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1960s BMEWS USAF Generals Mainframe Tape Computer Room Original Photo For Sale

1960s BMEWS USAF Generals Mainframe Tape Computer Room Original Photo
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1960s BMEWS USAF Generals Mainframe Tape Computer Room Original Photo:
$71.99

**This 8x10 Official Photo is scarce. No other one listed on-line at time of listing. More pics available upon request.


The room is lined with banks of reel-to-reel magnetic tape drives, creating a highly detailed image of early Cold War-era military computing and electronic data-processing technology.

An original typed label attached to the reverse identifies the individuals from left to right as:

Mr. Richard Molloy
Col. W.K. Kincaid
M/G C.B. Mitchell
L/C W.W. Moore
B/G C.H. Terhune
Col. W. Congdon
Col. G.A. Guy
B/G B.G. Holzman
M/G K.P. Bergquist

The rank abbreviations apparently represent Major General, Brigadier General, lieutenant colonel, and colonel.

Based on its association with other RCA and Ballistic Missile Early Warning System photographs from the same collection, this image is believed to document a senior-level BMEWS technical inspection, briefing, or demonstration—possibly at BMEWS Site II, Clear Air Force Station, Alaska. The exact location and occasion are not written on the photograph and therefore cannot be conclusively confirmed.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth P. Bergquist became commander of the Air Force’s Electronic Systems Division in April 1961 and remained in that position until February 1962, suggesting a likely circa 1961 to early 1962 date for this photograph. His organization was responsible for the development and implementation of major ground-electronics systems.

Clear’s BMEWS installation became fully operational in November 1961. The Library of Congress also documents substantial mainframe-computer installations at Clear, including an IBM 7090 system, although the specific equipment shown in this photograph has not been positively identified.

An uncommon original photograph with strong appeal to collectors of:

  • Early computers and mainframes
  • Cold War technology
  • United States Air Force history
  • BMEWS and missile-warning systems
  • Clear Air Force Station and Alaska history
  • Military communications and electronic systems

Original photograph — not a reproduction.

Photo will be carefully packaged for shipment. Please review all front and back images as part of the description.

Acquired via private seller.


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