Corporate Memory".
All the things you have pulled together to describe the makeup of a
station, the way it communicated with the STC, and in particular, the
Corona stuff (I'm still amazed at the fact that it was declassified)
will provide a hard copy record for the future. A real service, without
question, and a service that wouldn't have been possible in the absence
of a "Corporate Memory"! There are of course, thousands and thousands of
stories from each of the network stations, but the best I think, all
emanated from the more remote ones like Kodi, Indi, Pogo and I'm sure,
after my time in the network, Diego Garcia. Just off the top of my head,
I can remember when the Flat Plane Array (FPA) azimuth drive assembly
was out at Kodi and we actually had people (Pogues, yes, I remember that
expression well) pull the antenna around with ropes to support satellite
passes. And that was one of the things we did when we were all sober!
You will be getting justifiable pleasure from the emails you
receive, especially from people you dredge up out of your memory from
the glory days at Kodi. In the absence of anyone else either old enough
to remember or lucky enough to have looked at your site, I hereby bestow
on you an SCF ATTABOY award!
Dennis Le Drew
23
Subj: Kodiak Tracking Station
Date: 3/3/2001 7:27:07 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: brookman@alaska.net (Gerald R. Brookman)
Hi Jerry:
2.3.2001
Nice to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us and the
world. You now have been inducted into the Kodiak Tracking Station Hump list
I keep. As soon as I update it I will send it to you. The KTS Hump List is
explained in the KTS Guest book, which is at the end of the Tracking Station
material. I will ask Joe Stevens, Manager of the KTS Web Site to add your
letter and my response to the Guest Book.
Your comment about Annette Island, near Ketchikan being added. These are the
reasons. I wasn't aware Kodiak had anything to do with that facility. I was
writing about Satellite Control Facilities of the sixties. Next I haven't the
faintest idea what they did. I can't add it to the facilities description.
I did know Charlie Peek. He was there in the 1963 - 64 time range. Charlie
and I used to ride motors together, zoom, zoom. He had a MOPED and I had a
Honda 55cc. The Honda used to kill me every day, mine bucked a lot. Bob
Note to the readers: Once your "E" mail makes the KTS Guest book, you're in the
window for the world to see. Bob
22
Subj: Chiniak Tracking Station Guest Book
Date: 3/2/2001 5:18:41 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: brookman@alaska.net (Gerald R. Brookman)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com
Hi-
I just noticed your Chiniak Tracking Station Web Site information, it's
interesting! I'll have to read all the short stories as time permits.
I was in the crew that manned up there, as near as I can recall it was
September, the year was 1958; I worked for Philco, the major contractor was
Lockheed Missile and Space Division (MSD) and the service contractor was
Budson. I left just after the recovery of Discoverer 13. I just recently
read the book, THE CORONA PROJECT, and found it very interesting.
I did shoot a Kodiak Brown Bear when I was there, it measured just under
9 feet. Used a Winchester .338 Magnum. It worked real good. Four years
later I used it on another one, about same size, neither of them moved at
all after the first shot, except the first one wasn't killed immediately and
I had to shoot it again.
You did leave one thing out, when you were showing the world wide
tracking system. in the first year or so, there was also a tracking station
at Annette Island, near Ketchikan. Don't remember when they closed it down
but it was while I was at Chiniak, between 9/'58 and 8/'60.
After I left Chiniak I went to work at LMSD. Later known as Lockheed
Missiles & Space Company (LMSC), in the final checkout of Agenas, started
there in Sept. or Oct. of '60 and left there 1/31/'62 to go to work for the
FAA as a Radar Technician; spent four years at Fire Island, 12 in Anchorage,
and 12 in Kenai, retired 11/30/'90.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else who has worked at the Site;
I've met a couple in this area: Bill Glynn and another fellow whose name
escapes me, he was working for the outfit that maintained the microwave and
satellite links that replaced White Alice here. Also, Charlie Peek, with
whom I worked at Sunnyvale, and who later came to Chiniak in the early '60s;
I recall he was there during the '64 earthquake.
Jerry Brookman
715 Muir Avenue
Kenai, Alaska 99611-8816
PHONE; 907-283-9329
FAX: 907-283-7180
e-mail: brookman@alaska.net
21
Subj: News
Date: 3/1/2001 6:08:26 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: rophaug@qwestinternet.net (Ross Ophaug)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Dear Bob,
I left Kodiak in March 1969 and shortly after I was back in
Sunnyvale, I was contacted by Hughes Aircraft for a job in the Denver
area. I took that job and worked in El Segundo for a year and then moved
to Colorado. I worked for Hughes at the Buckley Air National Guard Base in Colorado
(now an Air Force Station) until December 1989 when they offered me a
good early retirement package. I took that and went across the hall to
work for Boeing in February 1990. I stayed with Boeing until June 1999
when I retired for good.
Marion got ill in December 1991 when we were visiting my son Brian
and family in California. We left for home after Christmas and when we
got to Las Vegas she took a turn for the worse and had to be
hospitalized. She was there for seven weeks and then transferred to
Denver and was in the hospital in Denver for one week and then passed
away on February 20, 1992. The doctors never did figure out what she had
except that it must have been some kind of virus that tore up her lungs
and other organs.
In July 1993 at a school reunion in North Dakota, I met Edith (Edie)
Torfin and in July 1994 we were married. She had been living in Texas
but was originally from the same town in North Dakota that I was from.
She has three children living in Texas and one in Colorado Springs. She
has six grandchildren and I have six so plenty of birthdays to keep
track of.
Brian has been back in Colorado since 1993 and is now the accountant
for Haselden Construction. They are quite a large company and do
business in various parts of the state. Brian and his wife Kim have
three boys and one girl and live in Lakewood, Colorado which is about 25
minutes away from us.
My other son Brad went to work for American Airlines after he finished
college so we did a lot of low cost traveling starting with visiting him
in Puerto Rico when he was stationed there in 1986. Brad graduated form
law school in December in Davie, Florida (north of Miami) so we were
down there for the ceremony. Brad, his wife Bonnie and two daughters are
moving to Pennsylvania so he just took the bar exam there and hopes to
work in the Pittsburgh area.
We just got back from Arizona last week. We had spent a month down
there in the warm weather. We visited with many people including Anita
Lowenberg Hinsch. Anita and Bob Lowenberg got divorced in 1979 and Anita
moved to Colorado for a short time and then to Arizona in 1980. She
married Bill Hinsch about 13 years ago. We still talk about the old days
in Kodiak. Bob Lowenberg died a few years ago from what I believe was a
heart attack. Danny Lowenberg was killed by an accidental gun shot in
the late 70's while they were living in Wisconsin. Don and Karen
Lowenberg both live in Arizona near Anita.
Otto Wheeler lives and works in Colorado but plans on returning to the
Seattle area when he retires. I should have his address if you want me
to send it.
I got a number of E-mail addresses from Dennis Le Drew but probably
don't have them all so would appreciate if you send the whole list.
Ross Ophaug
20
Subj: KTS, The Good Ole Days.
Date: 3/1/2001 9:40:58 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: rophaug@qwestinternet.net (Ross Ophaug)
Hi Ross,
I left Kodiak Tracking Station May 1, 1972, and took a month off to drive
down the ALCAN Highway and find a place to live before going back to work for
Lockheed.
I worked several programs, from June 1972 through 1980 all at once in the
same complex, GPS, VELA and DSP. Transferred to the Space Shuttle program in
early 1980, Divorced in 1988, transferred to training in 1988 and retired
December 1, 1997. almost 36 years with the outfit.
Started a small Space Shuttle memorabilia business, in 1981 after the first
Flight of the Space Shuttle and still mess with it occasionally from my house.
It took Joe Stevens and I, 6 to 7 months to put the material together for
the KTS Web Site. Joe is the president of the Kodiak Military History
Museum. I provided all the material that you see there. I hope to complete
a couple of short storys and add it to the short story section of the KTS
Site.
I'm really having fun with this Kodiak stuff. I have received already around
9 E mails from old timers from the KTS Site or related SCFer's. Like I
mentioned in the guest book in response to someone's E mail, I will try and
respond to everyone's initial E mail and post in the web. If I don't hear boo
from anyone, I will post it. I will edit if it needs it.
How are you, Marion and the kids doing? Do you keep in touch with the
Lowenbergs? Someone E mailed me and said that Otto Wheeler was going to
drop a note. Did you get my KTS Hump list that I think I sent. It contains
names and E mails of everyone that has E mailed me. Bob
19
Subj: Web Site
Date: 2/25/2001 11:55:50 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: rophaug@qwestinternet.net (Ross Ophaug)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
My son located this site while helping my grandson with a school project
on Kodiak. If this message reaches you, I will update you on the past
years since I was at Chiniak.
Ross Ophaug
18
Subj: Nice letter.
Date: 2/24/2001 3:09:53 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: Mykowalsky, otto.l.wheeler@lmco.com
2.24.2001
Hello there Mr Mykowalsky, another Satellite Flyer, Thanks for taking the
time to join in the fun. I will add your "E" mail handle into the KTS HUMP
group E mail List. You qualify as a bonifide KTS HUMP. Are you a good hump or
a bad hump? Think a minute. Welcome aboard.
Tell my old bud Otto the Wheeler to join in, I sure would like to see what he
has been up to. I heard he is married, I think that is great. Bob
17
Subj: Past folks who have Kodi Experiences
Date: 2/23/2001 11:43:18 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Mykowalsky
To: BubbaSip
CC: otto.l.wheeler@lmco.com
Hi,
I worked at Space Division at the SCF for about 4 years until the Program
Office moved to the Blue Cube. I worked at Aerospace Corp and had the
technical responsibilty for the Bird Buffer Software and Tracking Station
Command and Control Software and the Telemetry processing software. I went
to Kodi in February about 1969. I have some great slides of black sand beach
with eagles and some of the town. I have had contact with Otto Wheeler who
had spent a few years at Kodi. I have told him about the Kodiak Tracking
Station website and he expects to visit it soon.
Be talking to you soon,
Mike Kowalsky mykowalsky@aol.com
16
Subj: Ft Greeley
Date: 2/23/2001 8:08:17 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil (Pearce, Warren, CTR)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com ('BubbaSip@aol.com'), SteveGur@aol.com ('Steve Gur')
Don't know if I asked about this before, but I remember comments while I was
at BOSS that we built a 60' DR there and never used it. I have gathered from
recent history books on MITAS and DSP that it was to be used for MITAS.
If so, it would be interesting to add that to your history and, even better,
add some pictures if you can find them.
WWP
15
Subj: Re: Ft Greeley
Date: 2/23/2001 8:23:07 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: SteveGur
To: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil, BubbaSip, SteveGur
Yes, there was a 60 foot at Ft. Greeley. I knew several guys that worked
there. I remember being on the net at Hula when that site was up one time.
But I think the site was operational, then not, then up then deactivated.
Don't remember why. I think Wayne Pearson was one of them. Or try Lou
Pelletier. I will think on it.
Steve
14
Re: Ft Greeley
Date: 2/23/2001 8:13:41 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil
Hi Warren and Steve:
I really wouldn't know where to start. What I will do is have these "E"
mail's posted in the guest book with a line from me, asking if anyone has
this information, please send to me and I will have it incorporated, if not
to lengthy Bob
ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION RELATED TO WARREN'S REQUEST, PLEASE E MAIL: BOB
SIPTROTT....................bubbasip@aol.com
13
Subj: Information about KTS
Date: 2/15/2001 3:24:02 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: SteveGur
2.15.2001
Hi Steve,
here is something you might like. The guest book just happen as an Idea of
mine. I started it when when you wrote your "E" mail. It is number one
listed in their. See below for details. Bob. bubbasip@aol.com
Go to your big screen.
Next the main feature.
What do you think?
Hi, Ron woll
I wanted to show all of you something I'm real proud of. Check out the
finished Kodiak Tracking Station KTS Web Site and Guest book. See the below
address. The Guest Book was added about three days ago.
It was added by Crusty OLE Joe Stevens, the head Humpie (Director) for the
Kodak Military Historical Society. He also designed the Main KTS Web Site
with the material I provided. This is the Main Kodiak Tracking Station (KTS)
Web Site:
http://linux.kib.co.kodiak.ak.us/kmxt/af_track/bob.html
Scroll to the end where you see these two subjects.
Kodiak Military History Main Index Chiniak Tracking Station Guest Book.
Double click on the guest book and see responses to the KTS material.
Double click:... Open a door to history not
much known about. Text and photographs
provide by the Crust Man himself and his fans.
At the end of this site, double click on the home page.
Checkout the multitalented Hump (Crusty OLE Joe Stevens)
that runs the entire show.
-----------------------------------------
I will add almost everyone's response to the guest list. I will try and
respond to all. You don't have had to work there "E" mail a favorable
comment. The individual's that have worked in the Satellite Control Facility
SCF, as it was known then, can "E" mail me a response and will be added to
the Guest List. When more names are added, I'm sure troops will find
addresses and '"E" mail of people they would like to contact after 30 +++
years.
http://linux.kib.co.kodiak.ak.us/kmxt/af_track/bob.html
At the below web site you will see kodiak Tracking Station Leveled to the
Ground. Double click on pictures for a blow up. Joe Stevens took those
pictures DEC. 16, 2000. Bob
http://www.kadiak.org/af_track/2000_dec_16.html
12
Subj: Re: Some changes made.
Date: 2/16/2001 10:25:58 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil
CC: STEVEGU
CC: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil (Pearce,Warren,CTR)
CC: jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew)
CC: jpl@digital-star.com (Joe P Lobis)
CC: RWoll@scitor.com (Woll,Ron)
CC: cdgo@earthlink.net (Wayne Pearson), Turcoje
NOTE: This response to Warren's letter will be added to the KTS Web Site,
it contains additional information for all. Bob.
-----------------------------------------
Thanks Warren: 2.16.2001
It took myself and Joe Stevens, the Kodiak Military Historical Society Web
Site "Humpie" (Manager), 7 months to accomplish. Joe and I were on the
computer rewriting the text, the web site would only take the HTML format. I
scanned some of the material to him. He had to rewrite it, because the format
the scanner was sending, JPG. What ever any of these formats mean. S. A. Joe
knows.
I kept half the material and rewrote much of it and sent it to him "E" mail.
It was a lot of fun for me. Joe has many Irons in the fire, schedule and
family to follow.
I'm retired and having the fun of my life with this Tracking Station Venture.
I'm retired handsome, rich, achieving greatness, and have very few scheduled
responsibilities.
Why am I choking?
As I mentioned somewhere else, I knew I was going to write about Kodiak
someday. I kept the material and many photographs for a lot of years. I tried
writing this 20 years ago with a type writer and being married, didn't cut
it. I was writing short stories and have a few that I will add to the web
site, if Joe has time to do it. Might take awhile.
The real fun in doing this, to respond to the Range Humps (R. H. ) " E" mail.
Talking to someone with the same interests and most of the time the
individuals are troops I worked with 30++ years ago.
Can the Range Humps feature a web site with a collection of "E" mails from
the past? What fun, piss someone off after a thousand years, being nice is
good.
A dream come true for this almost 60 year old Hump.
I would like to someone to come up with something that we all could use to
describe the good troops that worked or work in the Satellite Flying Network.
What a ball I used to have. I kinda like Range Humps. The troops were always
humping on their job (Busting Ass) and always had the "Esprit de corps "My
spell checker won't touch that one, Screw it.
Remember Troops: I won't be able to have Joe to incorporate all responses.
The initial one's he will, in the KTS Web Site.
Let me know troops if you don't want your material posted for all to see. .
Bob Siptrott.
11a
Subj: KTS now
Date: 2/12/2001 5:13:10 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: SteveGur@aol.com
To: BubbaSip@aol.com
I went to the web page. The vehicle maintenance shop in one of the pictures
was never used. It was built in 1975 and the site closed. a half million
dollars spent even though the AF knew the site would close.
Steve
11
Subj: SCF Thoughts
Date: 2/15/2001 1:13:40 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Warren.Pearce-contractor@jntf.osd.mil (Pearce, Warren, CTR)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com ('BubbaSip@aol.com')
Bob,
Really like your site. I started in the SCF at BOSS in 1968, then went to
DVEH in 1972, the AFSATCOM Terminal SPO in 1974, the CSOC SPO in 1980, CSOC
in 1985 and am still there. I had one trip to KTS in either late 1973 or
early 1974 to replace the 14' raydome after it got soaked with water.
Some comments:
On your RTS map, CTS is Colorado Tracking Station which is a couple of
hundred yards from me right now.
We built the Remote Vehicle Checkout Facility (RVCF) at the cape around 1970
after the first DSCS launch where they reversed the primary and backup KG
boxes on the birds.
Forget this one, the above to are being changed.
You should add Annette Tracking Station to the map and try to get some
pictures of it since it was in Alaska too.
Again, neat web page
WWP
+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+
W. Warren Pearce, CISSP
TRW System Security Engineer
Joint National Test Facility
Schriever AFB, CO. 80912
719-567-8736
10
Subj: RE: Something I want you to see.
Date: 2/15/2001 11:27:13 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: William.Lorfing@ONIZUKA.AF.MIL (Lorfing William C Contr 21SOPS/DOO)
To: BubbaSip@AOL.COM ('BubbaSip@AOL.COM')
I just read it. Sounds like there are a lot of people going to that site on
a regular basis. It's a good way to catch up with old friends. I also went
through your material. Looks like a good primer on satellite operations.
It's quite Good. The Kadiak.org site is interesting too. Lots of
historical information going back to WWII.
Bill Lorfing
O/21-24 B/100
9
Subj: Hello Joe Lobis LOBO), you ole Range Rat..
Date: 2/15/2001 11:08:01 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: jpl@digital-star.com (J P L)
Go to your big screen 2/15/2001
Hi Jooooooe Lobis, how the hell are you, how they hangin now? I'll bet a
little bit, maybe a lota bit low. When were you at Kodiak?
When did you retire from the Blue Cube (Sunnyvale AirForce Base or Station?)
I retired from their DEC. 1 1997. Best thing I have ever done. I'm in San
Jose, now or still am. Where are you residing? You know my E mail.
Joe. I want you to read the attached mail about my guest book. Your response
to the site and to my self is in our (Joe Stevens) guest book now. This E
mail will be in their also. Your response to this one could be also.
Easy on our old language. Since I had to cut down, I can't hold a very
intelligent conversation. What an alphabet I have to work with, jumps from
"E" to "G." Half my verbs and adjectives are forboden
Here it is Joe. When you receive this E mail click to the large screen. I
hope you enjoy the upcoming material. Give me some feed back to this mail,
young bandit
Bob Siptrott also known as a Pogue.
Who remembers Chiniak Cheer, Pogue and the Blue Goose.
8
Subj: Hello Wayne!!! (kodiak talking time)
Date: 2/12/2001 3:40:26 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: cdgo@earthlink.net
Hi, Wayne Person: 2/12/2001
Been a long time hasn't it. I sure remember the Kodiak Bear Hunt yourself,
Rocky Shuraki, and I went on at Ukanic Bay, a thousand years ago. That sure
was fun sitting in our tents freezing with, rain sounds on the outside of
tent. It was bearable though with the Christian Brothers Brandy Brand
heaters we brought along.
I really enjoyed having you as a Supervisor, much was accomplished. If you
know of anyone that wants to look at the Web site use this address for direct
access.
http://linux.kib.co.kodiak.ak.us/kmxt/af_track/bob.html
At this web site you will see kodiak Tracking Station Leveled to the Ground.
Double click on pictures for blow up. Joe Stevens took those pictures DEC.
16, 2000. Crusty OLE Joe as he is well known by in Kodak, is the Head kahuna
for the Kodiak Military History Museum, where the Kodak Tracking Station
Material is resident.
http://www.kadiak.org/af_track/2000_dec_16.html
Anyone that contacts me will get an answer back, whether I remembered them or
not. Joe wants to make up a guest list/log for all that respond the KTS web
site. I love the idea. He will incorporate everyone's correspondence and my
responses to the "E" mails on that list. This will enable the OLE gang/troops
to E mail amongst themselves. They can reminisce about the past 30+++ years
and get moist.
I live in San Jose now, retired and having fun. I had been married and
adopted a family with 4 kids There all on there own married now. I was
married in Alaska, I don't if you were there or not. it was around 1969 I
believe.
The KTS web site took awhile to put together. Now I am building a web site
to sell Space Shuttle stuff. I had been selling the stuff since 1981 when the
Shuttle first started. I was the first Ground Controller for LAMS (Lead) when
we started the program in the Blue Cube in 1980
Where do you reside? You should be receiving and e mail from Dennis La drew
soon. Spread the word to look at the web site and e mail me.
I'm writing a short story of what I remembered of the hunting trip the 3 of
us went on. It will be added to the KTS web same article under the chapter
intitled Short Story's you would let me borrow your pictures I would
appreciate it. I will send you another e mail with my address on it. This e
mail will probably be posted in the KTS Web site guest list/log as a response
to the E mails coming in. Keep in contact. Bob
7
Subj: Re: Kodiak Tracking Station
Date: 2/12/2001 12:41:46 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: jpl@digital-star.com (J P L)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com
Bob,
It has been a long time since Kodiak. Being one of the Philco guys going
there when the contract changed hands does bring back memories. Yes I was
even there when they decided to shut it down. To bad politics had to enter
there.
Joe
6
Subj: Wayne Pearson
Date: 2/12/2001 8:30:43 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Bob,
I sure do remember Wayne Pearson. I'm going to email him myself. He
came to Hula with his second wife, as the Junior ICR when I was there as
the RSR, and Carol & I socialized a lot with him and his wife. I had
wondered where ho had got to. There was a Wayne Pearson on the list for
the reunion, but I couldn't pick him out of the crowd.
Enjoy your "hits", but I know you will.
Dennis
5
Subj: Hello
Date: 2/11/2001 4:47:58 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: cdgo@earthlink.net
To: BubbaSip@aol.com
Bob,
Enjoyed your WEB site. Brought back a lot of old memories. Let me know if
you need copies of any old photos, etc or just some memory jogging about
some of our hunting trips.
I retired from Lockheed in Sunnyvale two years ago. That was after
Lockheed bought Loral/Ford Aerospace where I had worked the previous 27
years. Finally got to all the sites one way or another, including Thule,
Seychelles, and Diego Garcia. But I still miss Kodiak as the best site ever.
Wayne Pearson
4
Subj: More Kudos
Date: 2/11/2001 4:08:40 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: jdledrew@nanosecond.com (Dennis Le Drew)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com (Bob Siptrott)
Bob,
I have known Ron Woll for years. He is a nice guy, and very sharp.
His Kudos inspired me to have another look at your web site, and I can't
believe how much you have done since I last looked. Great Stuff!
Dennis Le drew
3
Subj: Bob Siptrott didn't forget, just out of town.
Date: 2/11/2001 1:52:26 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: BubbaSip
To: SteveGur
Hi, Steve: 2/11/2001
It has been a long long time since I have seen you. I don't necessarily want
to...mention the amount of years that have past. I remembered the name, now
I think I can put somewhat of a face to it. I'm somewhat surprised to her
from the old SCF folks. I have heard from a few troops that saw the article,
however they were working here, not the Tracking Station.
I do have a spiral bound book that has the picture of the Polarbear and Kodak
Tacking Station on the front.I had some made with the identical contents, the
Web Site contains.
I only have 20 at a time made at kink's publishing. These were for the
people that I worked with in Sunnyvale (the Blue Cube types). I was selling
them upon requests for $13.50. I have one left and will be taking that one to
have an additional 30 made. I have 14 more requests so I have to do it. The
price $13.50 plus Priority Shipping additional $5.00. It only take a few
days to make them up. If you want one, let me know and provide an address and
I will send it to you soon.This is not a business, this is retirement fun at
it's best.
I knew when I was at the Tracking Station from June 1963 thru June 1, 1972,
that I was going to accomplish something like this. I had too much fun, both
bombed and sober, and wanted to see if there was anyone else as crazy as I
was. I had to share my memories with all. I guess what I enjoyed the most
were all the Town's people.
Kodiak was and is the greatest place in the world to be.
I just recently chated briefly with Dennis LaDrew about you ('E' mail) Seems
that you knew each other rather well. I just recently obtained his address
from John Turco. John was one the first Mission Controllers in Sunnyvale
(STC) when Satellites started to fly.
I plan on continuing with the short stories for the Kodiak Tracking Web
Site. Maybe a couple within the next few months, I will put you on my mailing
list when they come out.
That is if the CRUST MAN will be good to me. He is the Guru that keeps
Kodiak moving and updates the Kodiak Tracking Station Web Site.
You should go back to where my article was and look at the article below
mine. It shows come pictures, Crusty "Ole Joe" took of the leveled Kodiak
Tracking Station Site.
Go to Joe's home page at the bottom of this, and see what the mischieves
Crust Man gets himself into. You know, I never met him, what happens if I
like him?... Bob Siptrott
bubbasip@aol.com
2
Date: 2/11/2001 9:45:43 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: RWoll@scitor.com (Woll, Ron)
To: BubbaSip@aol.com ('BubbaSip@aol.com')
Bob,
Wow!! I wish I had kept better records of my stay at VTS (2/62-10/75) and
Sunnyvale (10/75-present). I have great memories. Just have severe memory
access problems...Many thanks.
Ron Woll
AFSCN System Engineering
Requirements Analysis
"E" mail......RWoll@scitor.com, (Woll, Ron)
Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1324
1
Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001
From: stevegur@aol.com
HI Bob, I don't know if you remember me or not. I was at Kodi as the ICR
from July 1972 until we closed it in July1975. I am very impressed with your
web site. I would like to know if you have your site in print and if I could
purchase a copy. Also am interested in Tony Smakers book. I got your web
site from Buzz Longstreth who got it from Rex Kimal. I sent it to a few
friends, Lou Pelletier and the last commander of the station, now retired
Major Bob Keller. In my career with Lockheed, Philco, Philco Ford and Loral,
I worked at Hula, Thule, Kodi, Cook, Sunnyvale, Colorado (Colorado Tracking
Station), Diego Garcia, two tours as the ICR, I did the entire site
integration for Colorado and Diego, then on to Oakhanger, (TCS). Had quite a
good time and career. Would be great to hear from you. I have Ron Williams
address but no email address.
Steve Gurican
This guest book was begun February 2001.
