1947 - 1950

Comments: I arrived at the 618th ACWS at Kahiwara (near Osaka) Japan in December 1947. Was assigned the duties of reading a Radar Scope (scope dope). A short time later I was sent to Johnson AFB to attend the Radar Operator School for a few weeks. Returned to Kashiwara and worked until I was transferred to Radar Detachment "B" on the north shore of Honshu next to the Kyogamisaki Lighthouse. Worked there until the Radar equipment was moved from the shore location to the Kyogamisaki Lighthouse hill top site. It was an old Japanese Radar site during WW2. About that time I was sent to Keio University the 8th Army Signal Corp School for RADAR maintenance training (MOS 953). Returned to Det "B" and performed duties until around March of 1950 when my 32 month tour of duty was over.

The Commanding Officer of the 618th ACWS at that time was Lt. Co.Haberstat.

The Commanding Officers at the 29 man Detachment B were 1st Lt. Noel J. Hienke and 1st Lt. Miraldi.

The living conditions at the DET B were outstanding. The view overlooking the Japan Sea at sunset was inspiring. And at night there would be fishing boats off shore with lights fishing all night. We were next to a fishing village called "Oa" where the camp cook would periodically go and purchase fresh shrimp, prepare them, and serve for an evening of shrimp and beer for the men. We had some good times out there isolated.

Keywords: Kyogamisaki LIghthouse, Det "B" U.S.A.T. General John Pope (over to Japan) U.S.N.S. M. M. Patrick (return home) Harry Smith, friend

Looking for Members of 527thACW-610th and 618th ACW

Comments: We have a reunion association and large website in being, which includes the 527th AC&W Group, 610th AC&W Sqdn, 618th AC&W Sqdn,ADCC Itazute and 43rdAD (ADCC) Please get in contact with me.

Keywords: 618thACWSq-610thACWSq-527thACWGp w/ADCC Itazuke AB,Japan

DETACHMENT B 618TH AC&W

Comments: I remember meeting Harry V. Smith at the Air Base north of San Francisco before we boarded the troop ship "Pope" to JAPAN.

Performed as a RADAR repairman MOS 953.

Left JAPAN around March of 1950. Got discharged and entered Civil Service working for the Air Force and ultimately the Federal Aviation Administration. Retired in 1995. Like to hear from anyone serving then in the 618th.

Keith R. Thompson

Keywords: Detached out of Miho Air Base to RADAR Detachment "B" which as 50 miles up the coast to Kyogo Misaki (light house). It was next to the city of OA.

Det 7/17?, 618th AC&W

Comments: I was stationed on Mishima from 7/56 - 7/57 as a radio operator. Contacts from "old" buddies or acquaintances are welcome.

Keywords:

MISHIMA ISLAND

Comments: I SAW THE COMMENTS ABOVE ANDHAD TO RESPOND.. I WAS THERE IN 1957 FROM FEBRUARY TO FEBRUARY 1958..I WAS A 29350 RADIO OPR. CALL SIGN THEN WAS T-83...ATTACHED TO THE 8TH COMM. SQD.43RD AIR DIVISION FAR EAST AIR COMMAND AT THE TIME DETACHMENT 17 WAS PART OF A NET OF SOME EIGHT EARLY WARNING STATIONS. EIGHTY FIVE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN ALONG WITH JAPANESE SELF DEFENSE FORCES...BRINGS BACK MEMORIES---CAME ACROSS THE SITE BY LOOKING UP MISHIMA ISLAND ON THE WEB.AND SAW SOMETHING ABOUT THE 527AC&W...

Keywords: TOMSASON