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October 20, 2006
Subject:
Removal of AN/FSQ7, 26 AD, in Feb 1984
(click above
for LARGE photo in a new window!)
I was an Electronics Installation Team Chief,
working for USAF out of Norton AFB, CA and assigned to the 1835 EIS
(Electronics Installation Squadron).
One of my assignments was to Luke AFB, AZ to remove (scrap) the
AN/FSQ7 computer from the SAGE building.
At some point I was told that it was the last active FSQ7 in the
Air Force inventory; but I never had proof of this fact.
We scheduled our arrival only after extensive
prep work was done to turn off the power sources to the equipment and the
equipment had been harvested for precious metals.
All we really had to do, as I recall, was to cut away all
connectors and unbolt the major components and take them out of the
structure.
The first week we ripped into it.
I mean, we got permission to disassemble 14inch metal chop saws
from the stands and use them “free-hand” to cut the 4inch armored
power cables from up in the cable racks.
The overhead cable racks themselves were the most extensive I had
encountered to that time, with three levels of racking.
We were flying around like monkeys up in those racks.
We would cut a cable at a strategic point where it ran down some
racking for perhaps 100 feet. Where
the cable dropped to floor level a couple team members would pull on it
and the steel cable cover would start to slide over the racking.
Slowly it would pick up speed.
The weight of the cable would cause it to keep accelerating until
it shot out of the rack and hit the floor with a boom!
That was lots of fun. The
cut pieces could then be maneuvered into metal mini dumpsters where a
forklift would pick it up and haul it out to the parking lot.
I got some ideas for a comic while this was unfolding.
The parking lot out back was where everything
ended up. That’s when I saw
these trays of ferrite memory . They
were either nine or 16 panels to a tray.
Anyways, I asked for permission to keep one or two of the trays, as
I could see that the panels could be separated and would make interesting
souvenirs for my team (any one who wanted one).
We did the job in record time.
I took black and white photos so that the base paper at Norton AFB
could publish an article. I had the byline. I
remembered the article because it used my picture of our team member
sawing through the cables with that 14inch metal chop saw, full face
shield and sparks flying! In
the group picture, if enlarged, you can clearly see the racks of computer
parts with the cables cut off at the top behind the group.
Back at Norton AFB, I desoldered the
individual memory plates from the flat plane that held them. Then I poured some art epoxy that is used to cover wood
tables inside of the delicate ferrite bead weaving.
When it set up you could see all the beads and wires, and didn’t
have to worry about breaking the hair-like wire and bead assembly.
I also drew a cartoon to remember our
escapade. Somehow, I knew
this was a special TDY assignment. For
what it is worth, I have scanned the comic, two photos, and the letter
from the commander, Det 2, 26 AD. Note
that the new 26 AD had been moved to March AFB, CA by this time.
(click above
for LARGE photo in a new window!)
Stephen E. Engberg
MSgt, USAF Retired
Ref: Proposed
revision to service request
Brian Wilson needs to modify our current service
request being used.
a. They
are adding a box for tax status.
b. adding
a box for additional technician.
My first recommendation is delete the parts block
and utilize this space for work performed/parts used.
2nd recommendation is that a maximum
of two additional techs should suffice; I think four is a waster of space.
Please put your two cents in; Brian Wilson TSM
would like to know; even if you like it as it stands.
Stephen E. Engberg
October 20, 2006
To: techs
Ref: Proposed
revision to service request
Brian Wilson needs to modify our current service
request being used.
a. They
are adding a box for tax status.
b. adding
a box for additional technician.
My first recommendation is delete the parts block
and utilize this space for work performed/parts used.
2nd recommendation is that a maximum
of two additional techs should suffice; I think four is a waster of space.
Please put your two cents in; Brian Wilson TSM
would like to know; even if you like it as it stands.
Stephen E. Engberg
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