History of the US Air Force in Taiwan 1958

1958  


6 - 18 January.     A detachment of the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing was deployed to Chiayi AB.

31 January.        Fifth Air Force discontinued the rotation of Fighter Bomber Squadrons to Taiwan.  The 311th Fighter Bomber Sq at Chiayi AB was the last bomber squadron rotated to Taiwan by Fifth Air Force.  They had been deployed to Taiwan on two month rotation periods since 1955.

1 February.        17th Tactical Missile Squadron was relieved from PACAF and assigned to Thirteenth Air Force per PACAF General Order 5 dated 29 January 1958.

11 – 20 February. Thirteenth Air Force deployed a task force of the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron to Chiayi AB.

12 February.     12th Fighter Bomber Sq Task Force participated in a BLUE SKY exercise with the Chinese Air Force.

19 February – 1 March.  Reconnaissance Task Force KENTUCKY deployed to Taoyuan and Chiayi Air Bases.

21 February – 1 March. Thirteenth Air Force deployed a task force of the 26th Fighter Interceptor Squadron aircraft to Chiayi AB.

March.           Communications circuits between E Laui Pi Taiwan and Port Point Philippines became operational.

14 March.      Headquarters, US Taiwan Defense Command and the Military Assistance Advisory Group consolidated into a single headquarters designated as the US TAIWAN Defense Command and Military Assistance Advisory Group (USTDC-MAAG).  The Commander, USTDC, was designated as commander of the combined commands.  Commander, Air Task Force Thirteen (Provisional) was assigned the additional duty of Chief, Air Force Section, MAAG, on 1 April 1958.

27  March.     A task force of 17th Missile Squadron deployed to Bangkok, Thailand; participated in “Royal Thai Air Force Day” and provided a missile display and demonstration per ATF 13 (P) OPORD 300-58-7.

April.            QUICK STRIKE began operations at Tainan Air Base.

1 April.    Brigadier General Fred M. Dean, Commander, Air Task Force Thirteen (Provisional) was assigned additional duty as Chief, Air Force Section, Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) per USAF Special Order A-621, paragraph 2, dated 1 April 1958.

2 May.        A TN-61C missile was launched by 17th Tactical Missile Sq in a dress rehearsal for project TOPMAN before the US Ambassador to China and President and Madame Chiang Kai-shek and other representatives.

20 May.      Concurrent use and support agreements were signed by Brigadier General Fred M. Dean, Commander, ATF 13 (P), with the 176th Army Security Agency (CO) and Navy Security Group for USAF to be host at Shu Lin Kou Air Station.  Agreements had been approved at PACAF headquarters on 28 March 1958.

23 – 24 May.    A task force of the 17th Tactical Missile Squadron deployed to Kadena AB, Okinawa for a display and launching of a TM-61C missile in support of project COURTESY VISIT (Weapons Demonstration) per ATF 13 (P) OPORD 300-58-9 dated 9 April 1958.  Missile was successfully launched.

4 – 14 June.    Reconnaissance Task Force (KENTUCKY) was deployed to Taoyuan AB.

4 – 14 June.    A 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron task force was at Chiayi AB for low altitude bombing practice.

6 June.          A detailed reorganization plan of ATF 13 (P) was forwarded to Thirteenth Air Force for approval.  This revised plan was approved by Thirteenth Air Force and sent to PACAF ON 13 June 1958 with the recommendation that the new organization be designated as a numbered division.

14 – 24 June. The 25th FIS was deployed to Chiayi AB.

1 July.        17th Tactical Missile Squadron attached to ATF 13 (P) for operational control and further attached to Tainan AB Group for administrative and logistical support per Thirteenth Air Force General Order 25 dated 25 June 1958.

1 July.        Lieutenant Colonel Stanley W. Tobiason assumed command of Tainan Air Base Group this date.  As no colonel had been assigned when the Kinmen emergency began, the position was filled be a series of temporary appointments of colonels on temporary duty in Taiwan. Colonel Oattis E. Parks assumed command on 1 September 1958 per 6214 ABG GO 1, 1 Sep 1958; Colonel Dean A. Fling on 22 October 1958 per 6214th ABG GO 4, 22 Oct 1958;  Colonel Frederick W. Searles on 9 Nov 1958 per 6214th GO 6, 9 Nov 1958 and Colonel Joseph C. Ware Jr. on 29 Dec 1958 per 6214th GO 11, 29 December 1958.

1 July.        The 6209th Air Base Squadron assumed USAF Host Services at Shu Lin Kou Air Station.

8 July.        The 17th Tactical Missile Squadron was redesignated as the 868th Tactical Missile Squadron and assigned to Thirteenth Air Force per PACAF GO 46 dated 10 July 1958.  868th TMS was attached to ATF 13 (P) for operational control and further attached to Tainan ABG for administrative and logistical support per Thirteenth GO 32 dated 15 July 1958.

6 August.    Premier Khrushchev of Russia called on Mao Tes Tung (Communist China Chairman) for the renewed shelling of the island of Kinmen.

6 August.    Diplomatic agreement between GRC and US gave the same type of extension of the “MAAG Agreement” (See 1 November 1952) to the scatter-wave radio facility at Chiu Tsu-lu.

18 August.    6214th Communications Squadron was organized at Taipei and placed under administration of 6214th Air Base Group at Tainan AS.  On 2 September 1958 it was placed under operational control of 1961st AACS Sq at Clark AB.  Its mission was to provide communications in support of ATF 13 (P) and US section of the Joint Operations Center (JOC).

18 August.    Det 1, 6200th Air Base Wing, Taipei; (its function was assumed by the 6214th ABG at Tainan AS) Det 2, 6200th Air Base Wing, Tainan; and Det 2, 14th Communications Sq Taipei, were discontinued this date per Thirteenth Air Force GO 39, dated 8 August 1958. The same General Order activated 6214th Air Base Group, Tainan, 6214th Support Squadron, Tainan and 6214th Communications Squadron, Taipei.  Also 6214th Air Base Group was attached to Det 1, Thirteenth Air Force at Taipei for operational, administration and logistical control.

23 August.    The battle of the Taiwan Straits began with the Chinese Communists firing 41,000 artillery rounds on Kinmen Islands in two hours.

28 August.    The US Air Force assigned F-100F aircraft to the Chinese Air Force.  They arrived at Chiayi AB on 1 September 1958.

29 August.    First aircraft arrived on Taiwan under Combined Air Strike Force X-RAY TANGO (CSAF) (F-86 aircraft of the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron) were assigned to Tainan AS.

2 September.    6214th Air Base Group at Tainan AS moved into their new headquarters building.  The 868th Tactical Missile Squadron moved into a new building at the same time.

4 September.    388th Tactical Fighter Squadron, a (CSAF TANGO) unit, equipped with F-100D aircraft, arrived at Chiayi Air Base.

6 September.    US Air Force on Taiwan assumed night air defense in a working agreement with Chinese Air Force.

7 September.    Brigadier General Avelin P. Tacon Jr. was assigned as Deputy for Operations, ATF 13 (P) and served as the Director of Combat Operations with Captain Glenn B. Butler, US Navy, as the Assistant Director per ATF Thirteen (P) GO 5, 11 Nov 1958.

8 September.    The CAF shot down seven Communist MIG-17 aircraft and damaged two others off the mainland coast.

8 September.    All personnel functions for Taiwan were consolidated in the 6214th Air Base Group at Tainan AS, Taiwan.

11 September.   Brigadier General Fred M. Dean as Air Component Commander of the subordinate unified command was designated as Air Defense Commander for Taiwan and assumed that responsibility at 1200 hours, 16 September 1958.

11 September.    The Joint Chiefs of Staff concurred in the establishment of a subordinate unified command, and on that date the Commander in Chief Pacific (CINCPAC) established the United States Taiwan Defense Command (USTDC) as a subordinate unified command under CINCPAC.  Commander USTDC was designated as the Commander of this subordinate unified command.  He exercised control of Air Force forces through his Air Force component commander (ATF 13 (P) per JCS message 947808.

11-15 September.   Detachments of 5th Communications Group were deployed to Taoyuan and Hsinchu Air Bases to support deployed tactical units by providing base communications.

17 September.    US Air Force on Taiwan began participation in day air defense.

18 September.    The 507th Communications and Control Group arrived in Taiwan and was stationed 26 miles from Taichung (Wu Chi Air Station.)

18 September.    The CAF shot down five Communist MIG-17 aircraft.

19-29 September.    The 25th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was deployed to Tainan AS.
                                   The VMF-451 was deployed to Ping Tung.
                                   The VMF-115 was deployed to Ping Tung.
                                   The VMF-MAG-11 was deployed to Hsinchu AB.

19 September.        The 25th *Fighter Interceptor Squadron was deployed to Taoyuan AB.
                                         Ed. note: Was the 25th FIS split between Tainan and Taoyuan?

19 September.        The 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron was deployed to Taoyuan.

United Press International (UPI).  9/19/1958. A U.S. AFB, FORMOSA:  Crew members of the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron stand in chow line with newly erected tents in background.  Maj. Gen. Thomas Moorman, Commander of 13th U.S. Air Force visited this fast-growing airbase this week to check on construction of new barracks and facilities for American military men moving in new weapons.  This squadron is from Hamilton AFB, Calif.  This base is now capable of hurling atomic retaliation at Red China in event of any aggression against the Nationalist's stronghold.  UPI TELEPHOTO.-tf-

22 - 23 September.    All high ranking commanders in the Pacific convened in Taipei, Taiwan for consideration of urgent defense issues.  
                                       They were:
                                       Admiral Harry D. Felt, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces.
                                       General Lawrence S. Kuter, Commander, Pacific Air Forces.
                                       Admiral Wallace Beakley, Commander, Seventh Fleet.
                                       Admiral Roland N. Smoot, Commander, Taiwan Defense Command. 
                                      Yu, Ta-wei, National Defense Minister, ROC.                               
                                      General (Tiger) Wang Shu-ming.  

24 September.    The CAF shot down 10 Communist MIG-17 aircraft and probably damaged six others off the mainland coast.  

25 September.    The 2165th Communications Squadron, Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 were designated and organized per MATS GO-140, 25 September 1958.

27th September.  F-86D aircraft of 26th Fighter Interceptor Squadron moved into Hsinchu AB and assumed alert status.

29 September.    The VMF-451 (Marine Corps) aircraft moved into Hsinchu AB and assumed alert status.

30 September.    Detachment 1, 13th Air Force had 61 officers and 99 airmen assigned plus 77 officers and 110 airmen on temporary duty at their headquarters.

30 September.    Cho En-lai denounced the United States for supplying the Chinese Nationalist Air Force with Sidewinder missiles and he threatened “powerful blows” in retaliation.

1 October.      Major James B. Carter assumed command of 6214th Support Squadron.

10 October    The CAF shot down five Communist MIG-17 aircraft and damaged two others off the mainland coast but lost one F-86 in the battle.

20 October.    Base Supply Account (AFB 5240) was established at Tainan AS to supply all US Air Force units on Taiwan.

21 October.    Personnel functions for Taiwan were transferred from Tainan AS to Taipei AS.

23 October.    US Secretary of State Dulles and President Chiang issued a joint communiqué reaffirming solidarity between the two countries and stating that the Kinmen and Matsu Islands were “closely related” to the defense of Taiwan and Penghu under present conditions.

24 October.    Air Task Force Thirteen (Provisional) was reorganized with a full staff organized under a “Double Deputy” system with a Deputy for Operations and a Deputy for Administration and Logistics.

November.    Cooperation between Chinese Air Force and US Air Force was of the highest motivations according to ATF 13 (P) Commander, General Dean.  The Chinese were generous, if not over-generous in accommodating US forces.  They had to be stopped from literally giving “the shirts off their back.”

3 November.   The Chinese Communists fired 36,000 rounds at Kinmen.

15 November.    The Provisional Signal Detachment 8678, AAV, was organized under MAAG to provide on and off island communication support for MAAG.

17 November.    An agreement was signed between the USG and GRC on defending Taiwan.

6 December 1958 – February 1959.  337th Fighter Interceptor Squadron arrived at Taoyuan AB to replace the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

24 December.    Armed Forces Radio Taiwan, Tainan Air Station, began broadcasting (100 watts) from a mobile van located on land borrowed from the Chinese Air Force Second Air Depot.

To be Continued.
 

Please take a minute to write to me if you have information I have not included during this time period or you find a mistake. 
 

I am most happy to receive your e-mail.  Quick link to me  HERE

History of the US Air Force in Taiwan 1959

1959

7 January.       The Chinese Communists fired 33,000 rounds at Kinmen.

11 – 21 January.  A task force of the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron was deployed to Chiayi AB.  They again deployed from 12-21 February.

28 February.   Buildings originally approved for construction at Tainan AB under project DARK EYES and eight additional buildings approved in December 1957 were completed by the 802 Engineers and officially transferred to the Air Force.

17 – 31 March.  Aircraft of the 26th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were deployed to Tainan AS to provide training for Chinese controllers.

11 – 22 April.  Task Force of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron deployed to Taoyuan AB.

25 April.         6214th Air Base Group and 6214th Support Squadron at Tainan AS were redesignated as the 6214th Tactical Missile Group and 6214th Air Base Squadron per PACAF GO 25, 21 April 1959.  This same order redesignated Detachments 1, 2, and 3 of the 6214th Air Base Group as Detachments of the 6214th Tactical Missile Group.  Also 6214th Communications Squadron was attached to Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) for all purposes.  The 6214th Materiel Squadron was redesignated, organized and assigned to 6214th Tactical Missile Group.  The 868th Tactical Missile Squadron, 6209th Air Base Squadron, 6211th USAF Dispensary, 6214th Communications Squadron, 6214th Air Base Squadron and the 6214th Materiel Squadron were assigned to the 6214th Tactical Missile Group. The 25 April 1959 organizational change date was changed to 15 May 1959 by PACAF GO 27, 30 April 1959.

10 – 25 May.   Aircraft of the 25th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were deployed to Chiayi AB to provide all weather interceptor training for the Chinese Air Force.

15 May.           6214th Communications Squadron and 6209th Air Base Squadron were relieved from assignment to 6214th Air Base Group and assigned to Thirteenth Air Force and were attached for all purposes to Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) per PACAF GO 27, 30 April 1959.

22 May.           Colonel Thomas B. Summers assumed command of 6214th Tactical Missile Group per 6214th Tactical Missile Group GO 1, 22 May 1959.

29 May.           A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between GRC and USG on Shu Linkou AS facilities project.

19 – 21 June.   The following units deployed aircraft to Taiwan.

                            13-23 July         67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing to Taoyuan AB.

                            10-20 August     8th Tactical Fighter Squadron to Chiayi AB.      

23-30 August        509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron

9-19 September    44th Tactical Interceptor Squadron to Chiayi AB.  

19-29 September  44th Tactical Fighter Squadron to Chiayi AB.

12-22 October      67th Tactical reconnaissance Wing to Taoyuan AB.

9-19 November    313th Air Division to Chiayi AB.

7-17 December    12th Fighter Interceptor Squadron to Chiayi AB.

1 July.             6209th Air Base Group at Shu Linkou Air Station was discontinued by PACAF GO 43, 29 June 1959.  This squadron’s responsibilities were assumed by the 6987th Radio Squadron, Mobile  (USAFFS)  This same order reassigned the 6212th USAF Dispensary  (Class B) from 6209th Air Base Squadron to Thirteenth Air Force and attached it to Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) for all purposes.

1 July.             US Air Attaché, Taipei and MAAG (Taiwan) were attached to 6214th Tactical Group for support per Thirteenth Air Force GO 13, 15 May 1959.

1 July.             Mission the 327th Air Division (Marianas Air Defense Division, MAAD) this period was to exercise operational control of the air defense capability for the Mariana Islands per Thirteenth AFR 23-4, 4 September 1959.  Subordinate units were the 41^st Fighter Interceptor Squadron (F-86D) and the 852^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. (Equipment: FPS-3, later an FPS-20) search radar FPS-6 height finder.

5 July.             The CAF downed five Communist MIG-17 aircraft south of Matsu.

31 July.           All references pertaining to 6214th Tactical Missile Group were amended to read:  6214th Tactical Group per GO 50, 31 July 1959.        

1 August.        Taiwan Base Command (TBC) was reassigned from MAAG to USTDC.

6 August.        This date the combined relationship between USTDC and MAAG Taiwan, reverted to the status which existed before the partial merger of both organizations which took place in March 1958.

15 August.      The ROC Army received Nike-Hercules ground-to-air guided missiles from the USG under MAP.

2 September.   2165th Communications Squadron attached to 1961^st AACS Group, Clark

24 – 29 September.     327th Air Division participated in exercise ROCHESTER V.

1 October.       6214th Communications Squadron was discontinued at Taipei Air Station and its personnel and equipment were absorbed by 2165th AACS Squadron, Taipei Air Station, per PACAF GO 59, 23 September 1959.

20 October.    Detachment 2, 6200th Air Base Wing was designated and organized at Tainan, and was further designated as Tainan Air Base Group for all communication purposes.

1 – 15 November.  327th Air Division participated in Exercise BIG JACK in the Marianas Islands.

2 – 11 November.  A PACAF Mobile Strike Force was conducted on Taiwan at Kung Kuan Air Base and Chiayi Air Base per Thirteenth Air Force OPORD 248-59, 13 August 1959.  Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) acted as the liaison and coordinating agency with ROC Air Force.  Units deployed were:

                                    8th Bomber Squadron (TAC)      Kung Kuan AB

                                    15th Tactical Recon Squadron    Kung Kuan AB

                                    67th Tactical Fighter Squadron   Chiayi AB 

                                    510th Tactical Fighter Squadron Chiayi AB

19 November. The USAF Thunderbirds performed before high ranking officials of the Republic of China at Taipei, Taiwan.  The Nationalist Government recessed its Legislature early so members and their staff could watch the performance.  General Chen Chia-shang, Commander in Chief ROC Air Force presented each pilot with the wings of a ROC Air Force Pilot.

3 December.   PACAF approved an organizational plan of Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) to reduce its headquarters to a small liaison and coordinating group with no command function during peace time.  The 6214th Tactical Group at Tainan AS assumed the responsibility for all administration and logistics functions for all PACAF units on Taiwan including Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov).  This plan was placed in effect on 15 February 1960.

18 December. Work was begun by the ROC Air Force on the runway at Chiayi Air Base.

End 1959 

To be Continued:

Editor's Note:  If you were assigned to Taiwan, read the history carefully to discover interesting actions that took place.  If you were not present in Taiwan, or assigned to an out-post where information was scarce, this history is eye opening.

Please take a minute to write to me if you have information I have not included during this time period or you find a mistake. 

 

I am most happy to receive your e-mail.  Quick link to me  HERE

History of the US Air Force in Taiwan - 1962

1962

1 January.      The Area Procurement Office, 6213^th Spt Sq, was activated at Taipei AS during November 1961 and became operational this date.

3 February.    US Taiwan JOC participated in BLUE SKY exercise.

6 – 12 March.  18^th Tactical Fighter Wing aircraft deployed to Kung Kuan AB.  While there they participated in exercise FLYING TIGER.

10-17 March.   8^th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed aircraft to Kung Kuan AB.

25 March.       6214^th Tactical Group and 6214^th Air Base Squadron were redesignated 6214^th Air Base Group and 6214^th Support Squadron respectively per PACAF SO G-96, 21 Dec 61.  The same order also discontinued the 868^th Tactical Missile Squadron and 6214^th Materiel Squadron at Tainan Air Station.

April.   Base swimming pool at Tainan Air Station was opened.

1 April.            6214^th Air Police Squadron was designated and organized at Tainan Air Station per PACAF SO G-20, 27 Feb 62.

11 April.          US Taiwan JOC participated in BLUE SKY exercise and operation BUZZ SAW.

8-11 May.       US Taiwan JOC participated in world wide command post exercise WHIPLASH.

10 May.          All ATF Thirteen (P) (Taipei area) military personnel records were transferred from Clark AB Consolidated Base Personnel Office to 6213^th Support Squadron, Taipei Air Station.

15 May.          A Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) was officially established in the Taiwan COC.

21 May.          The 405^th Fighter Wing at Clark AB assumed the responsibility for maintenance of officers and airmen records for all personnel assigned to 6214^th Air Base Group.

29 May – 1 June.  Thirteenth Air Force inspected the 6214^th Tactical Group at Tainan Air Base.

1 June.            An Information Office was established in the Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov).  Also the Tainan Defender Newspaper, formally published at Tainan Air Station, was published by this office from 13 July until 14 December 1962 when its publication was discontinued due to manpower shortage.

5 June.            Tainan Branch of Bank of Taiwan was authorized to maintain an account in New Taiwan Dollars (NT) for official account of Accounting and Finance Officer, Tainan Air Station.

5 June.            The Accounting and Finance Office was activated and physically located in the office of the US Army Military Attaché, US Embassy, Taipei.  It operated under the jurisdiction of the 405^th Fighter Wing Finance Office until 1 October 1962 when it was transferred to the 6214^th Air Base Wing.   

16 June.         Taipei Air Station dial telephone exchange became operational.

27 June.         Taipei Air Station acquired 3.9 acres of land adjacent to the station for construction of a dormitory, mess hall and motor pool area.

27 June.         President Kennedy stated during a press conference today:

“One possibility is that there might be aggressive action against the offshore islands of Matsu and Quemoy. In that event, the policy of this country will be that established seven years ago under the Formosa Resolution. The United States will take the action necessary to assure the defense of Formosa and the Pescadores. In the last crisis in the Taiwan area in 1958, President Eisenhower made it clear that the United States would not remain inactive in the face of any aggressive action against the offshore islands which might threaten Formosa.” 
Editor Note:  Read President Kennedy’s press conference remarks HERE.

1 July.             Commander, 2165^th Communications Squadron assumed the responsibilities for Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) Communications and Electronics (C&E) staff function.

8 -13 July.       Thirteenth Air Force inspected the 6213^th and ATF Thirteen (P).

11 July.           Major Fred H. Reiss assumed command of 6213^th Support Squadron per 6213^th Spt Sq SO G-13, 11 Jul 62.

12 July.           US Taiwan JOC participated n BLUE SKY exercise.

13 July.           The newspaper TAIWAN DEFENDER was transferred from 6214^th Air Base Group, Tainan AB to Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) at Taipei Air Station.  ATF Thirteen (P) had this newspaper previously from Jan 59 (founded by ATF Thirteen (P)) to Mar 60.

25 July.           US Ambassador to China, Alan G. Kirk; Vice Admiral R. L. Melson, Commander, US Taiwan Defense Command; and Major General Kenneth O. Sanborn, Chief, MAAG Taiwan visited Taipei Air Station for a briefing.

20 August.           Brigadier General Gladwyn E. Pinkston assumed command of Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) per USAF SO A-1233,  25 June 1962 and 6213^th SO G-14, 23 August 1962.

30 – 31 August.         Lieutenant General Thomas S. Moorman, Vice Chief Commander in Chief, PACAF, visited Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov).

1 – 9 September.      The 656^th Tactical Hospital. Clark AB, Philippines conducted a deployment to Kung Kuan AB for training purposes.

9 September.            CAF reported one of its U2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, purchased from Lockheed Corporation, in 1960, was missing on a routine mission over the Chinese mainland.

11 – 24 September. Detachment 1, Thirteenth Air Force participated in exercise 
HIGH HEELS II.

19 September.          The Interservice Support Agreement between Naval Support Activity (NAVSUPPACT) Taiwan and Thirteenth Air Force was signed and sent to PACAF for approval.

6 – 20 September.    US Taiwan JOC participated in world wide command post exercise HIGH HEELS II.

8 October.      Major General Glen W. Martin, PACAF Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, visited Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov).

15 October.    Taipei Air Station was given right of entry to (2,062 Ping in size) (36 square foot per Ping) of land adjacent to its area from Taiwan University.  This land was required for expansion.

15 October.    Commander, Chinese Air Force and Command, Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) signed host tenant agreement between their respective headquarters for deployment of aircraft to Taiwan.

1 – 9 November.       656^th Tactical Hospital from Clark AB, Philippines deployed to Kung Kuan AB to participate in field exercise.

8 – 9 November.       Major General Theodore R. Milton, Commander, Thirteenth Air Force and his staff paid a command visit to Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov) headquarters at Taipei Air Station.  This was a follow-up visit made 25-27 Jul 62.

7 December. SECNAVNOTE 5450 changed the name of US Naval Support Activity, Taipei to Headquarters Support Activity Taipei (HEDSUPPACT, Taipei).  Prior to this the unit was established in 1951 as Headquarters Commandant which commanded all support elements of Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Taiwan.  In 1955 it was changed to Taiwan Base Command and was jointly staffed, MAAG funded.  The command was placed under Taiwan Defense Command (TDC) in 1959.

12 – 13 December.    Secretary of the Air Force and Mrs. Eugene M. Zuckert with Major General and Mrs. Glen W. Martin visited Air Task Force Thirteen (Prov), Chinese Air Force, US Ambassador to China, and the president of the Republic of China.

19 December.           US Taiwan JOC participated in BLUE SKY exercise.

21 December.           US Taiwan JOC participated in exercise NEW BOY IV.

Assignment Taipei Air Station 1959

Richard Thompson, a young Airman, arrived at Taipei Air Station in 1959, on his first overseas assignment.

Richard worked in the 13th Air Force (P) Intelligence office, located in the Headquarters building, just inside the front gate, at Taipei Air Station.

Don't forget - Click or double click on any photo for a very large view!

 Richard Thompson, standing at attention for a formal photograph.

 Notice Richard's old style name tag and the "50 Mission crush" on his flying saucer hat - SHARP!

Photo circa 1958, courtesy of Rory O'Neil

Richard and most of the lower ranking Airmen assigned at Taipei AS were housed in the old Hostels which sat just across the street from the Taipei Air Station front and back gates. The Hostels were located inside red circle, in the photo above.

In this photo, Taipei AS, sits just above red circle, as it appeared in 1968. Notice the swimming pool white sidewalk outlined in the photo.

Richard standing beside a ?, anyone recognize the make?

A2C Richard Fewell, standing beside the same car.

A2C Aubyn Jones, standing at attention for this photo, outside the Hostel.

 




























A2C Alan Easton, standing outside the Hostel.   Alan perhaps having this photo taken wearing a new custom tailored suit, from the tailor shop just outside the compound gate.

Anyone remember what an Italian silk and wool, tailored suit, went for in 1959? 

I had my first suit made in 1965,  by the tailor that operated a small shop along the stone wall, just outside the front gate of Taipei AS. It cost me $25.00, and I wore it many times for the next 3 years. 

Richard and the bus hostess, along the street outside of Taipei Air Station.

There was a bus that would shuttle Taipei Air Station folks to and from the HSA compounds.  Because it was a commercial bus, I wonder who provided the service?  Richard indicated there was no charge to ride the bus.

Two shuttle Bus Hostess'.

Do you recognize the stone wall of Taipei AS seen here?  

I believe the "exit" gate was behind the trees in the background.

Two of the ladies who worked at Club 13.

There's that green car again.  I'm guessing at Chevrolet.

Entertainment was different 55 years ago.  

Many of us spent some of our free time reading books and magazines from the library.  Here, the check-in book lady with a friendly smile and some encouraging words to all who entered the Taipei Air Station Library.

 Everyone assigned to Taipei Air Station remembers the barber shop.

Richard confirmed the shop occupied the same building in 1959 as it did in the mid 1960's.  

The shop offered a peaceful spot to relax while having a haircut, shampoo, massage and manicure. Many customers dozed off while in the chair. 

 You could also have you shoes shinned.  Some of us who lived on the economy had to shine our own shoes, or have it done at the barber shop.  I recall, you could take your extra shoes to work and there was a man who would pick up your extra pair and return them shinned the same day. 

Richard said, "Some of the men assigned to Taipei AS would have the barber shop shave them every morning before they reported for work.  Word got back to the "brass" that this was happening and it ended shortly thereafter." 

If you look at the top of this blog, you'll see the phrase, "The "Best Kept Secret" in the Air Force."  

What a life we led in Taipei...

An "Office Party" at the Intelligence Office.

MSgt Kovacs above, looks to have the makings of a sandwich in his hand.

A2C Leslie Jones, back to camera, probably mixing a drink.  Looks like a bottle of Canadian Club on his right.

Lots of refreshments available. Not sure if it was a "mix your own" or possibly Club 13 catered the food and beverages?

Richard and Ann (Girlfriend) standing outside.

 Another photo of Ann, standing with her sister Diane.

The windows on this building are unusual.  It reminds me of a chapel.
Anyone recognize it?

The US Air Force Thunderbirds perform in Taipei, 1959.

Richard had a great seat for the performance at Sungshan Air Base.


19 November 1959. The USAF Thunderbirds performed before high ranking officials of the Republic of China at Taipei, Taiwan.  The Nationalist Government recessed its Legislature early so members and their staff could watch the performance.  General Chen Chia-shang, Commander in Chief ROC Air Force presented each pilot with the wings of a ROC Air Force Pilot.

This time-line note appeared in the History of the US Air Force in Taiwan.  You might find these articles interesting.  Here is the 1959 time-line post. 

A bus stop in Taipei.

A2C Aubyn Jones surrounded by curious onlookers, in Taipei.

Taipei Main Station 1959

This building reminds me of a school, possible one of the buildings at National Taiwan University, just north of Taipei Air Station.

Chiang Kai-shek statue on what looks like a circle roundabout some place in Taipei.

Outside a Temple, notice the smoke rising.

Another look at the Temple.

Life was not easy in Taiwan during these years.  Notice the boys and girls who are barefoot.  

Green Lake area on Xindian River. Looks like a couple of GI's are swimming.

Green Lake on the Xindian River.  

This photo is looking toward the north, an unusual shot, most look southward.

Green Lake looking south.

Looking south. 

Where you see those rocks on the right side, there was a coal mine of some sort right along the water line.  

Today the river height is much lower.

Green Lake on the Xindian River.

This was probably on the east bank of the river.  

Nothing fancy during this time along the river, shaded chairs and drinks, a small snack box.  Looks like the men are preparing the boat for soon to arrive customers.  This was probably taken on a Sunday.  

Green Lake would have been about a 30 minute bus ride from Taipei Air Station.

Double 10 1959.

This photo taken close to the gate, in photo above, notice the white sign in both photos.

Waiting for the ceremonies to begin.

This is probably the East Gate, just east of the Presidential Palace, where all Double 10 ceremonies take place.

The Presidential Palace decorated for Double 10.

Many pedicabs dropping off customers before the ceremonies. 

 It's a little early, the sun is still in the eastern sky, to our back.

A military unit is passing by as the ceremonies begin.

This old photo is special.

It shows two buildings that are of interest.

The three story building on the left side of this photo was, in 1959, the US MAAG Headquarters.

The white building in the center of this photo, just to the left of where the trees begin, was the Friends of China Club, a facility supposedly owned by Madam Chiang.   The building is still there today, the club closed probably in the mid 60s sometime.

Military units pass by during the parade.

Movement of rifles.  Each column of men at a different point of moving their rifles.  Look across the columns, the rifles are in different positions.

There must be a name for this movement, anyone remember?

Standing at Parade Rest, awaiting their turn to pass the reviewing stand.

If you look closely, you can just barely see the East Gate with the painting of Chiang Kai-shek seen in an earlier photo above.

1959 Trade Fair in Taipei

Confucius Temple in Taipei, 1959.

This Temple was and still is, about 5 blocks west of HSA in Taipei.

Typical street scene in Taipei, 1959.
The street cleaning woman is doing a good job.

Rugby game, probably a Sunday afternoon, some place in Taipei.  Looks like a group of tall men playing a local club.

My guess, GIs from Linkou.  They played Rugby in the Northeaste US and lots of GIs at Linkou were from that part of the country.

Rice field, location unknown, 1960.

A couple things caught my eye.

There are two white small boxes standing in the background.  They remind me of weather forecasting.  This could be an experimental farm, where a lot of weather information is collected to see what effect rain and temperature has on the experimental rice fields.

In the far background, there seems to be an Antenna Farm in the distance off to the right and to the left side in the distance, other poles that could be Antenna.

Anyone recognize this?

A two story, single family home in Taipei, 1960.
Today, very very expensive.

Late afternoon, riding off into the sunset, Taipei 1960.

A grounded, abandoned ship. Someplace close to Taipei.

Was it washed up during a typhoon?

Beautiful scene!
A boat heading down river, I'm guessing the Xindian River, 1960.

Here is one of the two R7V-2 USAF aircraft (Super Constellation) that was transferred to the USAF from the USN.

The mechanics worked anywhere back in the day.

Richard did not recall where he took this photo.

Thank you Richard.  You photos were special, showing many scenes from our early days in Taiwan.

Things changed in 1965 when the new Airman Barracks opened, and a few months later, the Dining Hall opened on Taipei Air Station.

But, the beauty of Taiwan and her people never changed.