From Cold War military drone development, to the deployment and command of the nuclear armed Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM) in Europe (261)

Cold War Conversations

We continue the story of Richard Stachurski from the previous episode. Part 1 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode260

In 1971 Richard left NASA and was assigned to the Drone/Remotely Piloted Vehicle Systems Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

From 1975-1978 Richard did a tour of duty with the Air Staff at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and between 1978-1981: he was Deputy Program Manager, Ground Launched Cruise Missile Program (GLCM) System Program Office-engaged in the adaptation of the Navy’s SLCM for use by the Air Force.

In 1981 he was assigned to the staff at USAFE Headquarters (Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany) responsible for the deployment of the GLCM to five European countries (England, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy).

Richard was then promoted in 1984 to Vice Commander, Commander, 487th Tactical Missile Wing, Comiso Air Station, Sicily where he was responsible for the missile wing's operational readiness, and his troops' welfare.

0:00 Introduction and background of Richard Stachurski

4:18 Rationale behind developing drone programs

13:12 Design and manufacture of the missile launcher and control center

17:34 Richard Stachurski's agreement to go to the Royal College of Defense Studies in London

34:45 Initial impressions of Comiso Air Base and roles at the base

41:10 Encounter with Russian special forces

45:30 Dealing with peace protesters and security protocol

46:49 The short-lived cruise missile program

51:59 The significance of the Apollo 11 mission

53:20 Cold War Conversations Store Promotion

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