CONTRACTOR SITE VISIT, <SANITIZED>

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Animal Partners
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06638338
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: September 6, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 12, 2019
• Publication Date: July 9, 1974

Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 CO6638338 _
3.3(h)(2)
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
6.2(d)
ORD 2957-74
9 July 1974
SUBJECT: Contractor Site Visit,
1. In general terms, the overall program is progressing
as planned, within the limitation of current facilities and
personnel. However, it was mutually agreed that the training
activities should be accelerated. Obstacles to increased train-
ing activity are weather factors and limited commuting access
to San Clemente Island. Additional training sites being investi-
gated include the Naval Missile Center, Point Mugu; Anacapa
Island National Monument (Department of Interior); private
facilities in the Ventura County coastal region; and
In the interim perioa,
prior to the acquisition of additional facilities, will
attempt to modify procedures so as to best utilize limited time
and favorable weather conditions at San Clemente. Such procedures
will include simultaneous boat transport of several birds with
release of specific individuals for flights to target site at
distances appropriate to their particular phase in the training
program. Other methods of enhancing the utilization of facilities
favorable weather, and on-site personnel will be investigated.
2. Additional observations and subjects discussed during
this visit included:
a. has recently acquired a new bird
housing facility in the which
includes five separate buildings with surrounding
isolated terrain areas in which training for land
operational scenarios may be accomplished. This
E2 IMPDET CL BY
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638338
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638338
ORD 2957-74
new facility was inspected by the California Fish
and Game Service representative who indicated that
it was probably the best designed facility for care
and housing of birds of prey in the country. Although
the acquisition of this new facility was not considered
at the time of contract negotiations, it will consid-
erably enhance the research program.
b.
was contacted in regard to delineation
of the work to be accomplished with the $7.5K addi-
tional funding provided by the partial return of
funds from SOD which were to be utilized in support
of the "summer cruise" o eration. In spite of the
30 June deadline, indicated that he would
be able to modify the contract so as to incorporate
the newly available funds into the R&D program.
c. Unfortunately the raven that has pro-
gressed to the six mile point in the training pro-
gram was attacked by other birds and lost to the
program. In spite of prolonged search on land and
by boat, the bird could not be located after the
attack. Such events are indeed disheartening but
must be accepted as a calculated risk when dealing
with living vehicles, and also-accentuate the need
for sufficient back-up birds. We do have an ample
bird inventory which will soon be supplemented by
the addition of three Peale Falcons and perhaps
others, depending upon negotiations that are
currently underway. However, bird availability
does not negate the necessity for means of tracking
the bird in flight over the twelve mile course. The
Navy boat which was to be utilized at midpoint in the
flight path was not delivered until last week, approxi-
mately two months after the promised delivery date.
Utilization of a light beacon during the daylight
hours does not seem feasible. of OT/ORD
is taking required action to utilize modified radar
(transponder) equipment for bird tracking. As a
supplement, of LSR/ORD will attempt to
assemble a simple radio beacon system, transportable
by the bird and which will transmit over the 12 mile
course.
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638338
pproved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638338
ORD 2957-74
d. as obtained a group of "band tail"
pigeons very strong flyers and quite different
from the domesticated variety. He has tested them
with a 50 gram package and it appears that they have
bility for transport. In the near future
will evaluate these birds in terms of training
and�tli�factors required for a reliable vehicle.
If these birds prove to be satisfactory many of our
procurement and bird security problems would be
eliminated.
e. Considering the fact that the use of birds
for reconnaissance and emplacement vehicles has far
greater operational application than oruseagainst
the SA-5 radar in the TACANA project,L jis mak-
ing some short film clips to demonstrate the feasibility
and bird capability for meeting a variety of other
operational requirements.
f. The hawks have completed training for the
land based penetration project. During the next
month an evaluation of this capab11jty iitLiiemade
utilizing a and
perhaps other denied areas, as covert photoreconnais-
sance targets.
3. As mentioned previously, a reasonable degree of pro-
gram reliability will require a fairly large inventory of birds
in various stages of training and maximum use of training time
and facilities. This will necessitate the addition of one and
perhaps two additional personnel assigned to the pro-
gram, which of course wi rpoportionately increase the program
funding support. As soon as definitive information is obtained
regarding facility location and personnel requirements
will incorporate this information into the follow-on proposa
Distribution:
Original -
1 -
1 -
1 -
1 -
LSR/ORD/DD/SU
Circ., LSR File
OT/ORD
WCPO (
LSR Chrono
ORD Chrono
.mav:3658
3
LSR/ORD/DD/ST
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638338