WHCA Microwave Network Route Map (1956 to 1977}

 

PEF Microwave Network
White House Communication Agency's Microwave Network
Type of Activity	Private Voice and Data Communications Network
Location
Location	PA,MD,WV,VA, DC,USA
Range	Appalachian Mountains
Coordinates	+39.648333N -77.466667 W

The microwave network was designed to provide reliable communications for the President of the United States. This network was also designed to act as relocation facilities and was designed to withstand a nuclear attack. During national emergencies the President would be able to communicate through these facilities and address the American people.

Each microwave route in this network consisted of three systems that could carry voice, video and secure voice/teletype.

A typical line-up three transmitters, video patch panels and three receivers (front view)

A typical line-up three transmitters, video patch panels and three receivers (rear view)

System #1 was dedicated to voice. A Raytheon KTR 1000A microwave RF system carried AN/TCC-13 voice multiplexing equipment to all locations in the network. Every facility in the network had a working communications center capable of providing encrypted TTY utilizing KW-7 and KW-26 transmitters/receivers providing 100 wpm secure teletype on the voice system.

System #2 was used for video. Cactus was equipped with an RCA video switcher and was capable of producing live broadcast video. The emergency broadcast system could also be accessed through Crystal at Mt. Weather.

System #3 was the spare route.

TCC-13 24 channel Multiplexer, audio and TTY DC patch panels (front view)

TCC-13 24 channel Multiplexer, audio and TTY DC patch panels (rear view)

The following facilities were in the Presidential Emergency Network that was operated by the White house Communications Agency. All terminals in the network had manned switchboards to handle voice traffic and also had manned communication centers that handled secure voice and all TTY traffic. The relays in the network were through points with a few drop and insert voice channels. All relays were equipped with a communications center that would become active in the event that an emergency was declared.

Site 1 Cactus (Camp David, Thurmont, Md.) Terminal: Cactus contained a fully equipped, switchboard, and communications center with secure telephone and TTY. In Emergency situations live Presidential addresses could be broadcast over these systems. Cactus had direct shots to Cadre, Cartwheel (thru a microwave RF relay in Damascus Md.), Corkscrew and Cannonball. Cactus could also be used as a relocation site with a fully functional underground Shelter.

Site 2 Cannonball (Mercersburg, Pa) Relay: Cannonball was a relay in the Cactus to Crystal microwave route. Cannonball had direct shots to Cactus, Cowpuncher and Corkscrew. There was also a standby communications center equipped with secure TTY that could be activated if an emergency existed. A buried cable connected Cannonball to the AT&T site at Hearthstone Mountain where traffic could be routed into their underground facilities.

Site 3 Cowpuncher (Martinsburg, WV) Relay: Cowpuncher was a relay in the Cactus to Crystal microwave route. Cowpuncher had direct shots to Cannonball and the Crystal west tower. There was also a standby communications center equipped with secure TTY that could be activated if an emergency existed.

Site 4 Cartwheel (Washington DC) Terminal: Cartwheel had three systems each to Cactus (thru a microwave RF relay in Damascus Md.), Corkscrew, and Crystal. Cartwheel also had a fully operational switchboard and communications center with secure telephone and secure TTY. There was a microwave route from Cactus to Cartwheel, and because there was no line of site, Site D in Damascus was used as an RF relay. There were also one or two microwave systems to Crown. Since there was no line of site to the EOB or the White House, a passive dish was installed on the real water tower at Tinley Park, which was a hundred yards or so from Cartwheel, and the routes terminated in the EOB. Cartwheel was also directly connected to The White House by AT&T cable routes.

Site 5 Crystal (Mt. Weather, VA) Terminal: Crystal had two towers that were built substantially underground, only the top two antenna decks were above ground. The west tower had a direct shot to Cowpuncher and the east tower had a direct shot to Cartwheel. The towers were physically connected by tunnels and accessed through the Mt. Weather facility. Crystal interfaced with Mt Weather‘s underground facility and contained a fully operational switchboard, communications center with secure telephone and secure TTY. Crystal also interfaced with The Emergency Broadcast System at Mount Weather which was capable of live broadcast video and audio over the network

Site 6 Cadre/Creed (Site R. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa) Terminal: Cadre was located within Site R the Pentagon’s underground facility and contained a fully operational switchboard and communications center with secure telephone and TTY. Creed tower was a separate facility located about a mile from Cadre which was connected to Creed by cable and coax. Creed Tower had direct microwave routes to Cactus. The tower was substantially underground, only the two antenna decks were above ground.

Site 7 Corkscrew (Boonsboro Md.) Relay: Corkscrew was a relay location that had direct shots to Cactus, Cannonball, and Cartwheel. There was also a standby communications center equipped with secure TTY. Corkscrew could also be used as a relocation site with a fully functional underground Bunker.

Crown: The White House was the final destination of all the traffic generated from the PEF’s over the microwave network and terminated on the WHCA operated the Signal switchboard and communications center.

Prime Minister Eisaku Sato of Japan Visits the Western White House (1972)

 

State Visit of Prime Minister Eisaku Sato
Entrance to the Western White House
Type of Activity	Summit Meeting
Location
Location	La Casa Pacifica San Clemente Ca
Date of Activity	January 6 1972
Coordinates	33.390989°N 117.597081°W

President Richard M. Nixon and Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato had economic meetings at the Western White House in San Clemente. Nixon and Sato worked out the final details of the Okinawa reversion agreement during these meetings along with other economic issues.

On January 6, 1972, the President greeted Prime Minister Sato in a ceremony at the Western White House and later that evening the President hosted a working dinner in honor of Prime Minister Sato and the U.S. and Japanese official parties. Entertainment was provided by a five piece string ensemble from the US Marine orchestra.

 Prime Minister Sato Arrives at the Western White House

The next day the President and Prime Minister Sato met again in the Conference room in the Admin. Building with the members of the U.S. and Japanese official parties and concluded the two day visit.

The President and Prime Minister Sato issued a joint statement on the result of their meetings to members of the press and the official U.S. and Japanese parties. The address was videotaped for a delayed transmission to Japan via satellite.

Note: The President spoke at 1:30 p.m. at the Western White House in San Clemente, Calif. He spoke without referring to notes.

Departing from the Western White House

Following the President's remarks, Prime Minister Sato spoke in Japanese. His remarks were translated by an interpreter as follows:

“I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity given me to renew my long, personal friendship with President Nixon during the 2-day talks with him. I am confident that these meetings have contributed to strengthen the unshakable relationship of mutual trust and interdependence between the peoples of the United States and Japan.

On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the warm hospitality extended to us by President Nixon.

I would also like to extend to President Nixon my best wishes for his health, and hope that his forthcoming visits to Peking and Moscow will bring about fruitful achievements for the peace and prosperity of the world. 

I thank you.”

Citation: Richard Nixon: "Remarks on Departure of Prime Minister Eisaku Sato of Japan From the Western White House." January 7, 1972. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=3685.

These meetings took place just prior to President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. 

The Kissinger Advance Trip to China (1971)

The Kissinger Advance Trip To China Hilo Hawaii
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Hilo, HI
Type of Activity	Communications Support Trip
Location
Location	Hilo HI
Date of Activity	13 Oct 1971
Coordinates	19°42′20″N 155°5′9″W

13 October 1971 to Hilo Hi with Henry Kissinger

In July 1971, President Nixon's National Security Adviser, Henry Kissinger, secretly visited Beijing, and laid the groundwork for Nixon's visit to China. The world discovered that Kissinger had just returned from a secret mission to China. Nixon then announced that he, the president of the United States, had accepted an invitation to visit China.

On October 13, 1971 the San Clemente CCT was sent to Hilo, Hi to support Dr. Kissinger during his final trip to China prior to the President’s visit in February, 1972. The CCT set up a single position mini switchboard, and a secure Comm. Center in the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, where Dr. Kissinger would lay over for a couple of days before continuing on to Peking. There were several Autovon circuits and some TTY circuits terminated on the switchboard for use by the small staff that was traveling with Dr. Kissinger.

We departed Hilo on October 18, 1971 after Dr. Kissinger returned from his meeting in China.

When we left Hilo it was on an old Air Force trainer and we flew directly to Hickam AFB in Honolulu. Since we could not arrange for Air Force transportation, we had to arrange for our return on a commercial airliner. After we booked ourselves on a return flight the next day we checked into the Ala Moana Hotel for the night. 

Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu HI

There were several things that we had to do before boarding the Aircraft. Since we were carrying classified material and Comm. Center equipment we were required to notify them that we were armed and order a Sky Marshal for the flight. Then we had to supervise the loading of the equipment into the cargo hold to insure that it was secured and nothing else was loaded.

Upon our arrival in Los Angeles we were the first off to watch our equipment unloaded from the plane.

On October, 25 1971, just five days after Dr. Kissinger returned from this trip to China the UN General Assembly expelled Taiwan and admitted the Peoples Republic of China.

The President and First Lady Visit Palm Springs (1971)-Revised

 

Presidents Trip to Palm Springs Ca
Annenberg estate (Sunnylands)
Type Of Activity	Communications Support
Location
Location	Palm Springs California
Date of Activity	1 May 1971 to 2 May 1971
Coordinates	33°49′26″N 116°31′49″W

01 May 71 to Palm Springs CA with President and Mrs. Nixon

While the President and Mrs. Nixon were visiting the Western White House their San Clemente home, they decided to go to Palm Springs to play some golf and get away from the press for a couple of days. The CCT received very short notice about the planned trip and immediately started to load all of its equipment into a rental truck and head for Palm Springs. We had barely arrived in Palm Springs when at 12:51 pm the President boarded Army One and flew from San Clemente to Palm Springs arriving at the Annenberg estate .

The President was accompanied by several guests including, Henry Kissinger, Bebe Rebozo and Robert Abplanalp. Shortly after their arrival the President and his party started a round of golf on the course located on the 200-acre estate. President Nixon would always stay at the estate of Walter Annenberg the owner of TV Guide, Seventeen and many other publications and was the ambassador to England.

The Annenberg estate known as Sunnylands came with everything including a golf course with 18 holes situated in Rancho Mirage, CA. the 200-acre estate and had been used as a winter retreat by the couple beginning in 1966, when the house was completed.

Sunnylands Main House

The Annenberg’s envisioned Sunnylands becoming the "Camp David of the West," a place for national and foreign dignitaries and diplomats to gather for summit meetings and retreats in a relaxed setting, available to leaders from all political parties, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, joined the Annenberg’s to golf and fish. President Richard Nixon wrote his 1974 State of the Union Address at the house, Richard Nixon also regrouped at Sunnylands after resigning the presidency on Aug. 9,1974, Nixon found himself taking solace at Sunnylands shortly thereafter. On the day he was pardoned — Sept. 8,1974 — Nixon wrote in the Sunnylands’ guest book: “When you are down, you find out who your real friends are. We shall always be grateful for your kindness and loyal friendships.” and, he was a guest at Sunnylands when President Gerald Ford pardoned him for any wrongdoing in the Watergate scandal. President Ford and his wife Betty were frequent guests as well. President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan were close friends of the Annenberg’s and visited every New Year's for 18 years. President Reagan also delivered one of his final radio addresses to the nation and signed the intent to pursue NAFTA from Sunnylands in January 1989. President George H. W. Bush hosted a state dinner at the house for Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu in 1990.

Annenberg’s study 

Main Entrance

The Sunnylands golf course has been played by every U.S. President since Dwight D. Eisenhower, with the exception of Jimmy Carter, who did not play golf. Richard Nixon (his clubs are still on the grounds), Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush were frequent golf guests. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush got their rounds in, and Barack Obama visited Sunnylands six times during his two terms, perpetuating the estate’s moniker as the “Camp David West.”

Sunnylands Golf Course

Aerial view of the Annenberg estate complete with its 18 hole golf course

We immediately contacted the GTE telephone company in Palm Springs before we left our shop at El Toro MCAS. At that time we placed an order to start the installation of the circuits needed for our radios. We planned to connect Baker and Charlie Base stations at Edom Hill and install base stations in the grounds keeper’s building on the estate for the USSS CP. 

Edom Hill Radio Site 

Although we had the switchboard and radio equipment installed and ready to go, we still did not have any radio keying circuits installed. After many hours of waiting for the telephone company to install these remote keying lines, we were finally able to test with the switchboard and finished up at about 4AM and left the estate. The one thing that I learned during this trip was that I could actually nap for a few minutes on the back of a golf cart.

 The next morning the President and his guests played another round of golf. I have no idea who won but when they finished, they had lunch.

 At 1:55 pm he President boarded Army One and flew from the Palm Springs estate of U.S. Ambassador Walter Annenberg, back to the Western White House in San Clemente. As soon as we heard that Army One had arrived back at San Clemente, we started to remove our equipment and load all of it into the rental truck.

It had been only a little more than 24 hours since we were notified of the visit to Palm Springs and about 30 hours without sleep and the President was gone, it was now time for us to return to El Toro and finish the Presidents stay at San Clemente.

Letters of Commendation

Aborted trip to the Bohemian Grove (1971)

 

Bohemian Grove
Entrance to the Bohemian Grove
Type Of Activity	Unknown  Presidential Function
Location
Location	Santa Rosa/Monte Rio CA
Date of Activity	29 July 1971
Coordinates	38°28′13″N 123°0′50″W

July 29, 1971 to Monte Rio CA aborted trip to the Bohemian Grove 

Since the CCT was a fast response communications team, we got our share of short notice activity especially on the west coast. We also had a few false alarms, one of which was a trip to the Santa Rosa CA area in July of 1971. 

We were notified on July 28, 1971 that the President was going to attend a function at the Bohemian Grove in Monte Rio, CA. in two days. We loaded our equipment on to a C130 Hercules and departed El Toro Marine Air Station at 5 am the next morning. The flight to Hamilton AFB just north of San Francisco CA took about an hour and a half. 

C 130 Hercules Cargo Transport

Passenger jump seats

We arrived at Hamilton AFB at 6:30 am and started to unload our equipment, there were rental vehicles available to transport the equipment to a nearby hotel where we would meet with the Secret Service advance team who would reveal to us the President's itinerary.

Since this was a Presidential trip we would set up a base of operations in the hotel which would include the Switchboard separate Comm. Center, and the Secret Service Command Post. We also installed radios for the USSS and paging for the WH staff.

We were told that the President would be going to a location north of Santa Rosa CA. It would be necessary for us to provide radio coverage for USSS security detail and the of course the President while at the club. We set up a meeting with the local TELCO in Santa Rosa, loaded our radio equipment into a van and headed north! We met with the TELCO in Santa Rosa and discussed the geographic location of the site; we determined that the best place to install our radio base stations would be in the Monte Rio central office, which was near the entrance to the Bohemian Grove.

 

The Bohemian Grove just outside of Monte Rio, CA.

Two future U.S. presidents, Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, are pictured 

with Harvey Hancock (standing) and others at Bohemian Grove in the summer of 1967.

The membership list has included every Republican Party and some Democrat Party U.S. presidents since 1923, many cabinet officials, directors and CEO's of large corporations including major financial institutions. Major military contractors, oil companies, banks (including the Federal Reserve), utilities (including nuclear power) and national media (broadcast and print) have high-ranking officials as club members or guests.

We met a local TELCO representative at the Monte Rio central Office (CO) where we were going to install the FM radio base stations. Once the base stations were fired up and the antennas were installed on the roof we began a radio survey to determine how well we could cover the area in and around the Bohemian Grove. We never received the authorization to conduct radio tests from within the grove, so we could only test at the entrance which was guarded by camp valets.

We returned to the CO. to wait for the remote keying lines to be installed in the USSS CP and the WHCA switchboard. At about 10 PM we got a call that the President’s visit had been canceled and that we need to pack up all of the equipment and return to our base of operations.

The next morning we loaded up all of our equipment and returned to Hamilton AFB to catch a C-130 back to El Toro. We departed Hamilton never getting to see first-hand exactly what was so exclusive about the Bohemian Grove!