SHULINKOU AIR STATION TAIWAN

6987TH SECURITY GROUP - 1955 to 1977

(Click to Enlarge) 1970 photo by Lentz


ESTABLISHED AND MANAGED BY DAWG FLIGHT (1970 to 1971)

Website Activated 29 January 1999

UPDATED: December 31, 2023



MUSIC PLAYER - ON/OFF (click "▶" above)
"Big Bad Dawg" by "Shy" (2004)
Vocals by "Jimmy Shy" (Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald, Dawg Flight 1970-71)
Lyrics by James "Mouse" Emerson (Dawg Flight 1969-71)

(Click on Photos to Enlarge)         (1.) 1970 Shlinkou Air Station (aerial photo by D. Bechtel).   (2.) Taiwan Map (source: Central Intelligence Agency)
(3.) Shulinkou Operations Center 1970.   (4.) Dawg Flight working a day-watch 1969. (photos 3. & 4., permission and courtesy of USAF ISR Agency).

Shulinkou (Shu Lin Kou) Air Station, 6987th Security Group, Taiwan (Republic of China), under the command of the U.S. Air Force Security Service (click here) (USAFSS), was a small U.S. Air Force intelligence installation with approximately 1,200 U.S. military personnel stationed there in the 1970s including Army (ASA), and Naval (NSG) units. Shulinkou was active 22 years from its establishment on February 16, 1955 until its closing on April 01, 1977.

Considered a remote tour, Shulinkou was one of the best kept secrets and one of the most desired assignments throughout Asia.

Shu Lin Kou ( 树林口 ), which translates as "mouth of the forest", took its name from the nearby village of Linkou. The air station was situated on a mountain plateau at 834 feet altitude, surrounded by tea plantations, approximately 15 miles northwest of Taipei in northern Taiwan. It was a few miles south of the Tamsui River and about five miles from the Taiwan Strait and China Sea. Shulinkou was built on the former site of a WWII Japanese Army fighter airbase used against the Allies through the war's end.
(Click to Enlarge) Shulinkou Air Station 1958, photo provided by E. J. Ledet

The 6987th's highly classified mission involved the intercept and and analysis of foreign signals (SIGINT) and electronic (ELINT) intelligence. Sensitive military intelligence gathered during the three shift, 24/7 operations at Shulinkou was reported directly to the National Security Agency (NSA), Fort Meade, Maryland. Shulinkou intel personnel had "top-secret crypto" clearances.

The Martyrs' Shrine 1970, photo by Lentz (Click to Enlarge)

Taipei was a bustling cosmopolitan city in the 1970s with intriguing Asian culture, exotic women, great food, and renowned night life. During their 15-month tours the "Dawgs" of Dawg Flight took full advantage of every opportunity Taipei presented. Off duty hours meant catching the first "Smok-ah" (Linkou Bus) down the Hill to Taipei and its beckoning nightlife.

The majority of the "Dawgs" at Linkou in 1970-71 during the Vietnam War were 18 to 22-year old "GAF" first-termers simply serving out their four-year Air Force enlistments and then getting out. The Dawgs remain a tightly bonded group whose friendships have endured back in the "World" long after their Linkou tours ended. More than 40-years later, 120 Dawgs have been located and reunited through this website.

This goal of this website is to reflect on Dawg Flight's spirit and friendships during their Taiwan tours, and is not intended to glorify the U.S. Air Force, a military career, or Dawg Flight's military service.

Please enjoy a nostalgic trip back to "Dawg days gone bye".
(Click to Enlarge) Dawg Flight 1970, photo by Swallom


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    NOTICE:   Use of any of the images, documents, or written content contained within this website is strictly prohibited without explicit permission granted by the website owners, who can be contacted via the email link above. You may not, without express written consent, use, distribute, copy, or commercially exploit any images or content contained within this website, which may be subject to © copyright. All rights reserved.

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    MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR (Shin Nain Kuai Le)

    Dawg Flight Christmas and New Year's Eve Parties 1968 thru 1971
          Dawg Christmas 1969           The Dawgs are "kicking out the jambs" at their annual holiday bash at the 63 Club. More photos and info...
      (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)   photo by Steve "P.B." Swallom

    Dawg Flight Orphanage Christmas Party
        Santa and Ms. Clause 1971     Dawg Flight celebrates Christmas by throwing a great party for many Taiwan orphans. More photos and info...
      (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)   photo by Chuck "Sugar Bear" Castillo

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        ATTENTION:   This highly acclaimed website has been active for almost 25 years. It is a historical
        photo archive that has helped hundreds of Taiwan veterans locate and reconnect with old friends.

        Your contributions to this website will help cover our hosting fees and expenses.

        Thank you for your consideration. Your financial support is greatly appreciated. - Mgt. Team

            For checks e-mail us for our mailing address (Webmaster@DawgFlight.com).

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      RECENT UPDATES

            ATTENTION:   We are always looking for new photos for the website. Please send your Taiwan photos to (Webmaster@DawgFlight.com).



        Memories of Our Fathers - Veterans of World War II   Webpage Updated 23 May 2015
        Corp. R. Higgins USMC 1942-1945   Dawgs and other "Linkouites" share moving stories about their fathers' and relatives' WWII experiences and sacrifices.
        (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)   photo provided by L. Higgins (Dawg Flight 1969-70)


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        TAIPEI PHOTOS

        Click on Images to Enlarge

        DAWGS ON THE TOWN 1969 to 1972
        Dawgs on the Town - Part I Updated 15 Aug 16
        1969-72 photos of the Dawgs and their sajays having fun while "On the Town" in Taipei. Photo walking tour along Chungshan North Road from the Linkou Club to the King's Hotel. Pillbox, and clubs.
        Dawgs on the Town - Part II Updated 19 Feb 12
        1971 shots of the hit Taiwan TV show "The Dating Game".
        Dawgs on the Town - Part III Updated 01 Oct 13
        Dawgs in action in 1971 at house parties and helping a Taipei orphanage.
        Photo by N. Carpenter


        TAIPEI NIGHT LIFE
        Taipei Nightlife - Part I Updated 25 Aug 22
        Taipei Nightlife - Part II Updated 28 Jun 22
        Can you name your favorite haunt? Photos, videos, and maps of Dawg Flight's favorite nightspots. Also "Then and Now" photos.
        Photo by R. Riccitello




        TAIPEI APARTMENTS 1970 to 1971
        Dawg Flight's Taipei Apartments Updated 10 Nov 12
        Great 1970 and 1971 shots of Dawgs and their "pads" in Taipei with detailed street maps.
        Air Force regs strictly prohibited single enlisted personnel living off-base...
        Photo by C. Gnath






        TAIPEI AND SURROUNDING AREA
        Taipei and Surrounding Area - Part I Updated 10 Oct 16
        1970-71 shots of the Dawgs in and around Taipei, Tien Mou, Peitou, Grass Mountain, and Wulai. Also "Then and Now" photos.
        Taipei and Surrounding Area - Part II Updated 06 Apr 10
        1970-71 photos by "Gus" Harris of Tien Mou, Taipei, and surrounding areas.
        Taipei and Surrounding Area- Part III Updated 13 Sep 14
        Photos of Wulai, Yangminshan, Chihnan Temple, Peitou, Keelung, National Palace Museum, and Martyrs' Shrine.
        Photo by S. Swallom



        CITY OF TAIPEI
        City of Taipei - Part I Updated 08 Apr 19
        1968-72 photos taken in Taipei along Chungshan North Road and Min Chuan East/West Road.
        City of Taipei - Part II Updated 28 Jan 12
        Lots of great 1970 and 1971 shots taken around town by several Dawgs.
        Photo by N. Carpenter


        SHIMENDING and TAIPEI GOVERNMENT CENTER
        Shimending: 1950s to Present Updated 19 Jun 13
        Photos and maps of Taipei's glitzy shopping area including Haggler's Row, First Company Dept. Store, and Chien Sing Theater.
        Presidential Office Building and Taipei Government Center Updated 08 Apr 19
        Historic shots of President Chiang Kai-shek, Presidential Office Building, Double Ten Day parades, and government buildings.
        Photo by M. Hine



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        THE EARLY YEARS - 1955 to 1960

        Click on Images to Enlarge

        REMEMBRANCES OF LINKOU (Det. 1, 6925th RSM) - SHULINKOU 1955 to 1956 Updated 22 Dec 01
        Jack Tress's account with photos of life at Shulinkou in 1955 when the base was first established. "I was a brand new 2nd lieutenant, fresh out of OCS, when I was there. Several of the Chinese linguists that were there were in the same class with me at Yale...Re that picture of me standing in the entrance to the tent, that was the BOQ prior to the other metal one that was built in the fall of 1955. You can see the brick floor in the tent. As far as I know, that was the only tent with a brick floor and all of the officers (including myself) layed the bricks." [July 29, 2008] Jack Tress, Lt. Col. USAF (ret.)
        Photo by Jack Tress




        GETTING ESTABLISHED - SHULINKOU 1955 and 1956 Updated 23 Mar 02
        Numerous photos and narrative by Al High (1955-56) a 203 linguist. "The first thing we did at Linkou was go to KuLinLin (Linkou village) to get rubber boots which would be the preferred footware for most of our tour. Work was something else, as none of us had any tech training so it was strictly OJT. We were led into OPS and were shown an SP600 and a PT-6 and went from there. Our OPS Officer was Captain George W. Card, "97 pounds of blue twisted steel" - was the way he referred to himself. Our shifts were two days on and two days off. Great for Taipei doings..."
        Photo by Al High





        ACROSS THE BIG POND - SHULINKOU 1955 to 1956 Added 15 Jan 05
        Del Sylvester (1955-56): "During the 'early years' of Shulinkou's existence some of the young enlisted men assigned to Formosa thought of their time in Nationalist China as an exotic adventure in the Orient rather than a hardship tour in a place where the Chinese Communists threatened to invade daily. As we left the red mud and horrid living conditions on the "Hill" after 15-months for the USA, we tended to see the country through the eyes of a naive visitor; and, in an idealistic sense, that of a protector.
        Photo by Jack Tress



        BOOT CAMP TO THE HILL AND BACK - SHULINKOU 1956 to 1958 Added 16 Nov 07
        Recollection of Frank Fredo's memories of Linkou while there from 1956 until his departure and discharge from the Army in 1958. Lots of photos.
        On the left is a photo of Frank manning the .50 cal. machine gun emplacement at what was later to be named the Hou Keng installation. The site overlooked the Taiwan Strait and the beaches below where the Chicoms were expected to invade the island.
        Photo by Frank Fredo




        THE EARLY YEARS - SHULINKOU 1957 to 1959 Updated 08 Mar 03
        Photos, history and tales of Linkou's founding years in the mid-1950s. Gary Scorby (1957-58) describes the atmosphere of Shulinkou back then: "Taiwan was a real hot spot in 1958. We were not sure how far the Chicoms would go. By info gathered, they were filling up airfields along the coast of China and making practice bomb runs at Taipei. Also, the Chicom Air Force was conducting air battles almost everyday over the Straits of Taiwan. Broadcasts from Radio Peking were telling us to get off the island because Taiwan was going to be liberated. We were at the point of taking them serious."
        Photo by Don Milano




        THE EARLIEST OF THE EARLY YEARS - SHULINKOU 1957 Added 29 Mar 01
        Col. Stark's recount with photos. In April 1957 during the Taiwan Strait conflict Major Robert F. Stark assumed command of Det, 1, 6925th RGM at Shulinkou. Major Stark's initial appraisal of the site: "Although some, so-called, Chinese quonsets had been built for the airmen who were double-decked...the place looked like a bad dream."
        Photo by Col. Robert Stark


        "IHTFP", THE UNTOLD STORY - SHULINKOU 1957 Added 01 Apr 01
        "Old-Timers" will recognize the initials, "IHTFP"...and they didn't stand for "In Honest Toil For Peace"...! Read this humorous account with photos by Col. Robert Stark (ret.) of the origins of the "IHTP" key chain carried by many airmen and officers at Linkou in the "Early Days".
        Image by Robert Stark



        IMAGES OF LINKOU - SHULINKOU 1957 to 1958   Updated 13 Mar 13 / Added 11 Dec 10
        Photos by Roger Swift (1957-58). "Because of my time in the P.I. at Clark AB, I spent just 11 months on Taiwan. I left there in Feb. of '58, so that puts me getting there in March of '57, along with Dan Pentacost. Dan and I were classmates in Biloxi and were on the same flight to the P.I. The reason we were picked to go to Taiwan was because on the swing shift that they asked us to volunteer...we told them we would let them know the next day. The next day, the orders to go were posted on the B.B. (bulletin board) with our names on them. My hometown up until around 1959 was Buckfield, Maine, a rather large farming town of around 1,000 people. Buckfield is about 35 or 40 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, N.W. of Portland, Maine."
        Photo by Roger Swift




        MAGIC BRICKS AND CHICOM THREAT - SHULINKOU 1957 to 1959   Updated 11 Dec 10
        Story and photos by Harry Davis (1957-58). "Over 51 years have passed since I left Taiwan where I was stationed from October 1957 to January 1959 as a Crpyto Operator on Trick 3. Detailed memories have faded with time but I will never forget the time I spent there."   "...1958 was a time of anxiety and unrest for all of us who were stationed on Taiwan. The Chicoms were shelling the offshore islandsand threatening to "liberate" the Nationalist Chinese on Taiwan. We feared an attack was imminent and we really had no chance to survive it. They came up with a list of personnel who were to stay on the "Hill" if we were forced to evacuate and my name was on that list. I thought my life would probably be over before my 21st birthday."
        Photo by Harry Davis




        "FOUR STAR JOURNAL" CARTOONS - SHULINKOU 1958 to 1960 Added 13 Feb 09
        Submitted by EJ Ledet as he describes: "During my tenure (1958-60), we had a "trick paper" which was prepared on 6-ply paper (ah, yes, 6-ply). It was called the "FOUR STAR JOURNAL" (a-la Trick FOUR, a pun?) and prepared on the mid shifts with dissemination within the trick. The first or cover page was always a cartoon, some on the shady side, which had something to do with a person or event from Trick. I had the foresight to save the original cartoons back in 1960."
        Image by EJ Ledet




        RANDOM MEMORIES OF LINKOU AND TAIWAN 1958 to 1959 Updated 22 Feb 02
        Great story of Roy W. Boylan's account of his Air Force tour at Shu Linkou during the years 1958 and 1959...from finishing language school at Yale, to assignment at Linkou, and through his return to the United States.
        Photo credit: unknown




        A SAILOR'S TOUR OF SHULINKOU - 1959 Added 12 Feb 05
        By Ron Crowley USN Shulinkou 1959. "After home leave, Howie and I departed Boston by plane for California, then island-hopped to Honolulu, Wake, Kwajalein, Okinawa and finally Taipei, Taiwan. Our first stop after night arrival was at a hostel next to the Linkou Club on Chung Shan N. Rd. The wooden floor would have been a softer surface to sleep on as the bunk mattresses were like granite!"
        Photo by Don Milano



        "ALL THE TEA IN CHINA" - SHULINKOU 1961 to 1963 Added 07 Nov 03
        A story written by Jeff Kuhn a morse operator on "Bee" Trick at Shu Linkou from 1961 to 1963. Excellent reading for everyone stationed at Shu Linkou regardless of the year...a must read!

        "GOODBYE TAIPEI" - 1977 Added 28 Mar 02
        A short-story written by Fred Reed and published in "The Times Magazine", April 4, 1977, Army Times Publishing Co. With thanks to Ed Bohannon for submitting it for addition to the Shu Linkou site. Good reading and colorful. "...However, many of Dawg Flight circa 1970 will dispute this writer's idea that you couldn't have a "really" good time in Taipei!"



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        TAIWAN WEBSITE LINKS

        Taipei Signal Army (TSA)
        Historical blog established in 2010 by the late John Crum, who was stationed at the Grass Mountain communications facility with the U.S. Army STRATCOM Long Lines Battalion from 1968 to 1969. This outstanding blog covers Taiwan from the 1950s through today with lots of great photos, musings, and interesting info about Taipei, Taiwan, the U.S. Army and military, as well as some fun stuff. (Note: John was a friend, a gifted writer, and a valued contributor to this website.)
        Signal School 1968, Fort Gordon, GA,   John Crum (1945-2015)
        (click to enlarge)




        Taipei Air Station (TAS) Blog
        Active historical blog and roster established by Kent Mathieu, who was stationed at Taipei Air Station from 1965 to 1968. Lots of photos, videos, stories, and remembrances about Taipei and Taiwan from the 1950s through today. He also runs the Taipei Air Station Website.

        U.S. Taiwan Defense Command (USTDC) Blog
        Don Wiggins served with the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command in the HSA East Compound during 1973 and 1974. His informative blog is a recollection of his tour as well as detailed historical info and photos from others about Taipei and Taiwan from the 1950s through today.


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        ATTENTION:   This highly acclaimed website has been active for over 18 years. It is a historical
        photo archive that has helped hundreds of Taiwan veterans locate and reconnect with old friends.

        Your contributions to this website will help cover our hosting fees and expenses.

        Thank you for your consideration. Your financial support is greatly appreciated. - Mgt. Team

            For checks e-mail us for our mailing address (Webmaster@DawgFlight.com).


        The USAF Security Service command emblem (the ROC flag is in the upper right corner) symbolizes the command mission. The emblem was approved by Headquarters USAF in August 1952.
          The emblem consists of a shield divided equally into quarters by a vertical and horizontal line and identifying scroll. Significant of the command’s worldwide influence, the first quarter is blue, thereon a green sphere with yellow land markings. Pertinent to transmission, the second quarter is red, thereon a yellow lightning streak.
          Significant of the United States Air Force, the third quarter is yellow, thereon a blue half wing. Symbolic of protection and security, the fourth quarter is blue, thereon over a sword with point to base (hilt and pommel yellow), a white shield, thereon a yellow flame shaded red.

        Note: The USAFSS command emblem was designed by Airman 2nd Class, William "Bill" Rogers of Miami, Florida (1952). His design was selected from a command-wide contest of entries. ["Wikipedia"]




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