The Republican National Convention in Miami Beach FL-Revised (1972)

1972 Republican National Convention
The President and Vice President accept the 1972 Nomination
Type of Activity		Acceptance Speech
Location
Location	Miami Beach Convention Center
Date of Activity	23 August 1972
Coordinates	25° 47′ 42″ N, 80° 8′ 0″ W

Republican Convention: Miami Beach, FL August 21 to 23, 1972

I was transferred from the San Clemente CCT to the Key Biscayne Communications Detachment in July of 1972 and had just got my family settled when we started to prepare for the 1972 Republican Convention at the Miami Beach Convention Center only a few miles away from the Nixon’s Key Biscayne White House compound.

I arrived just in time to start preparations to provide support to the President, First Family, Vice President, Senior Staff and representatives from the Committee for the Re-Election of the President who were setting up their operations at the Doral Hotel also on Miami Beach.

The Miami Beach Convention Center Site of the 1972 Republican National Convention

The 1972 Republican convention was not originally scheduled to be held in Miami Beach, but rather in more summer-friendly (and drivable from Nixon’s Western White House) San Diego. But when the GOP could not effectively negotiate with the owner of the San Diego Sports Arena and with the threat of massive antiwar demonstrations, the Republican National Committee decided that Miami Beach would be better place for their convention, they had already set themselves up for two conventions in the previous four years and Miami Beach had the hotel space and phone lines to accommodate them. Not to mention Nixon’s other summer home on Key Biscayne.

The Key Biscayne compound had a well-established communications network already used to provide support for the entire staff necessary to set up and conduct the National Convention and at the same time support the President Vice President their families as well as the President's Senior Staff. WHCA provided additional resources to enable us to provide 24hr support in the communications center, switchboard and the radio console in the Key Biscayne Compound. The Convention Center was set up for the numerous networks and broadcast audio including visual feeds necessary to cover the entire Republican Convention. FM Radio coverage for the USSS throughout Miami Beach and surrounding areas was thoroughly tested, and a regular scheduled courier service was established between the Key Biscayne Compound, Republican National Headquarters at the Doral Hotel and the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The antiwar protesters were assembled at Flamingo Park organized by Ron Kovic of “Born of the Fourth of July” fame, and his band of Vietnam Veterans against War if the GOP had held its convention in California; it would have made for a much shorter trip. As it was, Kovic as well as thousands of others, including Jane Fonda made the trek across the south to Miami Beach. Of course these protesters were not as peaceful as they were at the 1972 Democrat Convention held a few weeks earlier in Miami Beach.

Ron Kovic and Jane Fonda lead the antiwar protests in 1972

Ron Kovic and Jane Fonda lead the antiwar protests in 1972

The 1972 Republican National Convention was opened on August 21 1972 by the convention chairman by then-U.S. House Minority Leader and future Nixon successor Gerald Ford of Michigan.

The President arrived at the Miami International Airport on Aug. 22 1972 and The President addressed the assembled crowd on a nationwide radio and television broadcast. The Presidential Party then departed aboard Marine One for the Key Biscayne Compound.

Later that evening the President motored from the Key Biscayne Compound to the Miami Marine Stadium (a four minute drive), where the President addressed the young people attending, a Presidential Nomination Rally, sponsored by Young Voters for the President. Since President Nixon participated in very few public gatherings, because of the increased security concerns. The public rally at the Miami Marine Stadium was the exception to the rule for the President. The President's address was also broadcast live at the Republican National Convention and on nationwide radio and television.

The Miami Marine Stadium and floating stage where President Nixon and Sammy Davis Jr appeared at a public rally

Sammy Davis Jr gives President Nixon a hug

The defining moment was when Sammy Davis Jr. introduced the President: “The President and Future President of the United States of America!” When Nixon came onto the stage, Sammy Davis Jr. hugged him.

Aug. 23, 1972 would be a very busy day for all of us because the delegates would place their ballots for the Republican Nominee for President and Vice President who would give their acceptance speeches that evening.

First Lady Pat Nixon behind her is Senator Bob Dole of Kansas
and Governor Ronald Reagan of California

First Lady Pat Nixon addressed the delegates at the 1972 Republican National Convention; she was the first, First Lady since Eleanor Roosevelt to address a party convention, and the first Republican First Lady to do so.

Inside the Miami Beach Convention Center awaiting President Nixon's acceptance speech

Vice President Spiro T. Agnew introduced the President to the delegates attending the 1972 Republican National Convention.

The President and the First Lady went to the speaker's podium. They were accompanied by: Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Cox, Lt. (jg.) and Mrs. David Eisenhower. The President announced his acceptance of the 1972 Republican Presidential nomination to the delegates attending the National Convention. The address was broadcast live on nationwide radio and television. John Cardinal Kro1, Archbishop of Philadelphia, then joined the President on the speakers’ platform to deliver the benediction.

Richard Nixon wins the Republican Nomination in 1972

When the Convention was adjourned the President and the First Lady participated in a reception line with convention delegates, alternates and guests. Also receiving guests were Mr. and Mrs. Cox and Lt. (jg.) and Mrs. Eisenhower.

The President and First Family returned to The Key Biscayne compound on Marine One well after midnight.  Although it was a very long day for everyone involved we were all glad that it was over and we could return to our normal activities.

The next day the Presidential party departed aboard “the Spirit of 76” for an extended stay at the Western White House in San Clemente.

Richard Nixon is sworn in for his second term 1973

The President’s approval was at an all-time high emphasizing a good economy and his successes in foreign affairs, such as coming near to ending American involvement in the Vietnam War which would come to an end in 1973 and establishing relations with China in 1972. President Nixon would decisively defeat Senator George McGovern in the November election receiving 60.7% of the popular vote. He received almost 18 million more popular votes than Senator McGovern, the widest margin of any United States presidential election.

The second inauguration of Richard Nixon as the 37th President of the United States was held on January 20, 1973. The inauguration marked the commencement of the second term (which lasted approximately one and a half years) for Richard Nixon as President and the second term (which lasted approximately nine months) for Spiro Agnew as Vice President.

After the 1972 Presidential Election a dark cloud was forming that would shake the Nixon Administration to its core. The Watergate break in occurred in Jan. 1972 and continued to cause controversy surrounding the White House. The Watergate investigation would reveal that the President had WHCA install a voice recording system in the White House and other locations that would produce enough incriminating evidence that would eventually lead to the firing of the Senior Staff, and eventually the President’s resignation on Aug 9, 1974.

FEATURED 2 Early History of the White House Communications Agency (1942-2021)

The Early History of WHCA
WHCA Seal
Type of Activity	Establish Communications Support
Location
Location	Washington DC
Date of Activity	25 Mar 1942 to Present
Coordinates

The White House Communications Agency (WHCA), originally known as the White House Signal Detachment (WHSD), was officially formed by the War Department on 25 March 1942 during the Roosevelt Administration.

The detachment was activated under the Military District of Washington to provide normal and emergency communications requirements in support of the President of the United States. WHSD provided mobile radio, teletype, telephone, and cryptographic aids in the White House and at Shangri-La, now known as Camp David.

In 1954, during the Eisenhower Administration, WHSD was reorganized under the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Army Signal Corps as a Class II unit and renamed the White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA).

In 1962 WHASA was discontinued by order of the Secretary of Defense under President John F. Kennedy, transferred to the auspices of the Defense Communications Agency under operational control of the White House Military Office, and re established as the White House Communications Agency.

Editor’s Note: The following is the excerpts from the manuscript titled “A Million Miles of Presidents by the late Colonel George J. McNally, a former Commanding Officer of WHCA. The 1600 Communications Association is undertaking a low key effort to have the book published someday. In the meantime, these items will be printed in our newsletter from time to time.  They outline WHCA'S early years. This item is excerpted from Chapter One, Titled:

"The Curtain Goes Up."

Around the middle of 1941, General Frank Stoner, then the head of Army Communications, had detached Col. William Beasley from Fort Monmouth and sent him to Washington, D.C. with a couple of sergeants and civilian engineers. He was instructed to survey the communication situation in the Nation's Capital and with an eye to the White House find out where the most serious deficiencies lay. With the declaration of War he was then assigned directly to the White House, told to augment his group as necessary and correct the things he had found lacking.

 I was detached from my shift assignment in the Secret Service and because of my technical background and knowledge of Washington, assigned to Col. Beasley to act as liaison between the Secret Service and the newly formed communications outfit. The Col. drew a few men from what was then called the Washington Provisional Brigade, now known as the Military District of Washington.

We set up a small shop in connection with the White House garage at E Street and Virginia Avenue and tackled one of the first assignments, mobile radio for the Presidential automobiles. The Secret Service wanted a system whereby the President could be tracked whenever he left the White House for he was always on the go. Col. Beasley and I surveyed the District for high places and eventually arrived at Reno Reservoir.

Presidential Automobiles were equipped with mobile Radios

We secured permission from the District authorities and put an FM transmitter-receiver combination with emergency tower inside a water tower on the site and antenna on the top. Control lines were leased back to the White House. This served as the principle base station expanding mobile network link and Motorola supplied base and mobile equipment.

The FM Base Stations were installed in the Fort Reno Water Tower

An oddity of the early war days was the installation of an anti-aircraft defense. We assisted the Colonel in charge in getting a radio network going. Revamped artillery was spotted around the perimeter of the District and machine gun posts established on the roofs of the tallest buildings.

The machine guns possible effectiveness was highly debatable. It was never clear during the early war years by what magic the Germans were supposed to invade us by air. Conceivably a fleet might penetrate our thin coastal defenses but no one had planes capable of flying the Atlantic with a load of bombs and returning to base. The Germans were far from the suicide phase at this point. Also they were having a ball on the continent. They were fully occupied and the submarines were a local menace to shipping and hardly to be frightened off by obsolete artillery or a few machine guns. Still. this ordnance seemed to provide a feeling of comfort to some.

The winter of '43 was very severe and the men manning the guns on the roofs suffered a great deal. A windbreak was finally thought of. These helped some but still one soldier came down from his tour and shot himself. Quietly thereafter the men and guns were replaced by dummies. These appeared real enough over the windbreaks and all was well until a congressman made a personal inspection of Washington's defenses. His horror at finding the town 'undefended' was heart-rending!

By April, 1942, with Colonel Beasley well acquainted with Washington I was no longer needed. I had been waiting for the draft anyhow and checking around I discovered the Air Corps was short of radio officers and I signed up for the newly formed Troop Transport Command. I was ready to say goodbye to the family when a telegram arrived-cancelling my orders. In a few days new orders arrived transferring me to the Signal Corps and assigned to Washington. I was off on a long period of service in the Army at the White House.

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of the book "A Million Miles of Presidents" by the late Col. George J. McNally. This excerpt is from Chapter Two titled

"MILITARY IN THE WHITE HOUSE"

The philosophy of the new military organization was set by the Chief Signal Officer, Maj. Gen. Dawson Olmstead in 1942 when he formed it officially.

The head cf Army Communications, Brig. Gen. Frank Stoner became the guiding force through the war years. He was assisted by Col. Hatch and Col. George Rogers whose loud harsh voice and slang expressions hid his capabilities very successfully and staved off many a petitioner at the general's door.

An organization as unique as this, answering to the President through the White House staff and to the Office of the Chief Signal Officer had no parallel. I will venture the prediction that this group will remain unique.

After the four years of World War II our almost complete freedom in complying with White House requirements an inevitable pattern was set. We could expedite and request through the Army and we could secure any necessary cooperation, military or civilian through the authority and prestige of the White House. The only burden on us was to engineer the problem to a logical state and then implement it to a satisfactory conclusion, as rapidly as possible or faster. Several people have claimed the phrase, we feel we executed it, "The difficult is done immediately, the impossible takes slightly longer."

During the war people everywhere were helpful. Still we had problems of transportation, housing and local procurement, which had to be overcome diplomatically. There were very few complaints about our personnel and none about work results.

From a handful of draftees and regulars in 1942 evolved an organization whose efficiency, variety of skills and esprit-de-corps stood unbeaten in the service.

From the very beginning of the organization we were fortunate in getting men who quickly dedicated themselves to the job. The few who were misfits or disliked the idea in general were soon weeded out and reassigned. Some never got past the first interview.

As was once said, if you could hear thunder and see lightening, you were acceptable for war service. Unfortunately some draft boards seemed to stretch even these minimums. The result was some very odd characters reported for duty. They filled a quota and a uniform and that about ended their accomplishments. Naturally, we got our share.

The winter of 1942-43 was pretty rough with lots of snow mud and ice. Conditions caused thick ice to form or the Potomac. A quick thaw up country sent down a large amount of water which came up over the ice and Washington had a flood.

A lot of Georgetown waterfront went under. Water showed up on Constitution Avenue and headed east. The airport and Gravelly Point were soaked. District Officials set up a control point at Fire Alarm Headquarters and were asked to help with radio equipped vehicles. Other troops came in from Fort Meade.

Some of our men were billeted in cabins at Gravelly Point and we moved them out putting them in tents at Bolling Field until other arrangements could be made. One man, a switchboard operator, failed to show up for his trick. In fact he was missing for a couple of days. When finally located he was working for the Smithsonian and living in a furnished room. His explanation was that he suffered from colds when living in a tent. Also he discovered on a tour around town that the Smithsonian needed his civilian specialty so he signed on. None of this struck him as strange.

Old conceptions die hard and because of this many people tend to look on the enlisted man as just a laborer. It must be remembered that they are often highly skilled. During a war they sometimes have more formal education than the officers under whom they serve. It is only necessary to treat them accordingly to have them serve to the best of their ability. The pattern of daily deportment was set originally by Col Beasley. We did not adhere strictly to military usage among ourselves. After the war we received permission to wear civilian clothes on the job. For the most part we were dealing with civilians at the White House. In the field it was difficult at times to think of ourselves as other than a business organization.

Editor’s note: this article Is from the Army Information Digest printed in August 1947, by the late Col. George J. McNally

THE SIGNAL TEAM

The signal officer on wartime duty in Accra, on Africa’s gold coast, was mystified by the sudden arrival of a sergeant on secret orders, who firmly requested top-priority service. The operations officers in such remote way stations as Georgetown, British Guiana, or heat-ridden Khartoum in the Anglo Egyptian Sudan, had similar doubts about a-1 priority travel orders carried by close-mouthed officers and enlisted men who would not state their missions or destinations. Prime Minister Churchill, too, had reason to wonder at the fleetness of these men who unobtrusively appeared at Quebec, Teheran, and Yalta, wherever grand strategy was planned and historic policies formulated during the war years.

To these men, members of the white house signal detachment, was entrusted the mission of speeding the president's top-secret communications, from highest level conference tables to installations in the field. today, wherever the president travels, the white house signal detachment continues its task of weaving deftly an intricate communications net which enables the commander in chief to keep himself constantly informed and in touch with the nation.

Although officially activated in March 1942 by orders labeled "immediate action" and "secret." the White House Signal Detachment had its informal inception weeks before, when Lt. Col.William A. Beasley of Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, received orders to report to the White House, in a session with Frank E. Wilson, then chief of the United States Secret Service, and Michael F. Reilly, in charge of the White House detail, plans were formulated to provide the president with complete communication coverage.

Brig. Gen. Frank E. Stoner. Chief of Communications told Colonel Beasley. "You’re working for the President, he is to have everything he needs, and it must be the best." supplied with an, A-1-A priority and funds for procurement and purchase of non-issue equipment, Colonel Beasley under­took the job of fighting time with speed.

News from Europe and the orient was anything but reassuring, an attack was expected, how or where was not clear, so all contingencies were anticipated. Elaborate safety precautions were established for the president's protection. a bomb proof shelter was begun at the white house.

A guard of fifth cavalry troops from Fort Myer was thrown around the white house grounds; cameras were taboo; and special passes were required for admittance, helmets and gas masks were issued all around, and every one on duty took gas defense training.

Beginning with a nucleus of men detached from the Washington Provisional Brigade, Colonel Beasley in December 1941 set up a signal shop and began organizing a radio network to supplement and possibly replace the telephone system, in case enemy bombs crashed down. the main radio control was located in the white house itself, with five net stations of 50 watts each at strategic centers in and near Washington. The main transmitter and antenna were remotely controlled; in addition, an emergency 50-watt set, powered by a diesel unit which automatically cut in when commercial power failed, was set up on the white house grounds, a low frequency transmitter.

White House Signal Switchboard

FM Radio s installed at the White House

A private branch telephone exchange board, separate from the white house switchboard, was also installed. Tie lines ran to key centers in Washington, with private lines to persons the President might wish to summon in emergencies.

Direct lines ran also to all sources of air raid warnings with own plans laid and the joint and combined chiefs of staff functioning. President Roosevelt plunged into inter­national arrangements. Prime Minister Winston Churchill came over for a conference. Princess Martha of Norway arrived and took up residence outside the district. the signal team installed a small radio station and a private branch telephone exchange at Lee, Massachusetts, where Queen Wilhelmina elected to stay for the summer of 1942.

President Roosevelt soon resumed his trips to Hyde Park, and the signal detachment took action to provide additional communications. A 50-watt frequency modulation station was modified and installed on the secret service car attached to the presidential train, army vehicles, radio equipped, were spotted at strategically plotted points along the route between Washington and Poughkeepsie, so that the train was in constant touch with the Wh1te House all the way. Another FM radio link was installed in the old stable on the President's estate at Hyde Park, by means of a direct telephone line to Washington and frequency modulation radio. The white house was kept informed of the president's whereabouts at all times.

The Presidents Ferdinand Magellan

For security reasons, men of the signal detachment dressed in civilian clothes, arrivals and departures of the presidential party were made at late and early hours, to prevent crowds: however; appearance of familiar cars and personnel on the roads and in the vicinity of Poughkeepsie was the tipoff. Probably not more than a few thousand persons knew of the movements, the press stuck faithfully to their agreement and merely reported that the president had not held the usual press conference or that he could not be reached for comment.

The president later sought respite in a mountain retreat, closer to the District of Columbia, the camp, formerly a summer place for children, had been turned over to the military, to the marine guards, the navy maintenance personnel, the secret service and the signal corpsmen, the area seemed to be a proving ground for bad weather an area where it rained continuously, "one day from the sky and two days off the trees." the mountain itself was like solid rock, and when the time came to lay telephone cables, blasting was necessary, crews from army headquarters in Baltimore sweated over cables and equipment that alternately got water soaked or burned out when storms hit the mountain. The elements had a high regard for President Roosevelt, though, and he enjoyed many good days at the mountain lodge, the haven was named by the President at a press conference, when asked where he had been, he smiled and said "Shangri-La”.

President Roosevelt’s Shangri-La

In spite of long-range planning and the complete support of the signal corps, a slip-up almost did occur, one afternoon at Shangri-La. a call came from the president's lodge. "Mr. Hopkins wants to listen to Hitler’s speech" soldiers were dispatched to locate a short wave radio in camp, they returned without success, among the great variety of radio equipment on hand, nothing was immediately available for short wave broadcast reception, finally, in one cabin a table-style broad- cast receiver was found.

A quick check revealed a short wave band, the switch was thrown and the set tuned, the German speech issued from the speaker, with ten minutes to go. Two soldiers quickly strung an antenna outside the Roosevelt lodge. a third soldier polished the battered radio cabinet, and the other made certain that the tuning control was not touched, then, tenderly, the set was carried to the president's study where it was plugged in. the "Boss" and Mr. Hopkins listened while a stenographer recorded the frenzied phrases.

Entrance to President Roosevelt’s Shangri-La

This attribute was noteworthy about the white house official family they never questioned our means of carrying out an order or request so long as it was accomplished.

Top-flight plans, intimate correspondence, and war strategy discussions among President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, Generalissimo Stalin, General Eisenhower and many others were encoded and decoded by the enlisted men and officers of the signal detachment with never A slip, the responsibility was heavy, but it is on record that no enlisted man of the White House Signal Detachment failed, in a crisis or was derelict in his duty.

As the tempo of war activities increased, the manual coding and decoding of the heavy traffic to and from the President's desk proved too slow, sixty-word teletype printers with crypto­graphic attachments were installed at Hyde Park and in the map room of the white house. Similar equipment was carried and installed everywhere the president traveled. Army and Navy personnel manned the map room where the latest war information from all over the world was plotted, the President and his staff inspected these maps daily, and here many military and naval plans were germinated, The white house communications center was run by the combined staff, while the White House Signal Detachment handled operations in the field.

In May 1943, Col. Beasley, the commanding officer, left the outfit and prepared to go overseas; and Major Dewitt Greer took command of the detachment, in the signal detachment shop, work went forward in adapting equipment to specialized tasks; signal equipment was mounted in saddle bags on motorcycles, with a speaker on the handlebars and a thro.at microphone for transmission. Police-type 35-watt radios were installed in jeeps and station wagons, metal detectors were designed and built for secret service use, miniature receivers and transmitters were adapted and improved, a special broadcast set was constructed for the president's use. in the continuous race to develop new, better, or more efficient methods, nothing was spared, field crews were out constantly on surveys to test equipment or locations for optimum results.

As early as May 1942, in preparation for the president’s tour of the country, the signal detachment was ordered to prepare a railroad car as a mobile radio station. a combination coach and baggage car, number 1401, was secured by the trans­portation corps and work began.

The WHASA 1401 Communications Car

In order to meet the standards of the American Association of Railroads, extensive modifications were necessary, seven inches above the roof was the maximum space allowable for tunnel clearance; so antenna wires were strung inside insulated tubing and mounted on porcelain high tension skirted insulators parallel to the roof. a fireproof double walled tank with a pump feed was built underneath the car to supply the gasoline power units which ran the transmitters, among other items of radio equipment car FM transmitter receiver combination, and a 75-watt transmitter for emergency use.

After shakedown trials, the generators were converted to diesel power, and the 500-watt generators were increased to two kilowatts, by further modifications, the static and vibration apparent in the early trials were minimized, thereafter, wherever the president traveled on the North American continent, to Canada, Mexico, and the west coast, car 1401 facilities enabled the commander in chief to call the signals to the world wide military team.

1401 Generator Room

When the president's train put in on a siding at Georgian Bay, Ontario, in advance of Quebec conference in august 1943, car 1401 was the mobile powerhouse which furnished rectified power for the train batteries, pumped water and air for the cars, and provided constant radio communications to station W.A.R. in Washington. Field telephones were strung for the sentries, and frequency modulation radio was used between the train and small boats when the president fished.

Early HF Communications systems with W.A.R.

At the Staid Chateau Frontenac at Quebec, where the conferees assembled, a signal center was installed, with full duplex teletype, conference circuits and additional telephone facilities provided, telephone cables were fastened around the outside of the hotel. at the citadel, the fort where the president and Prime Minister Churchill conferred, the signal detachment setup and operated the communications facilities for the president and his staff.

The speed and efficiency of United States army signal corps equipment was never better demonstrated that at Hyde Park during Prime Minister Churchill’s second visit, in a test of speed.

The prime minister and the president sent identical messages over British and United States facilities to Australia. the president had his answer in less than two hours; the prime minister got his the next day, again, in Canada, the allied staff had difficulty believing that the coded answer which came from General MacArthur over a conference circuit had come so swiftly over such a great distance, over the same conference circuit, decisions were reached which moved up the day of reckoning for the japs.

In preparation for the Tehran conference, signal detachment personnel leap-frogged ahead of the president, alerting personnel at various points, setting up radio and telephone channels and moving on, with the locale of the conference held secret until the last minute. strange situations developed as a result of detachment personnel globe hopping with a-1-a priority travel orders, to get the network functioning, one officer made a record trip to his post in Asmara, Eritrea, where a relay station was set up; and another officer and enlisted man traveled to Cairo, Egypt, in 76 hours, bucket seats all the way.

The conference which began at Teheran was continued in the shadow of the pyramids. When the conference broke up, a trek was made across North Africa, stopping at General Eisenhower’s headquarters in Tunis. The President flew to Malta, then to Casablanca, where he boarded a ship for home.

In the summer of 1944, President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill and the combined staffs again met at Quebec. General Stoner supervised the installation of communications facilities at the Chateau Frontenac, with the white house detachment handling the president's private communications.

To attend the meeting of the big three at Yalta, the president traveled by ship through submarine infested waters, from aboard the U.S.S. "Catoctin" off Yalta on the black sea, the signal office rushed equipment into position ashore; and the detachment, again swung into action, communications were ferried to the naval station for transmittal.

In mid-February, when the agreements were concluded, the travel tested men of the White House signal detachment headed homeward with the presidential entourage.

In addition to setting up temporary installations at conference sites, the White House Signal detachment as early as 1943 operated fixed radio stations in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Shangri-La, regardless of trips and conferences, communications development went on, with the cessation of hostilities, the detachment could view with satisfaction the number of "first" compiled in the course of duty first to construct and operate a long-range mobile radio station in a railroad car with high powered equipment; first to design and develop pocket size frequency modulation radio transmitters and receivers; first to keep a united states president in 24-hour communication from any point on the North American continent to any point in the world where united states personnel were stationed.

With a flexibility acquired in worldwide service, the white house signal team today is applying the lessons of wartime experience to the problems of maintaining communications channels wherever the commander in chief travel

Order Establishing Presidential Support  

                                                                                                                                                                    29 April 1946

SUBJECT: The White House Signal Detachment (WHSD)

To: The Chief of Staff 
The War Department

1. The White House Signal Detachment was organized at the beginning o£ the War for the purpose of providing, maintaining, and operating facilities for the transmission, reception, and safeguarding the security of Presidential communications primarily during the President’s travels.

2. This organization, commanded by Lt. Col. Dewitt Greer, Signal Corps, US, who is also Signal Officer and Cryptographic Security Officer for the White House, has done an outstanding job and, while the necessity for such an organization is not as great as it was during the War the necessity for this unit, reduced in strength, still very definitely exists. This Detachment has been reduced from a wartime peak strength or three (3) Officers., three (3) Warrant Officers, and forty-nine (49) enlisted men to two (2) Officers and eighteen (18) enlisted men, and it is planned that ultimately the enlisted strength can be further reduced by the substitution of qualified civilian personnel. In this connection, the following is a proposed revision to the existing, 

Table of Organization for the White House Signal· Detachment:

OFFICERS - - - 2

1  Lt. Colonel, Signal Corps. Commanding Officer

1  Chief Operator or First Lieutenant, Signal Corps, Assistant Commanding Officer

ENLISTED PERSONNEL ----18

GRADE 1 - - - - 3

1  First Sergeant 
1  Chief Operator, White House Security Communications System 
1  Installation and Maintenance Technician, Teletype and Cryptographic Equipment

GRADE 2 - - - - 4

1  Chief,  Radio Installation and Maintenance Section
1  Chief, Wire Installation and Maintenance Section
1  Assistant Chief Operator, White House Security Communications System
1  Unit Signal and Detachment Supply Sergeant

GRADE 3 - - - - 9

4  Operators, Telephone and Radio-telephone Equipment, White House Communications System
2  High Speed Teletype Operators
2  Radio Operators
1  Diesel and Gasoline Motor Equipment Maintenance

GRADE 4 - - - - 2

1 Operator, Telephone and Radio Telephone Equipment, White House Security Communications System

l  Motor Vehicle Driver

CIVILIAN PERSONNEL - MALE - - - -3

1 Operator, Communications and Cryptographic Equipment

2  Installation and Maintenance of Fixed Station and Mobile Radio Equipment

Except for a reduction in personnel, no changes in the administrative status of the White House Signal Detachment are desired at this time. 

                                                             

 H. H. VAUGHAN    

          

 Brig. Gen., U.S. Army

Military Aide to the President

The White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA) is established

In 1954, during the Eisenhower Administration, WHSD was reorganized under the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Army Signal Corps as a Class II unit and renamed the White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA). The WHASA supported the President under Col. McNally until 1965 at which time Gen. Jack A. Albright took command.

Aspen Lodge (1959)

General Eisenhower visited Shangri-La quite often when he took office, primarily because it was a short distance to his farm in Gettysburg PA. During the Eisenhower years there were many improvements made to the retreat, Aspen Lodge was renovated several cabins were built and many more were renovated. President Eisenhower was an avid golfer so he added a three hole course right behind Aspen Lodge. The WHASA was also responsible for the Communications at the Gettysburg farm and the Presidential Communications Rail Car which was stored near Harrisburg PA.

David Eisenhower standing at the entrance to the Camp named for him

In 1956, with the Cold war with Russia escalating, President Eisenhower requested the Secretary of Defense to provide a recommendation to build Emergency facilities and a Communications network that would be able to survive nuclear attack on Washington DC. The proposed plan included several existing locations and the construction of several new communication towers surrounding the Washington DC area.  This project when completed became the Presidential Emergency Facilities (PEF), and WHASA was tasked with the responsibility to install and maintain the microwave network connecting all of the PEF locations. In 1970 the microwave network was deemed obsolete and was decommissioned.

Raytheon Microwave equipment made up the backbone of the network

HF SSB equipment used for long range communications

The Birth of the White House Communications Agency

In June of 1962 a review of the organizational arrangements by which the Communications needs. ln the White House were being met and the review suggested certain changes involving Department of Defense support which would. It is believed to facilitate the White House operations.

At the present time, the three military Services have specific:  responsibilities for satisfying White House Communications needs. In particular, the White House Army Signal Agency has the major responsibility for providing the White House with communications support.

It has been recommended by the Command and Control Panel of my Science Advisory Committee that the Department of Defense implement its Directive 5105.19 (November 14, 1961, Subject: Defense Communications Agency) insofar as the directive would apply to the DCA assuming responsibility for the Presidential communications. As I understand it, the DCA should assume the responsibilities £or funding, logistics, detailed planning and engineering, and other functions as needed to support the work of the White House communications. It is further recommended that the 'White House Army Signal Agency, which is now supported by the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Department of the Army be transferred from the Signal Corps to the DCA, and predesignated The White House Communications Agency.

The DCA is not at present in a position to assume this task. I would appreciate your recommendations as to whether or not this is feasible and desirable and especially as to the timing of this suggested change.

The WHCA Microwave Network remained in service until 1970, when a large portion was deemed obsolete and several towers were decommissioned.

Over the years the White House Communications Agency has distinguished itself and has been awarded several Awards including:

       1.     In 1964 the Presidential Service Badge authorized.

       2.     In 1971 WHCA was awarded the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION medal (1st Award)

       3.     In 1973 WHCA was awarded the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION medal with oak leaf cluster (2nd award).

To this day WHCA provides superior communications to the President, Vice President and the White House Staff worldwide

The Role of NCO’s the in WHCA
WHCA is a Joint Service Command serving the President
Type of Activity	Presidential Communications
Location
Location	Worldwide
Date of Activity	March 25,1942 to Present
Coordinates	38° 50′ 34″ N, 77° 0′ 58″ W

The White House Communications Agency was originally formed in 1942 as the White 

House Signal Detachment. The detachment was activated under the Military District of Washington during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration to provide normal and emergency communications in support of the President of the United States. It provided mobile radio, teletype, telephone, and cryptographic services in the White House and at Presidential Retreat at Shangri-la, now known as Camp David.

In 1954, during the Eisenhower administration, the detachment was reorganized under the office of the Chief Signal Officer, Army Signal Corps and renamed the White House Army Signal Agency. In 1962, the signal agency was transferred to the authority of the Defense Communications Agency until 1991when the Agency was reorganized to the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) with administrative oversight of WHCA’s activities. WHCA is under operational control of the White House Military Office.

WHCA’s scope has expanded and evolved over the past 80 years from a small team of 32 personnel working out of the basement of the White House to a self-supporting joint service command of nearly 1,200 personnel while serving 15 Presidents of the United States.

 

      

Army Signal Corp 

 Military Aides Office  

 DISA
                    

The ‘Voice Of The President’

As their motto states, personnel at WHCA collectively serve as the “voice of the president.” But the agency’s name is somewhat misleading,

Communications’ is part of the agency’s name, but it’s not just Communications people, they also have transporters, logisticians, carpenters, sheet metal workers, multimedia specialists, and military intelligence and finance leaders, in addition to the communications leaders.

Every location the president goes to, even if it’s in Washington D.C. WHCA has to provide the President same communication capabilities as in the White House. Wherever the boss goes, it’s WHCA’s job to make sure that whatever he can do in downtown Washington, D.C., he can do in Siberia, if he chooses to go there.

The non-commissioned officers working in the White House Communications Agency, whose no-fail mission is to enable the nation’s top leader to communicate with the government, military, and world, whether that be in the Oval Office or on the other side of the globe.

WHCA’s Roadrunner is present today in every Presidential Motorcade worldwide  providing all necessary communications links back to Washington DC.      

WHCA may be a ‘communications’ agency, but it does so much more. The startling diversity is a necessity for an organization that must do almost everything in-house for both security and quality reasons. Service members at WHCA build every Presidential podium, outfit, and man every motorcade communication vehicle, operate the President’s Teleprompter, and transport the necessary equipment wherever its needed worldwide.

As a result, the majority of WHCA’s personnel are assigned as needed to travel teams that are deployed whenever one of the three principals, the President, Vice president or First Lady is at an event away from the White House. WHCA also supports members of the White House Staff and during presidential elections they support all USSS details protecting candidates. The teams are responsible for determining everything that is required voice, fax, internet, and satellite links; computers, printers, and copiers; cameras, microphones, lights, and transmission equipment; and the iconic presidential podium, then transporting it to the site, setting everything up, executing during the event, taking everything down, then resetting for the next trip. It makes for a constant rhythm of travel, often with little to no advance notice, and with the expectation of nothing less than perfection.

The role of WHCA’s NCO’S past and present

The non-commissioned officers working in the White House Communications Agency, whose no-fail mission is to enable the nation’s top leader to communicate with the government, military, and world, whether that be in the Oval Office or on the other side of the globe.

These NCO’s are usually clad in suits, so they blend into the bevy of staff members, reporters and security personnel who surround the President of the United States during his day-to-day activities. Yet it is this unique uniform that camouflages the Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of WHCA, a joint unit headquartered at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.

NCO’s are tasked with providing everything the President, Vice President and First Lady need to deliver their message anywhere at any time, whether it be secure voice, FM mobile while supporting the USSS with the motorcade and security communications, also providing the lectern, lighting, Teleprompter, and sound needed for a Rose Garden news conference; live video for the world’s press from Air Force One while flying over the Pacific; or the satellite connections to operators who answer calls from citizens and foreign leaders alike in the White House.

Today’s Command and Control vehicle codename Roadrunner

Integral to WHCA’s mission are its noncommissioned officers and petty officers, all of whom have responsibilities that exceed those of their peers elsewhere in the military, and what are the NCO’s responsible to do for this organization?

One example, in 1968 during the Presidential election, and after Robert Kennedy was assassinated, it was then that the USSS was assigned to protect all Presidential candidates. WHCA formed communications packages so that one NCO could support the secret service protection details at every stop. They would leapfrog from one location to another for weeks at a time setting up the mobile communications for the motorcade and at speech sites. All while supporting a sitting President and Vice President. This practice continues to this day.

Another example, would be when you see the Vice President of the United States on the road, every support person, with the exception of his military aide, are all enlisted personnel who are setting up all necessary communications for success. His mobile communications for the USSS and motorcade, all his audio and visual support, the lectern you see him stand behind, that is all the work of enlisted personnel behind the scenes making everything happen.

 Vice President Agnew in Newport Beach at a fund raiser(1969)

The NCO’s are definitely the backbone of WHCA as they run the vice-presidential communications program in its entirety, but they are in every corner of WHCA  making the mission happen, and their impact is monumental. The President cannot communicate to the world without the agency providing him the means to do that, and noncommissioned officers at WHCA make that happen. Nowhere else in anyone’s career are you able to say the stakes are this high. It takes a lot of responsibility, but that’s something you already carry with you as an NCO in WHCA.

WHCA can support the leader of the greatest nation in the world with no-mistake, no-fail missions anywhere, anytime, that says a lot about WHCA’s corps of noncommissioned officers. The tempo is not like in other units where you deploy, you come back, and you reset. The tempo is always fast paced. At any time, there might be a phone call that says, Go to such-and-such place, and you might not even get a day’s notice. During campaign season, WHCA’s NCOs are traveling constantly. It’s a lot of hard work and 16-hour days.

A WHCA NCO, center, is greeted by President Ford after installing the ramp phone for AF1. (1976)

But it is not the glamorous life some see it is, the job is not the designer-suit, caviar-eating, five-star-hotel life everybody thinks it is, forget the five-star hotel; you may not even see the hotel!

WHCA’s in the business of customer service, and its customer is the President of the United States.

WHCA Vehicle Placard

I traveled extensively during the nine years that I spent with WHCA both in the U.S. and overseas. I would support two Presidents and First Families, two Vice Presidents, but also some key members of the White House Staff.  During the 1968 and 1972 Presidential elections I helped the Secret service support all of the national candidates. There were many trips for training and maintenance to the sites and equipment permanently installed to support the daily activities at Camp David, Cannonball, San Clemente and Key Biscayne. I also participated in four major overseas trips including President Nixon’s historic trip to China.

WHCA COMMANDERS

WHCA COMMANDERS

1          COL                George J. McNally                  Mar 1946 to May 1965

2          BG                   Jack A. Albright                     May 1965 to Jun 1969

3          BG                   Albert Redman, Jr.                   Jun 1969 to Jan 1973

4          BG                   Lawrence E. Adams              Jan 1973 to Sep 1975

5          BG                   Leonard J. Riley                      Sep 1975 to Jun 1977

6          COL                Robert F. Feely                       Jun 1977 to Nov 1977

7          COL                Edwin Cantrell, III                  Nov 1977 to May 1978

8          BG                   Josiah Blasingame, Jr             May 1978 to May 1981

9          MG                  Henry J. Schumacher             May 1981 to Jun 1982

10        BG                   John S. Tuck                            Jun 1982 to Jan 1984

11        COL                Lawrence Schuman                Jan 1984 to Sep 1985

12        COL                William V. Bogart                   Sep 1985 to Dec 1988

13        COL                Kenneth E. Nickel                  Dec 1988 to Feb 1992

14        COL                Thomas J. Hawes                     Feb 1992 to Oct 1994

15        COL                Joseph J. Simmons, IV            Oct 1994 to Nov 1998

16        COL                Kenneth Campbell                  Dec 1998 to Feb 1999

17        BG                   Dennis Moran                          Feb 1999 to Apr 2000

18        COL                Margaret Baldwin                    Apr 2000 to Jul 2001

19        COL                Michael McDonald                  Jul 2001 to Jul 2004

20        COL                Howard Cohen                         Jul 2004 to Aug 2006

21        COL                James Lien                               Aug 2006 to May 2009

22        COL                Michael Black                          May 2009 to Jul 2011

23        COL                Clinton Bigger                         Jul 2011 to Nov 2013

24        COL                Donovan Routsis                     Nov 2013 to August 2015

25        COL                Cleophus Thomas, Jr              August 2015 to August 2016

26        COL                Chad D. Raduege                     August 2016 to June 2018

27        COL                James F. Riley                        June 2018 to January 2021

28        COL                Joy M. Kaczor                        January 2021 to June 2023

29        COL                Brian Jorgenson                      June 2023 to June 2025

The Presidential Service Badge 

PSB

The award was established in 1964 and is a badge of the United States military issued to service members who serve as full-time military staff to the President of the United States. Such personnel are stationed at the White House and should not be confused with the senior military officers of the United States Department of Defense who advise the President but are not assigned as direct Presidential aides. Each badge is stamped with a unique serial number which, when issued, associates that badge with a specific individual.

Establishing Authority

Executive Order 10879 of June 1, 1960 was signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower establishing a White House Service Badge. President Lyndon B. Johnson retired the White House Service Badge and issued a separate Presidential Service Badge by signing Executive Order 11174 on Sept.1,1964. 

Background

Typical recipients include: Military aides to the President appointed from each of the services (pay-grade O-4 or higher) who, among other duties, rotate being the so-called "Emergency War Officer" with "The Football", a briefcase containing nuclear decision-making tools kept within ready access of the president at all times, White House military public affairs officers, Servicemembers assigned to the White House Communications Agency (WHCA), which supports Presidential communications worldwide, Servicemembers assigned to the White House Transportation Agency (WHTA), which provides motor vehicle transportation to the White House as directed by the White House Military Office, Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1) "Marine One" flight crew, (Previously awarded to the Executive Flight Detachment: “Army One”) Navy Seabees who run (Camp David Naval Support Facility, Thurmont) Marines assigned to the Marine Security Company at Camp David.

The Presidential Service Badge is awarded after at least one year of satisfactory service "to any member of the Armed Forces assigned to duty in the White House Office or to military units and support facilities under the administration of the Military Assistant to the President by the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, or, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Transportation, upon recommendation of the Military Assistant to the President". The Presidential Service Badge is recorded in the awardee's military service records and is authorized for wear as a permanent decoration. 

Recipients are the only Americans authorized to wear the "Presidential Seal or Coat of Arms" on their uniforms and civilian clothes.

Continuity of Government

Proposed Presidential Communications Facilities at the National Level

It was the 1950’s and the cold War was becoming a large National issue, President Eisenhower and his Administration was very concerned about the threat of Nuclear War. The federal Government realized that if an attack would occur that the area around Washington had to be protected so the Government would survive. A plan was approved and implemented, the construction of a communications network, around Washington which was included in this plan for the relocation of Government Agencies, including the White House at a few locations that already existed.

This Proposal was prepared in 1956 and presents the magnitude and scope of certain Communications available today, at the National level. Included are communications in support of the following:

The President of the United States;

The Joint War Room at the Pentagon;

The Secretary of State and The Joint Chiefs of Staff; at the Alternate Joint Communications Center (AJCC);

The NATO Standing Group both in its Primary and relocation sites;

The Office of Civilian and Defense Mobilization (OCDM) Continuity of Government Program.

This Chart indicates the relative locations of the various sites involved. The sites are identified as the location of the President and his immediate stall at the White House and Camp David, Maryland, The Joint War Room at the Pentagon, the hardened Alternate Joint Communications Center (AJCC) at Raven Rock, Maryland, The Office of the Secretary of Defense Emergency Relocation Site at Fort Richie, Maryland, the NATO Standing Group Emergency Relocation Site at Mount St. Mary’s College, Maryland the National Security Agency at Ft. Meade, Maryland and High Point, the OCTM hardened Emergency Command Post and Relocation site for the Executive Branch of the Government at Mount Weather near Winchester Virginia.

Federal Relocation Arc and microwave sites

The smaller of the principal Emergency Relocation Sites (ERS) of certain other Federal Departments and Agencies, such as the Atomic Energy Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State Department and the Interior Department, dispersed in the Federal Relocation Arc, an area of 30 to 300 in a westerly direction from Washington, D.C.

While communications to support these activities are provided by the Department of Defense (Army) through separate arrangements between the Secretary of Defense and the Director (OCDM), the inter-relationship of these agencies served under emergency condition dictates the need for integrated communications facilities which will integrate these agencies, and tie them in with the national communications complex. Indicated on This chart are the Communications connections between OCDM at High Point, the Pentagon JWR, and Camp David , the AJCC , Ft Ritchie ,and Mt Saint Mary.

These communications are extended to provide similar services while the President is at High Point, Camp David, or the AJCC. A department of the White House Army Signal Agency is currently stationed at each of these sites. When the President is in residence at one of these sites, these detachments are augmented. When the President is traveling in Continental United States (CONUS) or overseas, detachments from this agency, with necessary equipment, precede the President to establish communications prior to his arrival.

Equipment is also provided for contact between key world-wide military, communications ground stations and the Presidential plane. This equipment affords an opportunity for key persons within the Government to keep in touch with the plane by a secure teletype service and non-secure voice.

The Presidents communications needs are frequently only a short time before the services have been required. Therefore in some instances Presidential communications are not programmed for or budgeted. Under these circumstances, resources have to be diverted from some of the lower priority objectives.

With regard to communications for the President, they are provided primarily by the White House Army Signal Agency. This Agency provides the following communications services to the President:

1. A complex of manual telephone switchboards and related equipment which is staffed 24 hours a day to provide secure, non-secure and specialized telephone services between the President and key members of his staff – the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other important officials.

2. Other services include all still and motion pictures, radio and television facilities for recording and documenting Presidential Messages.

3.The President also has available to him special fixed and mobile radio facilities for worldwide communications.

4. A secure teletype terminal for message communications for the President while he is in residence or in travel status.

The Presidential Retreat at Camp David

Two examples of this are:

The Communications cost for President Eisenhower’s trip to Alaska, Philippines, Japan and Hawaii was $240,000. Although the President didn’t actually go to Japan, the necessary communications were installed beforehand.

The former Presidents trip to South America required direct telephone and teletypewriter circuits from the White House to Puerto Rico and to other points in South America. The cost of communications for this trip was $381,000.

From the Joint War Room in the Pentagon, secure voice and teletypewriter communications are available to the unified and specified commands. With the exception of the Commander in Chief Caribbean (CINCARIB), the requisite circuits are obtained from the commercial communication companies backed up by Government-owned and operated radio operated communications. This backup is obtained from the military department operated communications system’s gateway stations at Fort Dietrich, Maryland, Cheltenham, Maryland, and Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

(OCDM) High Point at Mt Weather

The third area of communications at the National level pertains to the AJCC at Fort Ritchie. The AJCC-Fort Ritchie complex is the relocation site for the secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Security Council, and elements of each of the Military Departments. The center is so designed as to provide communications support for 6,000 people during a full scale occupancy under emergency conditions. Approximately half of the people would be underground at the AJCC site itself, and the other half would be above ground within Fort Ritchie, Maryland.

ACJJ at Site R.at Raven Rock

Within the underground site, key personnel have access to a secure dial telephone system which, within the underground only, Top Secret voice Communications. The AJCC connects to the Bell Telephone, nationwide direct distance dialing system, which permits non-secure direct distance dial calls throughout CONUS and Canada without telephone company intervention.

Communications to overseas commands from the AJCC are provided primarily through the medium of the Army, Navy, and Air Force overseas networks, which includes channels in commercial ocean cables.

In the event the military radio networks or the ocean cables are not operating, the AJCC has radio facilities at the site, under its direct control for its immediate operation.

Secure and non-secure teleprinter, voice, and non-secure facsimile are available to both overseas and CONUS from the facility.

The WHCA Microwave Network remained in service until 1970, when a large portion was deemed obsolete and several towers were decommissioned.

Continuity of Government Communications

In the event the military radio networks or the ocean cables are not operating, the AJCC has radio facilities at the site, under its direct control for its immediate operation.

Secure and non-secure teleprinter, voice, and non-secure facsimile are available to both overseas and CONUS from the facility.

Cactus Tower at Camp David

To enable the Government to continue to function in the event of an emergency or enemy attack, the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization initiated the Continuity of Government Program. A major element of this program as previously mentioned, is the Emergency relocation plan which provides for the dispersal of essential elements of the Federal Government within the Federal Relocation Arc.

Presidential approval of the emergency relocation plan was dependent upon adequate communications between the emergency relocation sites. Because little or no reliable communications were available in the emergency relocation arc, the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization asked the Department of Defense for the Army Signal Corps to plan, design, engineer, install and maintain the communications services. The Secretary of Defense agreed to the U.S. Army Signal Corps would be responsible for, planning, designing, engineering, installing and maintaining the communications to support this Program at the National level.

Cannonball Tower on Cross Mountain

Cowpuncher Tower on North Mountain WV

The Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization would provide policy guidance concerning aspects of emergency relocation planning and for the necessary funding support.

A plan for a communications system was developed to meet the following requirements of OCDM:

To provide pretested communications between the Civilian Command Post at High Point and the heads of their agencies in their Emergency Relocation Sites (ERS).

To provide communications between the agencies themselves.

To have access to military and other Government Systems.

To have access to commercial telephone telegraph common user systems.

And finally to provide minimum communications for policy direction and control of executive departments and agencies in the program.

Crystal East and West Towers located at Mt Weather

Primary reliance of the OCDM Communications System was to be placed upon commercial upon commercial facilities. This is necessary in order that the resources of trained communications personnel of the commercial companies might be utilized for the operation of the communications system since military personnel would not be available to operate this system in an emergency.

The urgency of this project was such that time would not permit immediate implementation of the OCDM system. This was due primarily to a leak of communications facilities in the relocation arc.

Creed Tower on Raven Rock part of ACJJ

It was, therefore determined that the system would be developed in three phases:

Phase I was to provide such communications as could be made available on short notice for OPERATION ALERT 1955.

Phase II was to provide an interim communications system by 1 April 1956. This interim system was to be operated until such time as additional communications could be made available.

Phase III was to provide a pretested communications system based on the area communications concept as soon after OPERATION ALERT 1956 as it could be made available without expediting costs.

The FIRST PHASE amounted to the communications that local telephone companies could provide. Facilities provided were very sparse, the communications capabilities of the present interim OCDM system.

The SECOND PHASE include: A leased private line telephone system which inter-connects the main site and the participating governmental agencies, this enables voice communications between the main site and the agencies, between agencies themselves, entrance into the nationwide commercial bell network, and connection into the Government Code Dial Tandem System in Washington D.C.

The interim system also includes a leased private wire message communications or TWX facilities so that agencies have a means of passing record communications to and from the main site and between the agencies themselves.

The system includes a cryptographic network which consists of point to point or two way circuits between the main site and 20 of the more important agencies of the Government.

All circuits and terminal facilities are leased, cryptographic equipment is Government owned. This network provides direct channels for exchanging classified messages between High Point and the 20 specified agencies.

This system also includes a one way broadcast system which provides for simultaneous transmission of classified and unclassified Executive Orders, Damage Reports, etc. from High Point and 40 agencies within the relocation arc.

Corkscrew Tower on Lambs Knoll in Boonsboro MD

Cartwheel Tower in Fort Reno MD

Finally this system also includes: A microwave system connecting sensitive agencies.

This consists of leased and Government owned facilities to provide a pretested system between High Point, and the emergency relocation sites of the State Department, Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atomic Energy Commission, Department of Defense and Camp David. Circuits routed over this system include the Presidential secure voice network.

Non secure voice circuits from High Point to the sensitive agencies.

Secure Teleprinter circuits between the President and the heads of the sensitive agencies.

The broadcast network previously mentioned.

The Government owned portion of this microwave system which connects High Point and Camp David is operated and maintained by the White House Army Signal Agency. The remainder of this system is maintained by a commercial contractor.

A three channel mobile radio telephone system provides communications to and from the heads of key agencies while traveling in their automobiles in the area bounded by High Point, Washington and Fort Richie. In addition to the President, this system support 75 mobile subscribers, of which 56 are currently being served, included are the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries and the Chiefs of Staff of the Military Departments. This System is used on a daily basis. It provides telephone services to the Washington-High Point-Fort Ritchie Complex and provides interconnection to the Government code dialing system, as well as the commercial dial system.

Communications in support of the relocation site for the NATO Standing Group requires a complement of 47 people and an annual budget of $30,000 for full time operation.

The White House, including Camp David, requires 320 people and 2.5 million dollars annually.

The AJCC, Fort Ritchie complex, requires 537 people and an annual budget of 6.6 million dollars.

The OCDM program requires 329 people and 11 million dollars; however, the OCDM justifies and defends the amount required for its support.

This project was approved in 1955 and completed in total in 1962. The Microwave Network operated at full strength until 1970 when Crystal, Cowpuncher, Cannonball and Creed were deactivated.

WHCA’s Role in Providing Communications Support to the President, and

The Early Presidential Emergency Facilities (PEF)

The White House Signal Detachment (WHSD), was officially formed by the United States Department of War on 25 March 1942 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The WHSD was created to provide normal and emergency communications requirements in support of the President. The WHSD provided mobile radio, teletype, telephone and cryptographic aides in the White House and at Shangri-La, now known as Camp David. The mission of the WHSD was to provide a premier communication system that would enable the President to lead the nation effectively regardless of his location worldwide, and in any emergency situation. In 1954 WHSD was reorganized and renamed the White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA).

In 1962 WHASA was discontinued and its duties were transferred to the auspices of the Defense Communications Agency under the operational control of the White House Military Office, and re established as the White House Communications Agency (WHCA). WHCA was divided into three units:

The Defense Communications Operations Unit (DCOU) was located on M St. in Washington DC and was responsible to maintain the communications equipment used to support the White House when the President Traveled outside of Washington DC either in the USA or worldwide. All trip equipment was staged at this location. The equipment included all FM handheld radios and base stations, switchboard, all communications center equipment with secure voice and TTY, as well as all AV equipment necessary for all media events.

Entrance to Checkmate (The Shop) from Wisconsin Ave NW in Washington D.C. (1973)

The Defense Communications Administrative Unit (DCAU) was also located on M St. in Washington DC. This unit was responsible for all Personnel functions including recruitment, formulating travel rosters and arranging WHCA transportation necessary for all domestic and worldwide Presidential trips.

The Defense Communication Support Unit (DCSU) was headquartered at Camp David, and was responsible for the operation of the seven Presidential Emergency Facilities (PEF) locations as well as the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg Pa. and the communications equipment on the Presidential Train “CRATE” in Harrisburg, Pa.

The USSS CP at the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg PA

DCSU would also be responsible for communications at the LBJ Ranch in Johnson City TX, as well as President Nixon’s homes in San Clemente Ca. and Key Biscayne Fl.

WHCA was commissioned to provide reliable communications support to the President, Vice President, Executive Office of the President senior staff, National Security Council, Secret Service and others as directed by the White House Military Office. WHCA ‘s primary duty would be call communications in the White House starting with the President’s desk phone in the Oval Office This support includes FM mobile and HF radio communications, non-secure voice, secure voice, record communications, audio-visual services, automated data processing support and photographic and drafting services both in Washington, D.C. , anywhere in the USA and worldwide. In the ten years that I worked with WHCA we used state of the art communications equipment but it took many people and thousands of pounds of equipment at each stop to provide quality communications. Advances in technology not only reduced the size and weight of the equipment but also dramatically reduced the number people required to provide the same quality of service.

Presidential and Vice Presidential Support Trips 

I traveled extensively during the nine years that I spent with WHCA both in the U.S. and overseas. I would support two Presidents and First Families, two Vice Presidents, but also some key members of the White House Staff. During the 1968 Presidential election I helped the Secret service support all of the national candidates. I also participated in four major overseas trips including President Nixon’s historic trip to China. There were many trips for training and maintenance to the sites and equipment permanently installed to support the daily activities at Camp David, San Clemente and Key Biscayne. 

WHCA Support Trips that I personally worked

Lyndon B Johnson (LBJ) Support Trips     Richard M Nixon Support Trips

28 Aug 66 to York PA-Dallastown Rally                      11 Jul 69 to Madrid Spain-New Delhi India

05 Oct 66 to Anchorage AK- Manila PI Trip               12 Jul 69 to Adana Turkey- New Delhi India

06 Oct 66 to Tokyo Japan- Manila PI Trip                   11 Jul 69 to New Delhi India Trip

07 Oct 66 to Manila PI Trip                                         03 Aug 69 to Bangkok Thailand New Delhi India

30 Oct 66 to Tokyo Japan- Manila PI Trip                   04 Aug 69 to Tokyo Japan-New Delhi India

01 Nov 66 to Chicago- Manila PI Trip                         28 Jul 70 to Los Angeles CA-Century Plaza

15 Mar 67 to Zandria Surinam-Punta Del Este Trip    30 Oct 70 to Anaheim CA-Convention Center

16 Mar 67 to Punta Del Este – Montevideo UR          26 Mar 71 to Beverly Hills CA-Samuel Goldwyn

14 Apr 67 to Zandria Surinam-Punta Del Este Trip    30 Apr 71 to Camp Pendleton CA-1st Marine Div

15 Apr 67 to San Antonio TX- Punta Del Este Trip    01 May 71 to Palm Springs CA-Annenberg Estate

                                                                                     29 Jul 71 to Santa Rosa CA-Bohemian Grove

1968 Election Support Trips                            15 July 71 to Burbank CA-NBC Studios

21 Sep 68 Atlanta Ga. - George Wallace                     20 Aug 71 to Loma Linda CA- Medical Center

04 Oct 68 Newark NJ - George Wallace                      28 Aug 71 to Santa Catalina Island-Mojo

07 Oct 68 Raleigh NC - Spiro Agnew                         27 Nov 71 to Palm Springs CA- Eisenhower Med

24 Oct 68 San Jose CA - Hubert Humphrey                04 Jan 72 to San Diego CA, Nat, Shipbuilding

27 Oct 68 Los Angeles CA - Hubert Humphrey          06 Jan 72 to San Clemente CA-PM Sato

30 Oct 68 Long Beach CA - Richard Nixon                10 Feb 72 to Agana Guam-China Trip

31 Oct 68 Los Angeles CA – Richard Nixon               29 Feb 72 to Honolulu HI-China Trip

03 Nov 68 Anaheim CA - Curtis Le May                   

05 Nov 68 Los Angeles CA – Nixon/Humphrey         Spiro T Agnew Support Trips

                                                                                      02 Dec 69 to New Orleans LA

San Clemente CA Visits and Side Trips       23 Feb 70 to Phoenix AZ

26 Jun 70 to 06 Jul 70- Los Angeles CA                       19 Oct 70 to Tucson AZ

24 Jul 70 to 03 Aug 70- Los Angeles CA                      31 Oct 70 to Newport Beach CA

21 Aug 70 to 06 Sep 70-San Diego CA                         19 Nov 70 to Palm Springs CA

30 Oct 70 to 04 Nov 70- Anaheim CA                           08 Feb 71 to Palm Springs CA

05 Jan 71 to 14 Jan 71-Santa Catalina Island                 05 Apr 71 to San Diego CA

26 Mar 71 to 4 Apr 71-Beverly Hills CA                       09 Jun 71 to Los Angeles CA

30 Apr 71 to 3 May 71-Palm Springs CA                      27 Nov 1971 to Palm Springs CA

06 Jul 71 to 22 Jul 71-Burbank CA                                27 Dec 71 to Palm Springs CA

21 Aug 71 to 3 Sep 71-Loma Linda CA                         19 Apr 72 to New Orleans LA

24 Nov to 28 Nov 71 to Palm Springs CA

02 Jan 72 to 08 Jan 72  - San Diego CA

                                                                                      

Henry Kissinger Support Trip                        Trips to the Bahamas

13 Oct 71 to Hilo HI - Pre China Trip                           25 Jul 72 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

                                                                                       29 Aug 72 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

Key Biscayne FL Visits and Side Trips          13 Sep 72 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

22 Aug 72 to 24 Aug 72-1972 National Convention     03 Oct 72 to Walkers Cay Bahamas- Maintenance

08 Nov 72 to 12 Nov 72-Ocean Reef Club                   31Oct 72 to Walkers Cay Bahamas- Maintenance

30 Nov72 to 04 Dec 72- Ocean Reef Club                   11 Nov 72 to Key Largo FL-Ocean Reef Club

20 Dec 72 to Dec 26 72- Ocean Reef Club                  30 Nov 72 to Walkers Cay Bahamas- Maintenance

12 Jan 73 to 18 Jan 73 - Ocean Reef Club                   09 Dec 72 to Orlando FL- Equipment Repair

26 Jan 73 to 29 Jan 73- Grand Cay Visit                      11 Dec 72 to Grand Cay Bahamas- Maintenance

15 Feb 73 to 18 Feb 73                                                 17 Jan 73 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

22 Mar 73 to 26 Mar 73-Ocean Reef Club                   06 Mar 73 to Walkers Cay Bahamas- Maintenance

20 Apr 73to 24 Apr 73-Grand Cay Visit                       04 May 73 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-POTUS Visit

03 May 73 to 07 May 73-Grand Cay Visit                   15 Mar73 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

25 May 73 to 28 May 73-Grand Cay   Visit                 22 May 73 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

08 Jun 73 to 10 Jun 73-Coco Lobo III                          26 May 73 to Grand Cay Bahamas-POTUS Visit

15 Jun 73 to 17 Jun 73-Coco Lobo III                          12 Jun 73 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

17Aug 73 to 20 Aug 73-Coco Lobo III                         26 Jun 73 to Walkers Cay Bahamas-Maintenance

04 Oct 73 to 07 Oct 73-Ocean Reef Club                     12 Jul 73 to Grand Bahama Island Bahamas- Maint.

01 Nov 73 to 05 Nov 73-Coco Lobo III

16 Nov 73 to 20 Nov 73-Coco Lobo III                        Nixon Family Support Trip

                                                                                       09 Feb 73 to Jacksonville FL - Julie Nixon

 WHCA TDY TRIPS                                12 Feb 73 to Jacksonville FL – Julie Nixon

                                              

Cannonball-Microwave Duty                           Crate-Communications Railcar

10 Jan 66 to 17 Jan 66- Mercersburg PA                       20 Jul 66 to Harrisburg PA-Equipment Maintenance

07 Feb 66 to 14 Jan 66-Mercersburg PA                       25 Jul 66 to Washington DC-Communications Test

28 Feb 66 to 7 Mar 66-Mercersburg PA                                

11 Apr 66 to 19 Apr 66- Mercersburg PA                      Training/ Recruiting

06 May 66 to 13 May 66- Mercersburg PA                   16 Jan 67 to Washington DC-Howard Univ. 

13 Jun 66 to 20 Jun 66- Mercersburg PA                       26 Feb 67 to Washington DC – HF Radio Tng.

05 Jul 66 to 11 Jul 66- Mercersburg PA                         17 Sep 67 to Lemoyne PA - AT&T 1A1 Key

01 Aug 66 to 08 Aug 66- Mercersburg PA                      04 Aug 68 to El Paso TX – Ft Bliss Recruiting

06 Sep 66 to 12 Sep 66- Mercersburg PA                       18 May 69 to Norfolk VA–HF Radio URT-23

03 Oct 66 to 04 Oct 66- Mercersburg PA                        09 Aug 70 to Thurmont MD–HF Radio console

12 Dec 66 to 19 Dec 66- Mercersburg PA                      11 May 71 to Camp Pendleton CA - ORE

                                                                                         19 Sep 71 to Chicago IL - Motorola Radio

                                                                                         14 Nov 71 to Washington DC - Lincompex

Camp David Communications Railroad Car ”Crate”
HF Radio Console
Type Of Activity	Equipment test and Trip
Location
Location	Harrisburg Pa to Washington DC
Date of Activity	20 Jul 1966 to 25 Jul 1966
Coordinates	40.20765°N 76.84039°W

In recognition to the Army Signal personnel and their unusual assignment POTUS

The Presidential Train Ferdinand Magellan - White House communications via, 3WTE on wheels. We feature the U.S. Army Signal Corps., General Albert J. Myer, and Radio Railcar installation. 

One fall day in October 1956 12 noon EDT will long be remembered by hundreds of 14 MHZ SSB State side amateurs. It was the day W3WTE was, of all places, 60 feet below the Cleveland, Ohio, Railway Terminal Tower Station working the bands. The detail was called “Operation Earthworm” We have a QSL courtesy of W3WTE.

“POTUS” an acronym, stands for President of the United States! The special railroad car of the White House was used when the President was away from home, equipped with a luxury living rolling home, a lecture platform, communications, safety and hospital car, press corps and energy car. This amazing city on wheels was at times a nightmare for the Secret Service, Railroad and logistics involved in the Presidents safety. There was an advanced two car train and each crossing was inspected by the Secret Service and rail authorities.

Above radio control console occupies part interior of presidential communications General Myers Car.  Multiple control panels, a maze of gadgets for radio broadcasts, radio photo transmission, tape recordings of presidential speeches and incoming and outgoing teletype printer copy.

The generator room

The WHCA communications car (Crate)

Two diesel AC generators are on the right side of car, can supply enough power to operate the train in any capacity. Mr. Charles Clemens K6QD spoke of his duties much earlier when first assigned to Presidential Communications in 1942. He was chosen to be the first CW operator between the Presidential Train and the White House via HF radio in railroad Car 1401, “The White House on Wheels.”

Clemens explained some front seats had been removed and an operating table installed full of radio devices in their place. Telegraph lines alongside the tracks provided a lot of clicks that made it difficult to copy poor signals, mainly in the southwest part of the U.S.A. The clearance requirements for railroad cars prohibited using a real antenna. The radio operators used a wire inside an insulating tube mounted on standoffs about six inches above the metal roof of the car. This was later changed to a copper tube, the same size as the insulating tube, with much better results. Continued the frequency complement ran from 3 MHZ to 17 MHZ. (Car 1401 built in 1914 would be replaced in the 50s by the modern General Albert Myer car) Myer was the first Signal Corps Commander. Clemens K6QD Signal Corps operator said “I was supposed to contact a number of Army stations along our shakedown trip in 1942 riding the rails, none of them more than a couple of hundred miles from our route. As might be expected, results were poor and it was decided to contact WAR in the Pentagon at Washington direct. Successful contacts were made from New Orleans and on the way home. 

The only real difficulty came when we were close to Washington DC.” Clemens added “Overall, our results were encouraging and we were assigned the task of accompanying President Roosevelt on his swing stumping around the country visiting military bases and aircraft plants. 

Equipment and facilities were improved over the years and when Clemens left in 1948, the car had a small operating room, a code center, a small bunk room with four bunks, a lounge room and the baggage half of the car packed with equipment.

Clemens continued “To make a long story quite short, I worked six years on the Presidential Train, traveling with Presidents Roosevelt and Truman in the United States, Canada and Mexico. We logged well over a hundred thousand miles.” Today, the train is no more, Old 1401 is gone, only known by gild of 1401 above the entry door, Gen. Myer car has been retired and the Ferdinand Magellan is restored and on display in Florida.

The small detachment that Clemens knew had evolved into the White House Army Signal Agency and finally White House Communications Agency. They wouldn’t believe how much equipment they could eliminate by satellite communications today.   

Copy of the POTUS QSL W3WTE

Partially scripted from March, 1975 Ham Radio Magazine article, “Brass Pounding on Wheels”, by K6QD CC Jr., and Railroad Magazine February 1953. Thanks to Glenn Laser W3WTE for a copy of the POTUS QSL. Glenn advised the card was found at a yard sale or Ham fest in WV and presented to him. - It would be a pleasure to sit and talk with Mr. Clemens today, but I believe he is a silent key because the call has been reissued several times. I can’t come up with anything on the two communications coaches whether they avoided he cutters torch.

When the Ferdinand Magellan was taken out of service in 1958, The two communication railcars were moved and during the 1960’s and 70’s and stored at the New Cumberland Army Depot just outside of Harrisburg, Pa. The communications car was to be maintained by WHASA/WHCA out of Camp David. Their mission was to provide communications for the President, while on trips, whether campaigning for office, or traveling via rail. 

President Kennedy used Crate on one of the last official trips when he went to the Army Navy football game in Philadelphia in 1961.

President Kennedy departing Philadelphia

President Kennedy departing Philadelphia

The official call sign of the Presidential Train was City Hall this was used when the train was actually in use, but Crate was used as the un-official call sign by the Camp David (Cactus) personnel that maintained the communications equipment onboard. Crate consisted of two old WWII train cars. They were 85' in length, painted Olive Drab, with three axel trucks. One was a converted Hospital Car. This car was converted into living quarters for SS and WHASA / WHCA personnel. It had a small kitchen, some bunks for sleeping, a small bathroom with a shower and a living area. An old Hallicrafters SX-63 was installed for entertainment.

The Presidential Rail Car “Crate” is shown at the Thirteenth Street Station in Philadelphia (1961)

The Presidential Rail Car “Crate” is shown at the Thirteenth Street Station in Philadelphia (1961)

The Radio car was a converted something and appeared to have been gutted and then built as required.  There was a window installed so the operation could be viewed from the hallway that passed between the rail cars. As you were sitting at the console behind you, there was a large glass window which was by the walkway in the left side of the car. Looking out that glass window past the walkway was another large glass window which was on the car body. If anyone on the platform were to look into the car window, they would see the whole console and operators.

 Lounge Area (1961)

Ron Danielson in the Radio Room (1961)

The Radio Car had to be placed on the tracks, so it faced the Hospital car because of the coax connectors on the front end. The train had to be configured with the Hospital car toward the train engine and the Radio or Communications Car following. The coax connectors on the Hospital car were connected by coax jumpers to the coax connectors on the Communications Car. This was also because on the opposite end, (from the coax connector end) were connectors which carried audio to the end of the train.

The last car would be an Observation Car where the President would ride, stand and speak to the crowds, who would come to see him while on campaign trips.

Switchboard Room

The Radio Car had a console installed which handled all the HF Comm. equipment, the audio amps and VU Meters for the audio PA function and two patch panels for audio routing. It also had rooms for the AC power generators, radio equipment, switchboard and a small Comm. Center.

The radio console consisted of two HF Receivers (R-390A), two SSB/ISB Converters (CV-157) and a TTY converter (CV-116). The TMC GPT-750W transmitters were used for phone patch audio and TTY traffic.

The radio Console in (1961)

On the top of this car was two HF antennas designed by Collins Radio. Hard to explain, but in the center of the roof of the car the antennas were grounded to the roof using three 90 degree elbows. A total of six, three for each antenna about 6 to 8 inches in diameter which fed three pipes in each direction to the end of the cars. About 3' from the end of antennas, the three pipes were bonded together and fed at that point, with 50 ohm coax, to connectors on the trailing side of the car. The pipes were supported by insulators from the center ground, out to the ends.

The Communications Car on the siding in VA. (1961)

 Radio Antennas on Radio Car

The two cars were stored at Indian Town Gap Army Depot near Harrisburg, Pa. primarily because President Eisenhower used it several times and it was close to Gettysburg and his farm.  In early 1967 I actually took a trip on the Presidential Train (Crate) from Harrisburg to Union Station in DC, and back.  All of the guys from M Street came down for a tour we spent the night and went back the next day.  It was a total farce, I think the officers wanted to get away for a couple of days and have a party.  There was some story about LBJ taking a train ride to Philadelphia for the Army - Navy game, but of course it never happened.  I have always wondered if LBJ ever knew that he had something other AF-1 at his disposal. 

In the late 1960’s the TMC GPT-750 W transmitter, R-390's and CV-157's were replaced with a Collins Radio state of the art transmitter/receiver, with automatic antenna tuners. The control units were mounted in the console, with the main TX / RX equipment mounted in two 6' 19" racks.

There is no confirmation as to when “Crate” was removed from service or the disposition of.

 

UPDATE:WHASA/WHCA                                                 Communications Railcar “Crate”
General Albert J Myer USA 87325 with Morn Car USA 89426
Type Of Activity	Communications support
Location
Location	Washington DC
Date of Activity	1966
Coordinates	38°53′52″N 77°02′11″W

                      

After the Presidential Railcar Ferdinand Magellan was retired and acquired by the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in 1958, Crate and the Staff Car (Morn) were sent to storage at the New Cumberland Army Depot Just across the river from Harrisburg PA.

Built out of an old hospital car in 1951, the General Albert J. Myer (labeled POTUS 1), USA 87325 the communications car, this car replaced the older ‘Car 1401′ which always accompanied the presidential train the Ferdinand Magellan. Following the Myer was the Morn (labeled POTUS 2), USA 89426 which was also built from a hospital car and was the living quarters for the personnel of the Myer. It included a small kitchen, bunk beds, a small bathroom with a shower and a living area.

Crate in St Louis in 1961
   

There is a series of photos on the Kennedy Museum website, dated November 1961 taken at Union Station St. Louis MO showing WHASA personnel preparing Crate for a trip by President Kennedy to the Army Navy Football game in Philadelphia, in December 1961. (No explanation as to why Crate was in MO it was probably a training/test run prior to the actual trip.) There are also Photos of Crate at the 13th Street Station in Philadelphia dated December 2nd 1961.

WHASA/WHCA personnel from Camp David continued to maintain the communications equipment, through the late 60’s. The last time that I saw Crate was on July 27, 1966 when we returned from an overnight trip to Union Station in Washington D.C. Shortly after I was assigned to Cannonball just outside Mercersburg Pa.

It wasn't until a couple of years ago when I started communicating with people that I had served with in WHCA that we tried to find out what had happened to Crate.  One person remembers going up to the Depot in PA from Camp David to work on Crate in the fall of 1967. Another person says that during the “Fuel Crises” of 1973, they went up to the Depot to look at the cars for a possible rail trip by President Nixon to Key Biscayne FL. The trip was eventually made by commercial Airline. No one that we talked to seemed remember or know when Crate was decommissioned or where it was today!

Recently I received a comment on my blog from an anonymous contributor identifying the whereabouts of Crate today along with several pictures. Several people were involved with supplying information relative with the suggested time line that follows. This is what we believe what happened To Crate!

Crate remained in service and functional until it was stripped of all of the Communications equipment and retired from Presidential Service sometime in 1974. It is believed that the Communications Car (Myer) USA 87325 went to Ft. Belvoir VA and of the Staff Car (Morn) USA 89426 was sent to Ft. Eustis TX.  It is not known why Crate was split up or what if any was the Army’s intended use of these cars.

In 1978 Crate the Communications Car USA 87325 (POTUS 1) was purchased by NASA Kennedy Space Center Railroad System.

As part of the effort, in 1978, KSC purchased an old Army Signal Corps communications car (U.S. Army 87325) for use as an office/tool room.  This car was constructed during World War II as a hospital car and remodeled in 1950 as the “Presidential Communications Car” and accompanied the “Ferdinand Magellan” armored Presidential Pullman whenever the U.S. President traveled by train. (POTUS 1) U.S. Army 87325, which became NLAX 150 upon its purchase by NASA, the car was retrofitted for duty by the newly hired railroad crew, which became part of the new Transportation Operations team within KSC. “KSC to Start Rail Operations,” Spaceport News, March 17, 1978: 1-3.

NASA disposed of General Albert J Myer USA 87325 in 1987, and it was acquired by the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. The museum was also informed about several other hospital style cars that were in Ft Eustis VA and they were also available. While the museum was at Ft Eustis they discovered that the Staff Car (Morn) USA 87325 was found!  The Gold Coast Railroad Museum acquired both the Myer and Morn cars and Crete was re-united in FL at the GCRM! The paperwork relative to the acquisition of Crate was completed by the Florida Division of Surplus Property.

Work was progressing on these cars when Andrew hit in 1992. Andrew caused extensive damage to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum and to the cars that they were restoring. FEMA claimed that they would put all non-profits back to their pre-Andrew condition. Myer, Morn, the Jim Crow combine, and Hospital car 89436 were selected to go to Steamtown for repairs.

Rather than give the museum funds to restore the Myer and Morn, they along with a Hospital Car #89436 and a Combination “Jim Crow Car” were sent to the National Park Service Steam Town Park in Scranton PA for restoration. Patrick McKnight, Historian/Archivist for Steam Town Park told me that the Hospital Car and Jim Crow car were restored and returned to the GCRM. The Myer and Morn were not restored, due to a lack of funds and documentation of what the interiors of the Myer and Morn looked like. The communications equipment would have been removed when the cars were taken out of service, and NASA modified the interior when they purchased the Myer in 1978. The cars were placed in storage for several years until there was an Executive order issued to either donate or sell the Myer and Morn to the Hollywood Railroad Station Museum Inc.


Meyer Comm Car at GCRM just prior to Andrew (1992)

Morn Staff Carat GCRM just prior to Andrew  (1992)

In 2001 The Hollywood Railroad Station Museum Inc. stepped in and got the Myer and Moen donated to them through an Executive order for a train to commemorate Dorothy Walker Bush (The mother and grandmother of the two Bush Presidents, and FL Governor Jeb Bush) dubbed the “Dorothy Walker Bush Great Floridian 2000.” The train was to consist of the Myer, Morn and 3 other cars. Grants were received from the State of Florida for the project, but little to no restoration was ever done.  Presidential train gets on track - South Florida Business Journal Published Aug 15, 2005, 12:00 am EDT UPDATED: Aug 11, 2005, 4:28 pm EDT

In 2005, Tony Campos, project director at the Hollywood Railroad Station Museum, was tasked with creating a train to commemorate Dorothy Walker Bush dubbed the “Dorothy Walker Bush Great Floridian 2000.” The train was to include the 1924 FEC Engine 253, the Myer and Morn, a mail car used in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a “Jim Crow” segregation-era car, and the Direct Orient Express ice cream parlor. He was granted $375,000 by the Florida Division of Historical Resources and was expected to have the cars ready for display by June 2006.

In 2006, Campos acknowledged the restoration wasn't going to be completed on-time and cited hurricanes, a break-in, sketchy historical documents, lack of grant money, and a PBS documentary crew’s delay in filming the project. In October 2006, the Florida Division of Historical Resources sent a letter to Campos asking about the expenditures of the grant money. Campos then disappeared; he never responded, he didn't answer phone calls and is was hardly ever at his office at the station. It was requested he return the money or face legal action. The project director was eventually arrested for misappropriation of funds. He’s since been arrested and is thought to be out on parole as of this writing.

The Cars remain on a rail siding in Miami. Technically they are still owned by the Hollywood Railroad Station Museum, however; neither the museum nor the Florida East Coast Railroad has any interest in restoring them.  Dorothy Walker Bush Great Floridian 2000 – Florida's Forgotten Past  Published on August 19, 2013 by Bullet

What’s left of the failed project now sits rotting away behind a South Florida warehouse. Among them are two train cars thought to be presidential trains cars, with the names (POTUS 1) and (POTUS 2) stenciled on the sides of cars, sit on wood blocks at the front of the tracks.

Myer Communications Car USA 87325 POTUS 1 (2005)

Staff Car (Morn) USA 89426 POTUS 2 (2005)

According to this article Crate which consists of (POTUS 1) the Albert J Myer communications car and (POTUS 2) is the Morn Staff car sits on a railroad siding in Miami. No one that I have talked that actually was aboard Crate can remember if the cars that we maintained were actually labeled POTUS 1 or POTUS 2); however, a closer look at all of the photographs from this article and others that have been published leads me to conclude that the cars identified as POTUS 1 and POUTS 2 are likely to be Crate. Update: POTUS Train Cars Identified  Published on November 7, 2013.  By Bullet

Myer Communications Car USA 87325 POTUS 1 (1961)

Myer Communications Car USA 87325 POTUS I  (2013)

By comparing the window pattern of the car identified as POTUS I, it is probably the communications car USA 87325. A close look at the HF antenna system unique to the communications car was a special system designed by Collins Radio. This was a complex system for the time. The overhead pictures of the antenna system on the cars in service in the 1960,s (below) and the car identified as POTUS I today appear to be the same.

In service Antenna System Myer Communications Car USA 87325 (1961)

In service Antenna System Myer Communications Car USA 87325 (1961)

Antenna insulator found next to Myer Communications Car USA 87325 POTUS 1
  

Remains of the Antenna System Myer Communications Car USA 87325 (2013)

Interior pictures of  POTUS 1 and POTUS 2 that were used to try to identify the Radio Room and the Staff/Lounge areas was difficult but, I believe the picture below is of the Radio Room.

Ron Danielson in the Radio Room (1961)

Radio Room (1961)

Radio Room (2005)

Aisle looking from the Radio Room door towards the vestibule end of the car (2005)

I believe that the POTUS 2 (Morn) can be identified as the Staff/Lounge car from the interior pictures that were provided by the article.



Staff Car (Morn) USA 89426 POTUS 2 (1961)

Staff Car (Morn) USA 89426 POTUS 2 (2005)

Some interior photos of Crate at Union Station in St Louis (1961) found in the JFK Library were also used in the comparison. These are the only known photos of the interior of the Staff/Lounge Car.

Staff sleeping area looking toward Lounge Area (1961)

Lounge area looking towards the restroom, deep freezers, and kitchen.(2005)

Lounge area (1961)  

Lounge Area (2005)

Since no one is interested in restoring these two railcars, the fate of Crate appears to be the salvage yard and extinction!

Updates to the status of Crate can be found in the Railway Preservation News Subject: Hollywood Florida Railroad Museum & the Presidential Train

Dallastown, Pennsylvania
Entering Dallastown
Elevation	876 ft. (267 m)
Location
Location	York County, Pa, USA
Incorporated	1866
Coordinates	39°54′0″N 76°38′27″W

28 Aug 66 to York PA for Dallastown Rally with President Johnson

I was working at Camp David for about ten months before I was assigned to President Lyndon Johnson’s trip team when he visited Dallastown Pa. as part of the town's centennial celebration. The president and his wife, Lady Bird, keynoted the Dallastown Centennial Celebration on Sept. 4, 1966.

Since this was my first trip I was teamed up with two other radio guys from the Shop in Washington DC. CWO Pierre Fontaine was assigned as the Trip Officer he was my CO at Camp David. Mr. Fontaine and I drove to York Pa. on Aug 28th to meet the radio guys who had driven from the shop in DC with all of the communications equipment. We met with a marketing representative from GTE at the Travelodge in York and advised him of the pending visit and the telephone circuits required for all of the Communication equipment necessary to Support the President, Secret Service and White House Staff during this trip.

The Travelodge in York Pa.

The GTE Central Office in York Pa.

Our first order of business was to meet with the Secret Service and Staff Advance people to get the Trip Itinerary and to determine the locations that we would use to install the Switchboard, Comm. Center and also identify sites for the FM radio base stations.

The President and Mrs. Johnson would arrive on Air Force One at Harrisburg International Airport and motorcade the 39 miles to Dallastown. After his speech they would then return to Harrisburg International Airport for their departure back to Washington DC.

The Motorcade route from Harrisburg Pa.to Dallastown Pa.

With only six days to install everything we went to work. We met with the GTE operations people at their central office in York Pa. and obtained spaces for the WHCA Switchboard and Comm. Center in The GTE CO. Once that was taken care of we started our Radio Survey by driving the motorcade route in search of possible radio sites that would insure coverage of the entire route. We would discover two locations with radio towers already in place. These towers were located at the WXQXA-FM Radio station in York and the FAA radio site overlooking Harrisburg International Airport. These sites were ideal because they had direct line of site of Interstate 83, the main route of the motorcade would travel. Once permission and access was obtained to the radio sites, we would drive the entire motorcade route checking radio coverage. GTE was then contacted and the orders were placed for our remote keying lines to be run from the WHCA switchboard in York to each of the FM Radio base stations.

Baker/Charlie (Secret Service) and Sierra (White House Staff) base stations were installed at WXQXA-FM and at the FAA radio tower in Harrisburg; the remote keying lines were installed and tested to the remote consoles at the WHCA Switchboard in York which was now operational.

The 125’ FAA radio site near Harrisburg Pa.

WXQXA-FM Radio Site in York Pa.

By Friday we were finished with installing the radio network and all that remained was to set up the Presidential motorcade just before the arrival of Air Force One the next day.

Early on Saturday morning we headed to the Harrisburg Airport with several Motorola (P-33) radios to be placed inside the vehicles that would make up the motorcade. The President's Limo had already arrived from DC and motorcade was complete and ready for the President and Mrs. Johnson.

One final install needed to be completed, the Chopper Pack! Since LBJ took office the Secret Service required a surveillance chopper to be deployed to cover all motorcades that took place. This was to insure that no snipers were on billboards, radio towers, rooftops or any other vantage point. Local law enforcement officers would be positioned on freeway overpasses and at the on /off ramps. The chopper Pack consisted of two Motorola P-33 (B/C) radios to communicate with the USSS agents in the motorcade. Two headphones with push to talk microphones and a connection to the helicopter’s intercom system so the USSS agent on board could talk to the Pilots.

The surveillance Chopper a Huey UH-1

This would be my first flight in a helicopter and I was a little apprehensive about the trip ahead. The chopper that was used was a US Army Huey UH-1, the type used in Vietnam; the pilots were both vets of Vietnam. The Huey has a large door on either side that could be opened during flight with jump seats facing outward. Once I secured the radios, I took my place in one of the jump seats with the Chopper Pack between my legs and tested the radios and intercom. I then fastened my lap belt and was ready for the flight. The USSS agent strapped himself next to me in a contraption called a monkey belt. This devise allowed him to move around and even stand while we were in the air. He then removed an M-16 from its carrying case, loaded it and sat down next to me. We were ready to go just as soon as Air Force One was on its final approach.

LBJ and Lady Bird arrive at Harrisburg International Airport

LBJ arrives aboard Air Force One

LBJ is greeted by the crowd at Harrisburg International Airport

Shortly after the President and first lady arrived at the airport and was greeted by Congressman N. Neiman Craley Jr. the entourage departed by motorcade.

We were already in the air following the 29 mile route looking out for anything that might present a risk to the motorcade. Now I always thought that Helicopters went up and down, little did I know about their actual maneuverability until the USSS agent aboard spotted someone running across a field toward the highway and with the approaching motorcade told the pilot to turn around to check out the situation? The Pilot made a very sharp turn putting the Huey on its side, here I am looking straight ahead looking at the highway and the USSS Agent standing in up in the monkey belt. To this day I can’t believe he didn't fall out, I suppose the force from that tight turn was enough! It turned out that the person below never made it to the highway, and we continued on.

The motorcade arrived in Dallastown and president and Mrs. Johnson were greeted by a friendly audience. Congressman N. Neiman Craley Jr. served as grand marshal of a parade to celebrate Dallastown’s 100th anniversary, where President Johnson spoke.

The President addresses residents of Pa. in Dallastown

Read the President’s Speech Here.

The First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson is greeted in Dallastown

The speech had concluded and it was time to depart Dallastown and return to Harrisburg Airport where we would prepare for the departure of Air Force One, and then collect all of the radio equipment from the motorcade and any staff member that was issued one for the short stay in Pa.

The President had departed Harrisburg and headed back to Washington DC and we headed back to York to start packing up all of the equipment we had installed over the past week. On Sunday morning it was time to visit the two radio sites and retrieve the base stations Antennas and Coax from these locations and get them ready to return to Washington DC. Once all Of The equipment was inventoried and loaded on a truck. I left York and returned to Camp David. This would be the first of many trips world wide that I would participate during my assignment with the White House.

The WHCA Shop in Georgetown
3248 M St entrance today
Type Of Activity	WHCA Operations
Location
Location	3248 M St NW Georgetown
Date of Activity	1965 to 1976
Coordinates	38°54′18.37″N 77°03′51.60″W

A little history of The “WHCA Shop” in Georgetown:

For over a decade from 1965 to 1976, the WHCA base of operations resided at 3248 M St NW in Georgetown. A plain unmarked building it contained all of the logistical elements necessary to support the President and Vice President providing communications for all domestic and international  travel.

Parts of the structure located on M Street predate 1838 when it was used as a tobacco warehouse that opened up directly onto the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. In the 1850s, the building was purchased by John E. Reeside and Gilbert Vanderwerken and converted into stables for their omnibus line. The building continued to be used as stables for the first horse car line, the Washington and Georgetown Railroad. It was later converted into a machine shop for streetcars. The parts of the building that face the canal and the facade of the M Street entrance remain from those earlier periods. After the demise of Washington's streetcars in 1962, the building served as the United States Defense Communications Annex E before being converted to WHCA’s base of operations in 1964.

I received my orders after I graduated from the Microwave repair school at Ft Monmouth to report to a street address in Washington D.C. in Nov 1965. I loaded my family in the car and headed to my new assignment in WHCA. When I arrived in Washington, I tried to locate the address, not knowing the city. I made several wrong turns and ended up in VA several times, so we decided to stop and get something to eat. Luckily, I had a contact number for MSG Joe Terrian, I called him, and he informed me that WHCA had moved to a new location in Georgetown, and Ft Monmouth gave me the wrong address. The old building had been razed and all that was left was a hole in the ground. Now I had passed that hole in the ground at least a half a dozen times that morning. 

The old location was located at 26th and D Street NW. This is where WHCA had occupied a building that was near the Olde Heurich Brewering Company in Foggy Bottom. The brewery buildings were razed to make room for the new Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts which occupies that space  today, the shop moved from 26th St in May 1965. It had been DC transits streetcar repair shop, located on Mst, a monstrous old facility. GSA rented it from O. Roy Chalk, gutted it and remodeled it. 

 

The new location  fronted on M St with two entrances one was WHCA personnel and the second was a nonaffiliated DCA office that had had no access to the rest of the building. MSG Joe Terrian gave me WHCA's official address which was 3248 M Street NW. It was an unmarked white front building with no columns but having a few steps that went up to a black door. Behind that door was an iron security gate. Since I was in uniform, they told me to go to a motel and come back in the morning wearing a suit. The next morning I was told I was assigned to Camp David in Thurmont Md. Go to the Cozy Inn, and someone would meet me there to show me the way. I still had a few days to try and find an apartment before I had to report. I found an apartment next to the PO in Blue Ridge Summit Pa. It took about three months and I moved into quarters at Camp David.

Dan Mirabelli tells the story “It was a beautiful Sept morning in 1966, I knocked on the door of 3248 M street. I was a terrified 19year old, I did not know what laid ahead for me. I sat in a chair till 2pm. They asked if I ate, I replied no so they told me to go out, get something and come back in an hour. 

When I came back, I sat waiting until 6pm. When they finally took me to see Col Rubley. He told me they were very busy and could not process me. he gave me a voucher for a plane ticket and a 10 day leave!! and sent me home.” 

Mike Fincher remembers that he had an interesting initial assignment experience. After going to the “mysterious” locked door at 3248 “M” Street, in May 1971, I was told that they were expecting Vietnam War protests all over the City that week and that they couldn’t process me because they were preparing to shelter in-place if necessary. 

I was sent to stay temporarily with a couple of other Swbd. Trainees who lived in the legendary Shirley Duke apartments in Alexandria. As soon as I got there, I received a call that an Uncle that I was very close to (like a grandfather) had died in Atlanta. Knowing I wouldn’t be processing in for a few days, the guys called the WHCA Duty Officer (I think it was Marty Capps) to see if I could go on leave to the funeral. He said no problem and asked how I intended to get there. I said I guess I’d fly commercial. He said don’t do anything until he got back to me. He called back a few minutes later and said to be at Andrews VIP lounge the next morning at 0430 and there would be a flight to Chattanooga which was perfect because that was where my wife was at the time. I showed up in my class A’s with my PFC stripes and the VIP desk Sgt. said my flight would be ready to leave in few minutes. There were no other passengers in the lounge. A few minutes later this Col. and Major came in and one of them grabs my bag and asks me if I was ready to go and we got in a car and drove out to this silver and blue Jetstar. This was one of the JetStar’s that the VP used, and they were dead heading to Chattanooga for some reason I never learned. I was the only passenger. I settled into the big VIP chair and a steward brought me coffee. After we got airborne, the Col. came back and said he was going to take a nap. I thought he just wanted the big chair, so I got up and he said why didn’t I go on up front and keep the Major company. I sat up there in the cockpit in total awe. The Major asked me if my wife knew when to expect me and I said no that I would call when we landed. He asked me for the phone number at my in-laws and then used the radio to call some place called “Crown” and asked for a phone patch to the number. The next thing I know my wife is awakened by a call from the White House signal operator who advises her that the “call is on radio and provides no privacy” We are connected, and I tell her where I am and when to expect me the Chattanooga airport. 

We actually land before she could get there from about 45 miles away and the Colonel and Major took me into the coffee shop at the airport, bought me breakfast and then got back in the plane and took off, to where I don’t know. I was too afraid to ask questions, so I never really learned how all this came about, but it was certainly an impressive way to get introduced to Presidential Service. Obviously, that level of VIP treatment didn’t last very long but for a little while I thought I was really somebody special.

Tom Maier’s orders only said: “Report to 300 M Street, NW, Washington, DC”. My wife (June) and I were familiar with the DC area and easily made our way to Georgetown. We passed by the large white building that we figured *had to be* the right building but weren’t sure of the address. We went past and were able to park right around to corner(try doing THAT today!). June stayed in the car, and I walked up to the big front door and knocked…and knocked…and finally pounded on the door. 

I was just about to give up and go back to the car when the door opened a crack and a face appeared to ask what I wanted. When I said what I was up to, the face said only, “Go down to the corner, turn right and proceed on to the driveway. Walk up the driveway and SOMEONE WILL STOP YOU” and then the door slammed shut.

I walked back to the car and told June what had just transpired. Now, you have to understand that we had seen every single episode of Mission Impossible, so we were more than just a bit taken back by what had just happened.

 

With no small amount of trepidation I followed the mysterious instructions and as it turned out I had made more out of what was said than I should have. Perhaps that is just what the guys there did for yuks.

3248 M St NW entrance  2017

The windows on the left of the front door was the Drafting and Reproduction Branch. The windows to the right was DCAU commander's office. Both on the first floor.  Personnel was just inside the entrance way.  The indoor parking garage was behind Personnel and the Photo Lab was located to the rear of the indoor parking garage on the backside of the building closest to the C and O Canal side.

WHCA’s Audio-Visual Branch stored all of their travel equipment at the shop on M Street. Everyone in the group had their own specific set of equipment... audio mixer, multiple for media feeds, tape recorders, mics and cables. Each individual was responsible to make sure everything was in working order in case of instant travel. The AV Group had their own maintenance shop at M Street where they maintained all the AV gear and stored all the trip packages there. 

WHCA’s Wisconsin Ave entrance in 1974

The Wisconsin St entrance was the main access for all vehicles. As you entered on the left was the Fabrication and Carpenter Shop in a separate building which sat between the Wisconsin Ave entrance and exit gates. The machine shop was adjacent in the main building there was an incinerator outside the carpenter shop for classified burns...that caused some outside interest on occasion, also along the entry drive was a big diesel generator for emergency Power.

As you entered the facility and the Parking garage you immediately saw the WHCA dispatcher who monitored all incoming traffic and access to the parking garage. The call sign for the M Street dispatcher was Checkmate. The Transportation Group also had motor pool was equipped with a lift and a car wash facility. Transportation was responsible for the maintenance of all the WHCA vehicles including the rented station wagons from a civilian contractor and WHCA own trucks and Van's, the rented Chevy Kingswood wagons were eventually replaced with GSA supplied Ford wagons.

On the right was the entrance to the Radio and TV shops. These two groups maintained and repaired all of the Motorola radio Equipment(base stations and  hand held units) HF /SSB radios as well as associated radio and paging consoles, all TV’s were also maintained in this area.

Material and Supply and was located between the Electronics Shop and Budget/Accounting who had a small office located between supply and WHCA Dispatch.

The Comm Center or 13a group had a secure office and crypto vault  on the first floor, behind Transportation.

Crown Radio was located at the "M" street shop on the Second floor above the radio shop and wood shop.  Access to the second floor was by using an outside stairway to the right of the driveway off Wisconsin Ave.

Crown Radio had two consoles one was the DC FM network. The other one was for the  Nationwide System (E/F), and secure voice All of WHCA and USSS FM locations in the Washington DC area terminated there, as well as the Echo/Fox Nationwide air-to-ground Communications for AF1. That was the old E/F console built by Mario Lilla. It was operated from there until Crown Radio moved to the OEOB shortly after the new WECO 608 was cut into service there.

In the basement there was an underground storage vault below the radio shop which belonged to 13A. One nice feature at M Street was the basement barroom where we had our Friday afternoon off-duty beer call -- the most recently promoted guys bought the beer, there were many attitudes adjusted there. The Technical Library was also located in the  basement behind the Keg.

In the five years that I was assigned to Camp David I was sent on roughly forty trips where I left from the shop. All of the equipment needed for every trip was staged at the shop, loaded on box trucks if needed or in the back of station wagon on smaller trips and all personnel would be provided transportation to the various D.C. Airports for departure. Upon the return from all trips and from all groups the equipment would be sent to the shop to test and or repair would be staged for the next trip.

The current store that occupies that spot where the door was located is "H & M". It cannot be verified if the white trim around the doorway of H & M is a reproduction or a real artifact of the facade of the entryway to The M Street door of WHCA. I do not know who had it before them, and maybe it was "Victoria's Secret". Part of the movie "True Lies" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and "No Way Out" with Kevin Costner were filmed in parts of the mall. Arnold may have crashed through the window of Victoria's Secret in the movie.

The Keg: A WHCA Tradition

One of the fondest memories of the M Street shop is undoubtedly "The Keg," our cherished Friday night gathering spot for beer, hot dogs, and Leonard Dry's legendary popcorn. Leonard, who once served as a driver for General Eisenhower during World War II and later for the First Lady during Eisenhower's presidency, was the heart of this tradition. We affectionately named the space the "The Dry Keg" in his honor.

Leonard’s story is as unforgettable as his popcorn. When asked by General Eisenhower why he wanted the job, Leonard replied, “Because I am all ears and no mouth.” That straightforward answer sealed the deal. His popcorn was equally iconic, flavored with his secret recipe: Leonard would chop up jalapeños at home and bring them in a jar every few weeks. When making popcorn, he’d use vegetable oil and about a quarter cup of the jalapeños—juice and all—creating a uniquely spicy, savory treat.

The Keg space itself was officially dedicated to Leonard thanks to Terry Anderson from PASD, who convinced CSM Mix to approve the idea. A sign reading “The Leonard Dry Keg” was crafted and proudly displayed over the door in the McNally Building.

Leonard would arrive every Friday afternoon around 1 PM to start the popcorn and prepare for the festivities. The Keg crew included Andy Jurcak, who worked the event for years alongside Henry Chimeno, Richard Hathaway, and Leonard himself. Leonard’s hot dipping sauces were unmatched, and his stories always captivated the crowd. It was, as Andy described, the best WHCA job he ever held.

Henry Chimeno and Mike Baggot were responsible for keeping the beer kegs stocked, often hauling them from a distributor in Northeast DC to the fourth floor. Richard Starr frequently helped with transportation, and the distributor always offered a generous discount. Back then, a keg cost about $45—a bargain for the good times it fueled.

Bill Rose, reported to "M" St. on a Friday. After being told to shave my mustache, (by SGM Owen), an official photograph, finding a place to stay for the weekend, and still in a suit. He got hauled away by Henry and Randy Lucas in the back of one of the old, green, Dodge vans. No seats in the back, so I was sitting on an empty keg and flying around the back.

We managed to get back before 4:00pm and tap the keg. I was starting to wonder what kind of a group I had fallen into. By 6:00pm the place was in full party mode. I still didn't know how to get to my "temp" quarters, but decided I could always sleep in the car, parked down on Water St. This was just the start of a truly unique and very strange weekend, as well as the start of a 19 year WHCA tour of duty.        

The Keg also marked the beginning of the annual "Shrimp Feast." Admiral Berkeley, one of LBJ’s physicians, a Navy Admiral and friend of WHCA, would bring 40 pounds of steamed shrimp once a month. Over the years, the Keg became a social hub, hosting as many as 250 attendees rotating in and out during their shifts. Even President Carter's brother, Billy Carter, made a memorable appearance.

The camaraderie extended beyond the drinks and food. The Keg was the place where any E7 or above that was promoted was required to have a shrimp fest and to "pay up" if you got ever caught on camera in an embarrassing situation. One troop, who ended up on the cover of Time Magazine, faced a fine doubled, of course.

When WHCA moved from M Street to Building 94, some questioned whether the tradition should continue. Fortunately, the Keg survived, finding a new home in the day room on the fourth floor, complete with a bar, tables, and entertainment like a pool table, ping-pong table, and L.T. Moore’s 1970s jukebox. Singing after a few drinks became an unofficial part of the experience.

Richard Starr managed the Keg during its transition to the McNally Building and ensured the new space included a dedicated area for it. The Keg was eventually relocated to the back of the Theater but remained a cherished tradition. The keg and shrimp fests were such good times. 

Despite occasional attempts to shut it down, such as Col. Nichols’ accusation of "glorifying alcohol consumption," leaders like SGM Jenkins and SGM Moore defended and preserved the Keg. The Friday gatherings continued until the mid-1990s, when the tradition finally came to an end.

Bill Rose was also one of the last persons at "M" St. and he pulled the decorative light fixture by the front door and preyed the 3248 off the door. He recalls, Pete Strack refurbished the light, for the keg, and the address numbers were on a wooden plaque behind the bar. I expect they are long gone! I hope the 3248 still exists somewhere.

I feel sorry for newer WHCA recruits not having that experience walking up and down M St. looking at that door with those numbers and thinking...this can't be right.

 Leonard Dry passed away and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, but his legacy lives on. Though the official Keg parties are a thing of the past, the spirit endures as we carry on the tradition of creating our own happy hours every Friday.

CIA HQ

I remember the stories of the WHCA shop as being a secret CIA HQ where it was found out by a local Georgetown rag in the late 60s-early 70s.

The people that worked in Riggs Bank was saying that our paychecks were coming from different parts of the country which was true. Air Force had paychecks from Randolph AFB in Texas, Army checks were coming from Indianapolis, and Navy was from another place. They saw license plates of our POV's from states around the country going into the shop through one gate and then coming out in government cars from the other gate with radio antennas on them. They saw all the antennas fencing on the roof of the building and cameras and speakers down on the street level at all the buildings entrances/exits. WHCA personnel going into a warehouse type of building with suits and ties seemed out of place for this Georgetown location.

CIA building on M St

Folks put all this together and came up with the caption for the article in the local paper saying, "Why is the CIA in Georgetown?" Little did they know that the real CIA was occupying a building in Georgetown, but that was at the end of M Street near Key Bridge in another building called The Car Barn {the building with the clock tower} that was also a trolley car warehouse which was right next door to the stairs used in the film The Exorcist!!! The red building on the right was occupied by the CIA.

The Exorcist Stairs

The WHCA  building and the one the CIA had were leased to the government by the same firm. 

In the early 1970’s the decision was made to move the shop to a more secure location in  Anacostia.  Over a period of time a phased move was coordinated to relocate all Groups and Departments to their new location. When WHCA vacated the location that was the “shop” in Georgetown the building was totally remodeled and was turned into a a very upscale mall, the Georgetown Park Mall now occupies the space on M St.

Georgetown Park Mall M St Entrance 

This is the inside of Georgetown Park today, on the same level which all the cars parked, the WHCA dispatcher, besides some of the offices at the WHCA facility at 3248 M Street.

First floor interior of the Georgetown Park Mall

Wisconsin Ave Entrance Today

The shop was a drab place in the late sixties, unlike today's décor. It was in a good spot, though -- right across from Blues Alley and just down the street from Mister Henry's, the Cellar Door and other late-night fun spots. Henry Kissinger used to take his movie-star girlfriends for dinner at the Rive Gauche restaurant next door. Here is a picture of the inside of Rive Gauche where President Ford also ate a couple of times. 

Rive Gauche Restaurant

The shop in Georgetown was the center of operations for all scheduled trips both domestic and overseas, all of the equipment necessary to support the communications necessary to support the President was maintained, staged, and shipped came from the “Shop”. When we were assigned to travel, we only had to show up with a suitcase without worrying if the equipment would be ready to go.  My hats off to the staff who worked there to make sure the teams had everything we needed to successfully complete our mission.

White House Communications Agency Q&A

WHCA HISTORY

1. In what year was WHCA established and what was it originally called?

Answer: The White House Signal Detachment was formed on 25 March 1942.

2. When the Agency was first formed, how many officers and enlisted personnel were assigned?

 

Answer: The White House Signal Detachment was composed of 2 Officers and 30 Enlisted personnel.

2. How long did Colonel George J. McNally serve as the Commander of WHCA?

Answer: Colonel McNally served as the Agency Commander from March 1946 to May 1965, a total of 19+ years. The WHCA HQ building is named after him.

3. What was Colonel McNally’s Code name?

Answer: Star

4. Immediately following the Second World War, what was the Agency's manning level reduced to?

Answer: The manning level of the Agency at the end of WW II was 2 Officers and 18 Enlisted personnel.

5. In what year did the Agency go 24/7/365?

Answer: The Agency went full-time in 1950 at the outset of the Korean Conflict.

6. What was Camp David originally called?

Answer: Camp David was originally called Shangri-La.

7. When did the Agency decide to permanently assign personnel to Camp David.

Answer: In 1951 the first member was assigned to Camp and over the subsequent months the detachment would be filled with new members.

8. In what year was the name of the Agency changed to the White House Army Signal Agency?

Answer: 1954.

9. In what year did the Agency get its present name?

Answer: 1962.

10. Where was the Shop located prior to moving into 3248 M Street?

Answer: 26th Street and D Street NW. The agency moved to M Street in 1964.

11. When did WHCA vacate the shop on M St?

Answer: All of the groups that operated in the Shop moved to Anacostia between 1972 and 1976. WHCA initially operated out of Building 94 and Building 47. Also, a large portion of WHCA personnel worked on the 18 Acres

12. In what year did WHCA move into Building 399?

Answer: The Agency moved into Building 399 in 1991.

13. Why did President Richard Nixon present WHCA with the Presidential Unit Citation?

Answer: It was awarded the agency in recognition of their performance during his 1972 visit to China.

14. Where is the WHCA Hall of Fame?

Answer: In the Colonel George J. McNally building 399 at Anacostia.

15. In what year did WHCA start the All-Star Program?

Answer: The Agency began the All-Star Program when WHCA moved into their new Building at Anacostia in 1991. There are currently 57 names on the HOF List.

16. Who designed the WHCA logo?

Answer: MSG (R) Ronald S. Knowles . Ron was in Drafting and Reproduction Branch for nearly 20 years In 1962, then SSG Knowles was directed by the Commander to design a new seal when the agency transitioned from White House Army Signal Agency to White House Communications Agency during the Kennedy administration. The new WHCA Seal has been in use now for 57 years.

17. Who is eligible to receive the Presidential Service Badge?

Answer: Military personnel who serve in the Agency for one year are eligible for the Badge.

18. When was the Presidential Service Badge established?

Answer: Executive Order 10879, which established the Presidential Service Certificate and the Presidential Service Badge was enacted on 1 June 1960. This Executive Order was later revised under Executive Order 11174 on 1 September 1964.

19. Who received the first PSB?

            Answer: Per YNCM Bill Cuff, PSB #35: "PSB #1 was awarded posthumously to President Kennedy and is on display at the Kennedy Library. Badges #2, 3 and 4 were issued to Kennedy's military aides: General Chester V. Clifton, USA, General Godfrey T. McHugh, USAF, and Captain Tazewell T. Shepard, USN."

20. What is the 1600 Communications Association?

Answer: The 1600 Communications Association is a WHCA Alumni Association made up of former and current WHCA members.

21. Who is eligible to join the 1600 Communications Association?

Answer: Anyone currently serving or who has served in the Agency is eligible to join.

22. Who was the first president of the 1600 Communications Association?

Answer: Colonel George J. McNally

23. Counting President Donald J Trump, how many Presidents has the Agency served?

Answer: WHCA has served 15 different Presidents

24. Counting the current WHCA Commander COL Brian Jorgenson how many how many have served in that capacity?

            Answer: 30 from Mar 1946 to Present (for a complete list of WHCA Commanders see Blog post WHCA NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS)

25.  Who was the first Woman to be assigned to WHCA

              Answer: The first women were Debbie Gibson and Lois Poswiatowski and they both were assigned to The Photo Lab in 1973 when WHCA was still in Georgetown.