Dear Newcomer: It is a pleasure to welcome you to Dow Air Force Base and the State of Maine. You will find the base a beautiful installation and the community a friendly place in which to live and work. We are a part of the Strategic Air Command whose strength and deterrent posture is known throughout the world. Our success depends upon you; we can remain alert and strong only through your dedicated and energetic efforts. we know you will be proud to be a part of the Dow community and we invite you to join in the cordial relationship between the base and the cities of Bangor and Brewer. This guide will acquaint you with the facilities and services at Dow and in the State of Maine. Again, welcome on behalf of all the personnel presently enjoying their stay at Dow.--George W. R. Zethren, Colonel, USAF Commander

Welcome to Dow Air Force Base. In its role as a Strategic Air Command heavy bomber base, Dow is one of the most vital and historic installations in the United States Air Force. Dow is located in the suburbs of Bangor, Maine and as such, is one of the eastern-most bases in the Continental United States. Because of the fact that a permanent change of station is most often a strange and confusing experience, probably the most important questions you have now are those concerning facilities that are available at Dow, the local community, the people with whom you will work and the machinery at your disposal to help minimize "settling in" problems. We hope the information contained in this guide will answer most of your questions and that you will find Dow and the city of Bangor a friendly community and that you will enjoy your tour here.

Introduction to Dow: This booklet has been designed to help you become acquainted with your new station. It covers where to go and who to see for information pertaining to your on and off duty hours. The back portion of the booklet, titled Community Resources Section, includes a wealth of information on the educational and recreational facilities available in the the greater part of Maine.

On August 15, 1940 construction of a combined military-community airfield was begun with the federal government supplying the funds and the city of Bangor furnishing the land. During World War II, Dow played a major role in the defense of the country. In the early part of the war Dow served as a training base for bombing and reconnaissance groups. In the summer of 1943, the Air Transport Command begun using the base as a staging area for crews headed for Europe. In September of 1952 Dow became a Strategic Air Command installation, and in September 1954 the base was given a permanent status. In March of 1955, the 4060th Air Refueling Wing, one of SAC's two air-to-air refueling wings, replaced the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing. Dow is presently a member of the Strategic Air Command and an Eighth Air Force Installation.

This brochure is presented as a reference to certain information, services, and facilities which may prove useful during your stay. All personnel are at your disposal for any assistance necessary to accomplish the purpose of your visit.--Orie O. Schurter, Colonel, USAF Commander

Outline and research notes for a speech on the subject "Dow Air Force Base and the Community." Includes: History (1923-1945); History (1946-1955); Stategic Location and Utilization; Mission; Economy--Decentralization Program.

This brochure is presented as a reference to certain information, services, and facilities which may prove useful during your stay. Our mission is to organize and train a force capable of providing adequate protection for Strategic Air Command bombardment and reconnaissance combat elements through escort and air defense, organize and conduct air-to-air refueling operations, provide for low level photographic reconnaissance, organize and train a force capable of destroying the forces, resources, and installations of an enemy, be prepared to implement established operations orders, participate in reserve training, and perform special missions as directed by higher headquarters. All personnel are at your disposal for any assistance necessary to accomplish the purpose of your visit.--Richard O. Hunziker, Colonel, USAF Commander

A Message from Your Commanding Officer: I welcome you to Dow Air Force Base and sincerely hope that your tour with us will be a pleasant one. My desire is to make your duty and off duty time as pleasant as possible. I urge each member of the military service regardless of rank to take advantage of the opportunities described in this booklet. The airman who takes advantage of the environmental surroundings of Maine will find himself well rewarded. As your commander I urge you to participate wholeheartedly in the base activities as it is a direct means for raising your efficiency, morale, and the development of better airmen and future citizens.--William B. David, Colonel USAF Commanding

The history of Dow Field dates back to August 19, 1923, when General "Billy" Mitchell and the entire United States Air Force landed on the F. F. Rich farm on the Cooper Road. The bombers and fighter planes were taking part in Mitchell's first maneuvers over the Eastern Seaboard, in the course of which he set out to prove that the entire coast could be defended from the air base at Langley Field, Virginia. This was only a couple of weeks before the famous bombing tests off the Virginia Capes, during which Mitchell's biplanes sank an obsolete battleship with bombs. The fifteen Martin bombers and eleven DeHaviland scout planes which landed at Bangor were, Billy Mitchell told Bangor Rotarians, "the entire Air Force of the United States". Mitchell went on to say: "I see a great future for Bangor as an air base. It is a natural air center, and ideally suited as an airdrome".

Dow Field, formerly called the Bangor Air Base, dates back to February 11, 1941, when construction began on the site of a small municipal airport, established originally as a northern terminus for Northeast Airlines. Most of the construction was completed during the summer and fall of 1941. Numerous buildings for barracks, storage, hangars and hospitals, were erected on what was formerly a low, swampy area. Extensive filling and seeding have produced an attractive area of well-kept lawns and fields, landscaped with thousands of trees typical of the local scene. In 1941 and 1942, Dow Field was used mainly as a training base for bombing and reconnaissance groups, and as a training base for an aviation engineering regiment. One large bombardment group from Dow Field sailed on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary as a troop ship pilots flew their own planes, of course but the large ground echelon went by boat.

Pictured above are four sergeants of the 75th Fighter Interceptor Squadron who recently gave blood to help a small five year old girl from Hodgdon, Maine survive a very serious operation. Shown standing by a 7-101B Voodoo (left to right) they are T/Sgt. George B. Caron, SMS Charles H. Marsh, Jr., T/Sgt. William J. Kessack, and S/Sgt. Charles A. Caron; all are maintenance men for the 75th FIS. T/Sgt. Caron is well known in boxing circles as the popular "Babe McCarran," middleweight champion of the state of Mame. A letter received by the information Office, DAFB, expresses the appreciation of the little girl's mother for the expeditious response for blood donations by these men. "Little Judy Simpson is home and happy, after a very delicate five hour, heart surgery. The operation became to save her life. Now she breathes easily and will be able to play normally as other youngsters do. So Judy says "Thanks Boys" to T/Sgt. George B. Caron and his wonderful friends from Dow Field, who gave the blood that made the operation possible." Judy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Simpson, residents of Hodgdon, Maine (photograph). -- Airman Second Class Larry L. Hoskinson 4060th Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron, has just returned to Dow after completing the Aircraft Electronics Navigation Equipment Technician (ARN-14) course held at Plattsburg AFB, New York (photograph). -- First Lieutenant Francis E. Brandon, Jr., is the Information Officer for the 75th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and will be this squadron's contact for news that one might like to have published in the Tanker Times (photograph).

A portrait of the late second Lt. James F. Dow, for whom this base was named, was unveiled at the Dow Officers Club Saturday night. Present for the cermonies were (left to right) Col. George W.R. Zethren, Wing Commander; Robert N. Haskell, who presented the painting on behalf of the Civilian Advisory Council; Mrs. David Cotton of Houlton, a sister of Lt. Dow; Mrs. Daryl W. Pelletier, another sister of Lt. Dow (photograph). . -- With the 75th FIS picking off the Blue League basketball title at the season's halfway point, our spotlight turns to the Tigers' playing coach, Lt. Marvin Long. A native of Salisbury, Maryland, Marv played his high school basketball there (photograph). -- S/SGT Art Ramalho contributes a column called the "Service Club Lowdown"

The face of Bangor's Paul Bunyan receives a touch up by Mr. J. Norman Martin of Tom Kane Advertising. The job was recently completed when city officials noticed that the paint had begun to chip and asked Dow to furnish a de-icer to use on the job. The OMS de-icer is operated here by TSgt. Robert E. Dlckens (photograph). -- Col. George W. R. Zethren, Wing Commander (far right) pins commendation medals on four Dowmen who were honored at the recent Wing Executive Briefing. Awarded were (left to right) Lt. Col. Willard J. Beahan, Director ot Personnel, Lt. Col. Marion L. Dixon, Comptroller, Major Hyman Mod ledsky, Aircraft Maintenance vfficer with OMS and MSgt. Arnold Heldt, Acting Family Services Officer (photograph). -- A view of the construction currently underway on the new school for the Capehart area. Just started, the school will be finished in time for Capehart youngsters to occupy next September at the start of the school year. The last of the Capehart housing units have been inspected, accepted and committed to the new occupants (photograph).

Friday, November 20th would have marked the 46th birthday of Lt. James Fredrick Dow, the Air Force officer for whom this base was named. Born in Oakfield, Maine, in 1913 James Dow was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Dow. His father was then superintendent of the Northem Division of the Bangor and Aroostook railroad. Lt. Dow lost his life when two Army Air Force bombers collided a half mile above Queens borough. New York. All 11 men aboard the two planes were killed. This base was named for Lt. James Dow on January 23, 1942 by the US Army Air Corps (photograph of Lt. Dow). -- The Dow Taxi Fleet which for the second consecutive month has exceeded the criteria for 100% in the SAC MCS analysis. Directed by SSgt. Maurice Martin and A/2C Larry Burns, the fleet recorded 6,959 taxi runs during October, 1,000 more than is required. At the same time the driver incentive award went to A/2C Terry Rugan for 944 runs while A/2C Gerald Gllver was runner-up with 941 (pretty amazing photograph). -- Mrs. Betty M. Cabeen, wife of MSgt. Richard Cabeen, right, Boom Operator on a KC-97 aircraft of the 34lst ARS is checked out on the operation of the boom by her husband. This all occurred last Friday when the wives of the 341st took over their husbands' jobs for one afternoon to better understand their jobs as well as the SAC and AF mission (another great photograph).

Members of the OJT Administrator Course which graduated last Friday. The classes are conducted by TSgt. Kenneth Balsley, OJT Adntinistrator Supervisor with ATC. A class is graduated every two weeks. Members of this class are (left to right) front row: TSgt. Balsley, instructor, A/1c Ronald Jodon, Kenneth Tauriainen, A/1c William Heffelfinger, SSgt. Joseph Dostie, SSgt. Kenneth Tate, Lt. Guy Bentivenga, presenting officer. Back row (left to right): SSgt. Wayne Jones, SSgt. Ronert McCarthy, TSgt. Archie Fairbrother, MSgt. Joseph Leonard, SSgt. Howard Heino, MSgt. Norbert Warren (photograph). -- A/2c Norman S. Saue selects correct aperture opening for his lens and determines proper focus prior to taking picture of a damaged aircraft part (photograph). -- A/2c Gene Comeau 4060th Transportation Squadron broke the ice for the squadron's hunters last week by bagging this 150 pound deer. He used a 30-30 rifle and downed his deer in Hampden Maine (photograph).

Second Lieutenant Frederick M. Johnson, Pilot of a T-33 trainer jet which collided with an F-102 Delta Dagger in the Flagstaff area of Maine. Both aircraft involved were based at Ethan Allen AFB, Vermont, and were on routine training missions. Lt. Johnson ejected and fell into the Maine woods where he spent the night hanging in his chute harness from a tree. Lt. Johnson says that from the experience he has learned to respect the equipment and stated that all the ejection equipment works just as he had been instructed (photograph of Lt. Johnson). -- A/2C James Wheeler, A/3C Herbert Smith and A/3C Don MacLellan, all of the Dow Fire Department get set for some pre-season basketball practice at Dow's recently opened Gymnasium. One of the finest in SAC, the new building and equipment cost nearly a half million dollars (photograph). -- Mr. Carl E. Babcock, civilian employe of the Transportation Squadron, receives a check for $65.00 from squadron commander Major J. W. Woodill for a suggestion to improve refueling equipment. Mr. Babcock suggested that a quick coupling be placed on the refueling stub of trailers, attaching the outer half to the defueler hose as a permanent part of the hose. A locking snapover ring could then be used to join the two pieces together, making a leak and fume proof joint, thereby eliminating any fire hazard (photograph).

Deputy Wing Commander Colonel Lawson C. Horner, Jr., cuts the ribbon to indicate that Dow's new half million dollar gymnasium is officially open. Standing by are (far left) Major Phillip N. Blanchard, assistant director for Services, Miss Olaire Rangow, Service Club Director (second from right) and Mr. Manual Ferris, Recreation Director (far right). Standing in the background are several Dow airmen waiting to enter the new gym on opening day (photograph). -- Screen star Joan Crawford arrived in Bangor last week to participate in the opening of a beverage plant in Brewer Miss Crawford is a director of the beverage company and is known in the company as "the hostess with the mostess" (photograph). -- MSgt. Arnold Heldt, acting Family Services Officer for Dow was recently reunited with his 17-year-old son, Butch, after having not seen each other for more than 13 years. After basic training in Texas, Butch came all the way across country from Washington state to Maine by bus for this reunion with his dad. Butch will be stationed here at Dow. They are the only father-son Air Force family on this base (photograph).

Dow's new RAMAC machine prints the daily financial statement of the Base Supply Account as Col. George W. R. Zethren, Wing Commander, and Captain William A. Brazill, Assistant Base Supply Officer look on. The information is stored in RAMAC's "memory drums" and is made available to the Base Supply Officer and th'l Financial Services division. The entire operation is complete in just seven minutes. The same job previously took three people and the facilities of the . base· machine room five days to complete (photograph). RAMAC = Random Access Method of Accounting. -- Recent births to Dow personnel and spouse included sons born to Mr. & Mrs. Murray Hennigar, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Leville, Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Luther, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Carrigan, Mr. & Mrs. Chester L. Harris, and daughters to Mr. & Mrs. James E. Gettinger, Mr. & Mrs. Richard McKale, and Mr. & Mrs. Rene Poirer. -- Miss Pricilla Dogde, Dow Base librarian, attended a conference in Tallahassee, Florida.

Sgt. Gerald w. Icenogle FMS, Class 59G or the Dow NCO Prep School accepts the class honor award. SSgt. Carl R. Terry, also of FMS, won the same award during graduating exercises for class 59H thereby making morale and esprite in that squadron stand way high (photograph). -- The Installations Squadron tag football team, this year's base champions. Members are, standing (left to right) Jack Keith, Wilbur Wright, Salvador Domingues, Glenn Roberson, Don Plamondon, Francis Woody, Robert Meyers, Richard Olson, Edgell Anderson, George Parker. Kneeling (left to right) Wiley Bratcher, Hubert Cannon, Michael Oominsky, George Hoshino, Patrick Gallagher, Galen Creighton, Dean Welts, "Gus" Gustafson, and Don Double (manager) (photograph). -- Two new Dental Officers arrived at Dow. These men were Harold H. Gardy and Stanley S. Gold (photographs).

Another member of the Dow chapter of the SAC Aero club to recenclv fly solo was Mrs Ann Mllls. Mrs. Mills is the wife of 1st Lt. Leo T. Mills, an Aircraft Commander with the 71st Refueling Squadron (includes picture). -- Fire station personnel who successfully completed their High School GED tests surround TSgt. Newell Hersey (back row, third from left) education NCO for the 4060th Installations Sq. Pictured are, back row (left to right): A/3C Robert Staley, A/2C Junior Patton, A/3C Curtis Peterson. Front row (left to right) SSgt. Frank Walters, A/2C James Johnson, A/2C Patric Kartes and A/ C William Rankin (includes photograph). -- Six Dowmen reenlisted. These were: James R. Thrower, Edward C. Niedorowski, William S. Haney, Ezra W. Dougherty, James Eskdale, and Richard A. Petrie.

Dow AFB was the scene this week of the annual NCO Executive and Advisory Council meeting. Members began arriving here last Saturday from all Eighth Air Force Bases. The week was highlighted by the arrival of Major General Walter C. Sweeney, Jr., Commander 8th AF. --Delegates to the council were: MSgt. Stephens, Westover AFB; MSgt. Shoar, MacDill AFB; MSgt. Pollack, Thule AFB; MSgt. Skeritt, Westover AFB; MSgt. Cawvey, Lockbourne; MSgt Holland Turner AFB; SSgt. Varela, Goose Bay AFB; MSgt. Kendall, Loring AFB; SMSgt. Popalis, Hunter AFB; SMSgt. Barrett, Griffiss AFB; MSgt Topoel, Presque lsle AFB; MSgt Kubler, Plattsburgh AFB; MSgt. Metheny, McCoy AFB; SMSgt. Cauthon, Sonderstrom Fjiord AFB; SMSgt. Hancock, Eglin AFB; SMSgt. Wheeler, Hamey AFB; SMSgt. Salon, Westover AFB; SMSgt Neher, Plattsburgh AFB; SMSgt. Leonard, Pease AFB; SMSgt Hufford, Westover APB; SMSgt Wester, Ernest Harmon AFB; MSgt. Streeter, Seymore Johnson APB; SMSgt Martin, Westover AFB. MSgt. Lathrop, Dow AFB; SMSgt. Mayer, Homestead AFB; SMSgt. Sloan, Kindley AFB, SMSgt Boderhammer, SAC HQ Captain Wilkinson, Advisor from Westover AFB (photographs of all men are present). -- The annual meeting of the Maine Library Association was held recently in Bangor. At the end of the annual meeting last Friday there. was an open house and tea at the Dow Library. The base provided transportation from the meeting site to the library and return. Pictured above are (l to r) Miss Hazelton, Maine State Librarian; Mrs. Alvin Thiessen, wife of Chief of Reference Service UN; Mr. John McKenna, Librarian, Colby College; Miss Elinor Ferguson, Executive Secretary of Public Library Association, Division of ALA; Mrs. Marian Stubbs, retired Maine State Librarian; Miss Priscilla Dodge, Dow AFB Librarian (photograph).

The LWO crews pictured above have been chosen to represent Dow at the forthcoming refueling competition. At left is the crew of Captain Eugene Rauniker. (L to r) Capt. Rauniker, Aircraft Commander; Lt. Hermon Raul, Pilot; Lt. Richard Miles, Navigator; MSgt. Alfred Carignan, Flight Engineer and SSgt. Joseph Hachey, Boom Operator. At right is the crew of Captain Joseph Moran. (L to r) standing, Capt. Moran, Aircraft Commander; Lt. Dave West, Navigator; and MSgt. George Lackband. Kneeling, (l to r) Lt. Merrill Green, Pilot and SSgt. Bill Williams, Boom Operator (includes two photographs). -- Captain J. W. Henderson, Commander, 4060th Combat Defense Squadron, congratulates A/3C Richard D. Willet, who recently made a perfect score on his three leveI OJT test. This is the first such score in the Combat Defense Squadron since 1952 (photograph). -- The men pictured above have just completed a course of instructions on Aircraft Maintenance Technician, for the F101B aircraft. Certificates of completion were presented by Lt. Col. H. I. Hill, Commander, 75th FIS. Classes were conducted by TSgt. Herman Parker and TSgt. William Carmon. Instructors and students are (l to r) first row, TSgt. Carmon, SSgt. Richard Witherly, TSgt. Roger Williams, A/3c Howard Wickland and Colonel Hill. Second row, A/2C Richard Shorey, A/1C Gerald Shay and TSgt. Olin Cody (photograph).

Dow Air Force Base will be open to the general public on Saturday, September 19th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. according to Lt. Col. David G . Bellemere, Project Officer for the Open House. Colonel Bellemere stated that all units stationed at Dow will have their aircraft on display including the F-101B Voodoo with the 75th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Unit buildings open for inspection are the Base Chapel, Service Club, NCO Dining Hall Fire Station Electronics Hobby' Shop, one of the new dormitories, and the parachute shop. -- The second increment of Capehart Housing will be inspected by the Air Force Acceptance Inspection team on 16 September 1959. -- Dig that cat says Donald Ham to sister Kay, who's holding their playful pet at the quarters area. The kids were out enjoying some of the fine September weather and the cat "Tiny Peanuts" just didn't run fast enough. Kay and Donald are the son and daughter of MSgt. and Mrs. Wilbur Ham (includes photograph). -- Re-enlisting for six years is A/1C Joseph S. Deason, AACS control tower and GCA controller. Swearing in Airman Deason is Captain Earl R. Tweedie, 1292- 2 AACS Detachment Commander. Before coming to Dow Airman Deason saw overseas duty in the Philippines (photograph).

A/ 3 C Norman Vogt of the Wing Personnel section seeks information from Mrs. Nellie B. Banton, Bangor-Brewer Travelers Air Society representative. This service is made available to Dow personnel by the Bangor-Brewer United Fund. In 1958 assistance was provided to 177 servicemen and their families (includes photograph of Mrs. Banton and Mr. Vogt). -- Major Jules L. Cahan recently arrived at Dow & will serve as the Director of Dental Services (photograph). -- A/2C Joel Rudom of Base Police is shown redirecting Mr. Wallace Marshall and family of Orangville, Ontario, who mistook new construction on the base as road construction for Route 2 (photograph).