Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul, who writes:
I was a morse intercept operator in the USAF in the late 1960s. I have a nice picture of a FLR-9 at Misawa Japan (now gone I think):
I was at Misawa from 68-70 in the USAF Security Service. I copied high speed code, mostly cut numbers. Got my ham license after discharge. I had 3 R390 receivers at my “position” and numerous different “antennas” on the FLR-9 to listen in different directions. While there I received a commendation for: “Providing information that otherwise would not have been known” I’m not sure I can say any more details.
To me [this photo] shows the immensity of the antenna.
Thanks.
Paul
Yes–this antenna is enormous! It must be a site to see up close. I’ve only seen Wullenweber Antennas from satellite imagery. Thank you so much for sharing your photo!
I remember being told that the Misawa “elephant cage” was the listening device that recorded the audio when the Russian shot down KAL 007 killing all passengers aboard.
I grew up in Misawa. Dad was stationed there twice and worked at this location on Security Hill. The last time we were there was 77-82
Jim Carroll was my dad.
I was at Misawa from 64-70. My dad worked on “the Hill” and was a civilian contractor for Univac computers. I remember the “elephant cage” and am sa it’s gone. I plan to o visit Misawa in Oct 2025 and I wonder if I will recognize anything. My parents belonged to the AeroClub there and we’re always flying on the weekends. I have wonderful memories of Misawa. My parents were Barbara and Gerald Vasilatos.
I served as a Navy linguist there from 88-90, then on to FSK.
Misawa was some of the best times of my life.
CTI2 T. Ewing
I also served with USAFSS at three different AN/FLR-9 locations between 1965 thru 1974.
My AFSC was 304X4, a fixed ground communications technician.
At all that locations I worked in the main communications building as well the central building (located in the center of the antenna array.
I also served at Misawa with the USMC. All four services served there at the time. I loved my job there as an analyst not much else to say .
Ray Gallegos
Sgt USMC
I used to go to Chicksands AFB in U.K. In the 80’s. It’s gone now. There is a lot of info with pictures on the web of these antennas.
These huge antennas are for receiving and direction finding only. We still have one operating here in Germany near the city of Augsburg.
And 2 still in Canada. Gander, Newfoundland and Masset, BC.
It is a receiving antenna how good will it do at transmitting?