VIII (Nuclear): Comnander Colonel Paul R. Wignall Director of Operations Operations Staff Officer Aircraft Controller Lt. Colonel Richard J. Hynes Lt, Colonel Walter B. Walker, Jr. Deputy Commander Colonel Alden-G. Thompson Staff Officer Communications = Electronics Officer Major Alan W, Ericson Director of Materiel Lt. Colonel Zarl W, Robbins, Jr. Lt. Colonel Warren B, Fackenthall Adjutant Mas‘or Max B,. Ganyard Operational Planning The mastor planning conference for Operation PLUMBSOB was conducted by the 4950th Test Group (Nuclear) at Kirtland Air Force Base on 6 and 7 February 1957. . The purpose of this conference was (1) to coordinate all planned air activities, (2) to ascertain that all scientific programs and projects were being satisfied insofar as positioning and control of aircraft were concerned, and (3) to coordinate logistics requirements of the participating organizations, At the conference, Colonel Carl A. Ousley, then group deputy commander and commander of the Test Aircraft Unit, defined the concept of operation and the organization of the Test Aircraft Unit, which included the 926th sampling squadron, the Wright Air Development element, the Nayy element, ‘the Tactical Air Command element (helicopters), and the MNseivery element. Colonel Cusley would command approximately 37 aircraft. The Test Aircraft Unit was to have operational control over all units and agencies involved in technical air operations at Indian Srrings Air Force Base, and would coordinate logistics as necessary to allow participating 161 AFWLJHO SWEH -2-003h \ 2°