Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3
NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011
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Paragraph 2. (b) (1) --- Air Reconnaisance and Photography
STATUS: There are 2 USAF Reconnaissance Task Forces (RTF) units presently established in Southeast Asia. Project "PIPESTEM" consists of four RF-101 aircraft which were established at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam on 20 October 1961 for aerial reconnaissance within the borders of South Vietnam. In addition, project ABLE MABLE, composed of four RF-101 aircraft was established at Don Muang Air Base, Thailand, on 6 November 1961. Project ABLE MABLE was to replace project PIPESTEM and provide US aerial reconnaissance of Laos, as well as South Vietnam. Project PIPESTEM was scheduled for termination on 10 November 1961 but has been extended for a 4 week period, on request of CHMAAG, South Vietnam.
FORCE: Each RTF consists of four RF-101 aircraft with necessary operations, maintenance, support, personnel and equipment and photo processing/interpretation capability.
EQUIPMENT: Eight RF-101 aircraft with associated camera, ground support equipment and two photo processing/interpretation vans.
COST: Not available at this time.
SCHEDULE OF EXECUTION: Currently operating.
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