CHAPTER XIII THE 926TH TEST SIADRON (SAMPLING ) Early proposals for a permanent atomic cloud sampling unit came almost as soon as sanpling by manned aircraft proved feasible, Following the first penetrations of an atomic cloud, Colonel Joseph J. Cody, AFOAT-1, reported to his organization that manned sampling aircraft could be used for future nuclear tests and suggested that ". . . a test unit be formed to do this type of operation," Colonel Fackler returning to his duties with Air “eather Service, drew up a proposal for such an organization in mid-1951, and it called for C-82 transport aircraft, helicopters, radio jeeps, B-29 sampling aircraft, cloud trackers, survey aircraft, and other~support aircraft to be combined into a permanent outfit, Colonel Fackler coordinated the plan with favorable response, however, funds and manpower were limited and the Korean war absorbed Air Force considerations. The 926th Test Squadron (Sampling) was brought into being largely through the vision of Solonel Fackler, On 1 August 1951, he transferred to Kirtland, and became an air controller for Operation PUSTER/JANGLE in Cctober 1951, During the series, he outlined a plan for a permanent unit to General John S. Mills, then commanding the Special Weapons Command, Following Cperation AUSTER/TANGLE, General Mills considered the rrorosed test unit further but thought the plan too elaborate for the Air “erce at that time. However, he asked for a detailed organizational plan incorperating the command's cloud sampling responsibilities. ‘Solonel “Yad Colonel Fackler's planned orsanization been established, it would have performed the duties which were assiened to tie newly established hoSOth Test Group (Nuclear), some five years later. 261 AFWUHC SEH -2-003h + %. D