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Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05112231 

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_):af'NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.G. 

CONTROL SYSTEM 

THE NRO STAFF November 10, 1969 

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14 00023846D 

MEMORANDUM FOR 

SUBJECT: West Coast Imagery Collection Exploitation Orientation Trip 

As you may be aware, we have most recently experienced a 

number of technical difficulties in the operation of our photographic 

and SIGINT satellite systems. Some are attributable to malfunctions 

in vehicle subsystems, others have been caused by problems inherent 

in the commanding, tracking and control network supporting their 

operation. 

These difficulties have necessitated the dedicated, full time involvement of our total program force. Our concern over these crucial 

problems and the urgent need for the services of all available personnel in resolving them has caused us to virtually eliminate all but essential visits to our West Coast facilities. 

While we understand the importance of orientations for responsible individuals in your organization, we trust you will recognize the 

necessity for eliminating this type activity over the period of the next 

several months, in order that we may devote our complete attention 

to correcting the problems we are experiencing. 

We will be pleased to reconsider your request once we are able 

to relax our emphasis on these essential corrective measures. In 

the interim, I would suggest that any specific questions you may have 

concerning the conduct of 1· :2rations at our West Coast facilities be 

addressed to me or rny ~taf~ who I feel can readily and effectively 

respond to your nee _iS. 

.0-...) 

LEW ALLEN, JR. 

Brigadier General, USAF 

Director 

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DOD DIRECTIVE 5200.10 OOES NOT APPLY 

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BYE 13356-69 CONTROL NO ______ _ 

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PAGE 1 OF 1 PAGES 

9 //- JtJ - OtJCf 
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301 

HANDLE VIA BYEMAN 

CONTROL SYSTEM ONLY 

5 NOV 1969 

MEMORANDUM TO THE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE STAFF 

SUBJECT: West Coast Imagery Collection/Exploitation Orientation Trip 

Attached is a request for a follow-up orientation visit by certain key 

DIMP and DIACO officials responsible for varied DIA aspects of the 

requirements, collection and exploitation of products furnished by the 

NRP, Request your favorable consideration and earliest response so that 

appropriate actions can be taken. 

FOR THE DIRECTOR: 

1 Enclosure 

DIACS Memo <ltd 4 Nov 1969, 

subject as above, BYE7845O-69, 2 pages (TSCW) 

Colonel. USAF 

Chief. Special Activities Offfics 

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GSA FPMR {41 Cf'R) J01~11.G 

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 

Memorandum 

DIAXX DATE: 

DIACS 

4 NOV 1969 

SUBJECT: West Coast Imagery Collection/Exploitation Orientation Trip 

1. During the period 20-24 October 1969, the National Reconnaissance 

Office (NRO) sponsored an orientation trip by the COMIREX Imagery 

Collection Requirements Subcommittee (ICRS) to visit certain key 

sensitive production, control and launch facilities in California 

involved with the national-level satellite and manned-reconnaissance 

programs. 

2. It is requested that DIA.XX arrange to have the NRO plan a second 

trip to these facilities during the period 17-21 November 1969 for the 

attached list of key DIAAP and DIACO officials. It is considered that 

this detailed familiarization/orientation is essential in support of 

the DIA mission and that the personnel involved have a definite nneedto-know. 11 

3. Based on the detailed trip reports of Diwparticipants in the ICRS 

trip, it is desirable that NRO planning encompass the following 

desired changes: ( *DIACO/DIAAP) 

a. The orientation provided at the Vandenberg AFB launch facilities 

should occur on the last day of travel. 

b. If possible, additional time should be allocated to provide 

for briefings and a visit to'------------~where the EARPOP 

satellite is in production. 

4. Although all officials listed do not have the requisite BYEMAN ttEtt 

clearance, it is desired that they participate, if possible, because of 

their direct involvement in the imagery collection and exploitation 

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Excluded From Automatic 

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HAND(E: VIA BYEMAN 

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management activities of DIA and that arrangements be made to exclude 

these personnel from the EARPOP aspects of the orientation. 

1 Enclosure 

DIAAP and DIACO 

Nominees, (C), 1 cy 

cc: 

DIACO 

HANO[E'. V!A: BYEMAN' 

•::ONTROL SYSTEM ONLY 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05112231