PROJECT AQUATONE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP62B00844R000200070132-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 4, 2001
• Sequence Number: 132
• Publication Date: July 31, 1957
• Content Type: MEMO

ropy (3 Recd)
Approved limar Release 2002/10/29: CIA-RDP62B0 4R0002 0'I - 95
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
NAVY Dec n%WS Meese Instructions on IN REPLY REFER TO
25X1A
File
SECRET
SECRET - AQUATONE
From: Chief of Naval Operations
To: Director, Central Intelligence Agency
Subj: Project AQUATONE
Op--5530/mgt
Ser 003P553C
31 JUL 1957
1. The AQUATONE Project in which the Navy, until recently, has participated
on a limited basis only, has produced in a relatively short time military
intelligence and engineering advancements which can foreseeably place the
military services in a particularly advantageous position. Individual
systems, components and intelligence produced by this project are rapidly
being evaluated and tested for operational use and are expected to be in
use in the fleet during the present fiscal year.
2. During the recent months in which the Navy was accorded access to the
operational aspects of this project it has become increasingly evident to
the participants that certain unique capabilities of the Navy could be
utilized to provide new, flexible, secure bases of operation. Preliminary
discussions of this matter were conducted with representatives of CNO and
BUAER._ During these discussions the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
indicated that it would be favorably inclined toward participation in a
carrier based detachment operation. It was proposed by CIA that four (4)
to six (6) U-2 aircraft would be required to establish a carrier capability.
On 17 April the Agency stated that the engineering of carrier suitable U-2
aircraft would be undertaken immediately. The Navy agreed to undertake an
evaluation of the feasibility of the program and enthusiastically agreed
to the worth and desirability of such a program.
3. It has been determined that there are many points and areas within the
borders of the Sino-Soviet Bloc which are of vital intelligence interest to
the Navy. It is not within the capabilities of present naval overt and
covert collection methods to conduct satisfactory surveillance of these
areas. The only means by which this vital intelligence collection may be
accomplished is through covert aerial reconnaissance. Therefore the Navy
desires to participate operationally in this program and to have at its
disposal aircraft embodying the capability of reconnaissance throughout the
photographic and electronic spectrum.
4. A comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility of supporting an AQUATONE
detachment has been conducted. The implementation can be accomplished and
would be in the best interests of the U. S. Government. Personnel and
logistics support, shore and carrier based facilities can be made available
j /Approved For Release SECRET
2O0 9ClA- 628008 Q'290QLW .'M
Copy No. 4 of L:__ Copies
 Approver Release 2002/10/29: CIA-RDP62BQU44R000200070132-0
25X1 A SECRET
SECRET - AQUATONE
Op-5530/mgt
Ser 003P553C
3 1 JUL 1957
As scussed pre-
viously the agency will provide the organizational acilities and the
systems support which is now associated with the project. Upon termina-
tion of carrier operations the aircraft and associated systems would be
retained by the Navy to permit their exploitation in research and develop-
ment and operational programs.
5. It is anticipated that the operational advantages which the project
currently enjoys will be lost in the technological developments of the
next two (2) years. It is considered essential that the organization,
training and ultimate deployment of a carrier based unit be initiated at
the earliest practical date. It is requested that the proposed program
be reconfirmed and that the dates upon which aircraft will be available
be established. The facilities of this office and those of the.Bureau
of Aeronautics are available to assist in the immediate implementation
of this program.
A
Copy to:
Mr. Bissell, Project Director
SEEM
/ A proved For Release 2002/10/29: CIA-RDP62B00844 0O7W '?NE
Copy No. / of Copies Page of