OFF BASE COMMAND

The above is copied from a book titled From 'Missile Base' to 'Gold Watch'

It's been more than 10 years ago that Newark AFB learned of its pending closure and more than 40 years since the base's newspaper, On Target, was first published. From a complete collection of On Target newspapers, the Port Authority's Bill Wright created a month-by-month look at The Base through the years.

One Year Ago - February 2006
First NAFS Commander's Office Demolished. The first commander's office for the former Newark Air Force Station fell victim to the wrecking ball. This was not a joke. It was true. It's true because of a little known fact. The first Commander of Newark AFS actually had his offices located on South Third Street in downtown Newark. The Holland-Upham building, better known as the home to a furniture store, is now owned by Licking County and has been slated for demolition.


5 Years Ago - February 2002
Bionetics Begins. Bionetics Corporation officially began operations on the contract for the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory. The Air Force awarded the 20-year contract to Bionetics after a large competition. Ben Fullen was named Program Director.


15 Years Ago - February 1992
Your Computer May be Sick. The Michelangelo virus showed up on computers around the Base. An all out search of the 900 computers on the Base was done quickly to prevent any major damage from being done.


20 Years Ago - February 1987
Parking Changes due to new Construction. The east side parking lot lost 90 parking spaces due to the construction of the radiac lab. The construction of the lab was guided by the Army Corps of Engineers. The split level building consists of 8,800 square feet with most of it being underground.


25 Years Ago - February 1982
Lowell Geisler Named top Missile Maintenance Manager. Lowell Geisler, a computer systems analyst with the automated equipment engineering branch, Directorate of Maintenance, was named 1981 Outstanding Missile Maintenance Civilian Manager of the Year on Air Force Level.


30 Years Ago - February 1977
Col. Bush presented the Meritorious Service Medal, first oak leaf cluster, to CMSgt. Kjeld J. M. Ringstadt during retirement ceremonies for the sergeant. He retired after 27 years of service. A maintenance missile electronic superintendent in the Activity Evaluation Office, he was cited for his contributions to the management and operations of AGMC.


35 Years Ago - February 1972
Col. Jack Massie was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his distinguished performance of outstanding service to the United States during his assignment here. Col. Massie was AGMC vice commander from Sept. 1968 until Sept. 1971.


40 Years Ago - February 1967
Another milestone was reached in February 1967 with the production of the 1,000th F-4C Phantom inertial navigational system for Tactical Air Command. The F-4C system was one of the chief NAFS workloads in direct support of military operations in Vietnam.