United States Air Force Security Service

USAFSS was tasked to carry out a cryptologic mission and to provide communications security for the newly-established Air Force.

[4] Some of the many world events in which USAFSS processed and reported special intelligence information include the Korean War, Middle Eastern conflicts, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, as well as College Eye[1] and COMBAT APPLE [5] The USAFSS was tasked with monitoring, collecting and interpreting military voice and electronic signals from countries of interest.

It grew to an authorized strength of 17,143 airmen, officers, and civilians by the end of the Korean War,[1] with more than 28,000 personnel at its peak.

Airborne units flew from bases around the world, skirting sensitive areas and collecting data in a variety of aircraft, including C-47s, RB-47s C-130s, EC-121s, and RC-135s.

[3] The Airborne Communications Reconnaissance Program (ACRP) was initiated in 1955, engaging in flights collecting Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) along the coasts of China, North Korea, and the Soviet Far East.

[7] On 29 July 1953, a 343d Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron RB-50G-2 was shot down off the USSR coast near Vladivostok, and resulted in the first loss of USAFSS airborne operators in a hostile act.

[1] In 1964, the USAFSS began using the C-47 Airborne Direction Finding platform, providing intelligence to U.S. and friendly commanders throughout Southeast Asia.

[9] From 1964 to 1971, Kadena AB was the home-base for long-range surveillance flights over China, DPRK, and North Vietnam by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or ‘drones’ produced by Ryan Aeronautical Company.

[9] In the 1970s, major installations included Misawa AB, Japan, San Vito Air Station, Italy and RAF Chicksands, England.

Many USAFSS personnel were dedicated to this mission throughout their Air Force careers, while others moved between TRANSEC/COMSEC and the more traditional SIGINT operations.