On April 7, 2022, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) added a blog post titled “Have You Ever Heard of the Blue Cube?” about Onizuka Air Force Station. While I was excited to read something about the Blue Cube that was “new,” I wanted to punch my computer screen after I read it. So, in typicalContinue reading “Comments on “Have You Ever Heard of the Blue Cube?””
Author Archives: joepageii
History of the First Strategic Aerospace Division (1 STRAD)
Ode to the Tech Controller
I live in the heavens. I reside on mountain tops. I am at constant vigil over thee. I monitor thy righteous ways. Thy levels art mine to command. When thou art in trouble, I will help thee through distorted times. When thou art low, the touch of my hand shall raise thy spirit to theContinue reading “Ode to the Tech Controller”
Tilting at Windmills (Pt. 1)
RE: Copyright Fair Use of United States Air Force Emblem in Historical Book Dear Senator [———], My name is Joseph T. Page II and I’m an author, military veteran, and constituent who resides in your state. I’ve been given a cease-and-desist order by the United States Air Force Trademark Licensing division about the use ofContinue reading “Tilting at Windmills (Pt. 1)”
A Roadrunner Trying to Stay Warm
A few years ago, I saw a bird like this sitting on a rock in my front yard. I’d lived in New Mexico most of my adult life, but I did not know which species it was… until s/he decided to run off to another sunspot in the yard. Holy cow… it was a roadrunner.Continue reading “A Roadrunner Trying to Stay Warm”
Not a Fan of Politicians… or their Staffers
Backstory on this response letter: way back in 2010 or 2011, the NRO was doing their thing and taking their sweet-ass time in declassifying the existence of Gambit and Hexagon. Now, this would have been the first major declassification effort since Corona (1995), so it was kept under wraps pretty well, but the audience wasContinue reading “Not a Fan of Politicians… or their Staffers”
Bad Aibling: A Legacy of Excellence
Going through some old FOIA requests, and found this: history of U.S. Army at Bad Aibling Station in Bavaria. Written at the unclassified level, so you’re not going to find much about operations in this monograph. Enjoy! https://archive.org/details/bad-aibling-station-legacy-of-excellence
Commentary on VA Claim for Tinnitus
So I had a bit of a verbal tussle with someone on FB, after I posted a paperwork package to submit a claim for Tinnitus (that damn ringing in the ears) for fellow Missile Combat Crew Members (aka “missileers”). If you’re in need of an assist to file your VA claim for Tinnitus, see theContinue reading “Commentary on VA Claim for Tinnitus”
Words I never thought I’d see in print…
https://futurism.com/the-byte/space-force-first-weapon-satellite-jammer Some of these folks went on to bigger and better things… some did not. This photo was taken for some ass-hat general as a “thank you” from the 4SPCS. The asshole in the front (wearing the sunglasses) told one of his officers to “make this [photo] happen.” Therein lies the story of why thisContinue reading “Words I never thought I’d see in print…”
Q.E.D. – The Casa Grande Photogrammetric Test Range
THE CASA GRANDE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC TEST RANGE ABSTRACTThe Casa Grande Photogrammetric Test Range was established in the mid-sixties to test the dynamic performance of aerial cartographic cameras. A discussion of-the test range design and the field surveys required to establish it is presented. In addition, the photogrammetric procedures normally used to test aerial mapping cameras usingContinue reading “Q.E.D. – The Casa Grande Photogrammetric Test Range”
Joseph T. Page II 