January 13, 1968
The military absorbed the lessons of Pearl Harbor and in the midst of Cold War with the Soviet Union the United States Air Force manned a series of radar tracking stations to warn of an “enemy air invasion”.
Just south of town the Cambria Air Force Station had been monitoring the airspace since March 20, 1951. Photographer David Ranns made the images for the Focus section.
Quoting from the article:
“Cambria AFS is an almost self-sufficient installation, depending on the outside only for some of its housing and for major medical care, which is obtained at Vandenberg [Air Force Base.]”
“Its officers and enlisted men have at their disposal practically all types of recreation, including a bowling alley, movie theater, outdoor basketball court and a putting green.”
“The Cambria AFS library is considered one of the finest among such installations. It also includes a stock of records which may be taken out in the manner as books.”
“A commissary and drug store are other conveniences, particularly for the married members of the force.”
“About 60 per cent of the men live off-station, some in an Air Force housing tract in Cambria, some in Cayucos and others in Morro Bay.”
There were 180 air force personnel also 25 civilian workers on the scenic hilltop. Tours by service clubs were welcomed.
The series of chain-of-command photos at the post office started with president Lyndon Baines Johnson. The two lane bowling alley is the smallest in the county.
The men standing in the hallway “check out the electronic wizard”, what was a state of the art computer in 1968.
Last active in the 1980’s, today the base is decommissioned under private ownership. Property owner Bernd Schaefers is in the color photo at the facility. Asbestos and PCB contamination at the Cambria Radar station have sparked closure notices by government environment agencies. Cal Poly students are studying the property as a project to offer the owner ideas for future uses.
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I was stationed at Cambria AFS from 1979-1981. It was a wonderful place to work. I lived in Cayucos facing the ocean! What a life! This was one of my favorite places to live looking back after 23 yrs in the US Air Force. I went by there a couple of years ago and I’m glad to say that it hasn’t changed much at all!
Thanks for the comment kikakeoni.
I remember fighter pilots who came in on the deck trying to fool the radar, getting jolted with a supersonic booms that rattled windows across the county.
PART OF A PATTERN: THIS Cambria owner, Bernd Schaefers, is a bonafide notorious man — a confirmed immigration visa overstay — originally from Berlin, Germany. They fled from Europe, following some problems with both the German and French governments — involving a lot of money. His wife’s name is Karin M. Schaefers (also originally from Berlin).
They (together) and separately, have been using THAT and other accumulated monies for their vast stream of investments around the U.S.A. — that often result in multiple bankruptcy cases — including a ski resort in Vermont that they began turning into a winter wonderland where homes were built.
When they abandoned that commitment, they left a lot of angry people in their wake.
His Cambria investments MUST be more of the same.
Beware of this man; his partnerships; and family.
Bernd Schaefers has been using his involvement with film production to skirt more-OFFICIAL notice.
Any feds and local authorities reading this should look deeper, and deeper. More is already known. In a blog, one can say only so much.
Oh boy,Anonymous you sure cover a wide range of topics on this blog. One minute it is comical writings about penguins, next you are an international person of mystery and intrigue.If you have something concrete that would make a news story please contact our city editor Tad Weber. tweber(at)thetribunenews.comIn an e-mail you can say everything.
In response to David Middlecamp’s response to Anonymous:
I have written to this blog only ONCE — about ONLY the topic of Bernd and Karin M. Schaefers — during the early part of June 2008.
You have me confused with another writer — penguins? From which continent?
Thanks for the e-mail address. The Tribune may be too afraid to pursue it. Hadn’t known that THEY (not penguins), had cut a swath to Cambria and environs, or I would have been in touch earlier.
Must remain anonymous.
I was the Electronic Systems Officer at Cambria AFS from 1971-1974. It was a great assignment–I learned so much from some amazing senior NCO’s. I lost all my memorabilia in a California fire and just seeing these pictures is a wonderful trip down memory lane. I wished I had been able to see CMS Schuchardt again, but as he had been a Major in the US Army Air Corps I doubt he is still with us.
I was the Station Support Officer at Cambria AFS from Oct 1977 to Sept 1980. It was the best assignment I had in my 21 year USAF career. I learned quite a lot there and I will always be grateful to the fantastic NCOs I was lucky enough to work with there. I hated to see it close and I think of it often.
radar ops 57-59-60 great place been back twice unab le to get up the hill former base comm. yonaitis.kitchings.hoffman.
I worked at K-OTTER back in the 90′s and our transmitter was on the base property. I’ve always wanted to go up there! I heard a rumor that after 9/11 there was a small military presence up on the base, but that doesn’t seem likley due to the fact that it is both private property and serves no real srategic value in the war on terror(as far as I know).Does any one know how I could get a tour up there(besides trespassing)?
Hello, my name is Rick Holliday and I am the person who took the pictures and information about the illegal asbestos removel by Luther Akers (and others) to the local officals. The owner, Bernd Schaefers knew about and authorized the illegal removal of the asbestos. The “manager” Luther Akers was acting on both his own agenda and that of the owner. If you would like information about what happend please feel free to contact me at ricker22@sbcglobal.net
My father was stationed there in the early 70′s.I had no idea it wasnt decommissioned until the 80′s. it truly is a trip down memory lane. I’m sure you knew my father solarBuddy, as I remember the Schuchardts’ daughter.
it was nice to see a picture of the bowling lanes. I remember many times bowling there when i was stationed at Cambria AFS from Dec 1, 63 thru Jul 65. worked in the orderly room for a Commander Lt Col Miller and the admin officer CW Hubele. Great tour. visit cambria often butnever able to get up to the base.
SERVED A LITTLE OVER 1 YEAR (1956-APR 10,1957)IN RADAR MAINTENANCE UNDER DIRECTION OF MAJOR RUSHLAW.
LOVELY COUNTRY, WONDERFUL PEOPLE ALONG THE COAST AND A DEDICATED GROUP OF AF GUYS.
A BIG CHANGE FROM OUR FPS-3, FPS-8 AND FPS-6
GEAR BUT IT DID A GOOD JOB AND ALWAYS RUNNING AT PEAK PERFORMANCE.
I AM ALWAYS THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES I HAD THERE IN SO MANY WAYS.
I was stationed at Cambria from early 65 to August 68 and maintained the FPS-7C search radar. The tower behind the owner is where it was mounted. At the time I was there we had the FPS-7c search, the FPS-6C and a new FPS-26A heightfinder. I remember taking painting lessons from Virginia Lynn and I remember playing music at the Cambria Pines Lodge, The NCO club on the base and at the Cigar Factory in SLO. I had a few girlfriends in Cambria during that time and I remember it as one of the best times in my life. I liked the west coast so much I stayed after I got out and moved first to San Jose, then to Tacoma, Wa and then the last five years in Port Hueneme, Ca on the Central coast. I tried to go up to the old base but was met by a caretaker who said it was private and told me to go away.v I also drove up to Pt Arena and saw the old station…Cambria will always have a place in my life. I was looking at the pictures and it seems I am in the one with the bowling alley. I’m the guy on the left with his hand up who just bowled with the dark rim glasses. My nickname was Zorro since my last name is Sauro…
It was good to find old pics of the site.
I own a small (and I mean really small 650 sf) house on Warwick Street in Cambria. My wife and I bought the house 12 years ago. I had heard that it was originally one the houses used as officers quarters. Does anyone know about these houses? I saw a house just like mine in Cayucos. I would love to go up to see the base myself. Is it possible to go there? Who owns it now? What is all the stuff I see about the base being used for some other purpose.
My wife and I visited Cambria recently and we tried also to see the Air Force base where I was stationed in 1956. No luck, locked gate.
I worked with Joe Stonecypher, great guy, and was surprised someone else was still around after all these years!
Thanks for posting the pictures!
to Mike Workman – the houses were located out around the Cambria Lodge. I cannot exactly remember how many there were. My base commander, a Lt Col Miller lived in one and let us stay in it when he would go on vacation. Had many a party. I was in Cambria several times over the past ten years and have never been able to get up to the Base. A friend of mine was the caretaker for a ranch off Ardath Drive and we went up the hill and viewed the base, however it is fenced in.
I was stationed at Cabria AFS 1957-63, first in Radar Maintenance, then as NCOIC of the [then new] computer section. Went to OCS in ’63, rec’d my Commisison at the end of OCS. I got
back to Cambria a couple years later to visit.
Years later–1968–got out of the USAF and opened and operated an import car agency in San Luis Obispo [Pacific Motor Imports--Saab-Fiat--Citroen new cars]. We raced Saabs and Fiats on the paved streets near Cambria Pines Lodge [no houses built there for YEARS], as members of the El Camino Foreign Car Club. Cambria was a great place to be stationed–so far as Radar sites were concerned. MANY Air Def Command stations were in really rotten locations!
I was stationed at Cambria AFS from August of 1967 through December of 1968…went to Tan Son Nhut AB from Cambria…what a culture shock. Fond memories of Cambria and entire area along Highway 1. I also worked at the San Simeon Lodge. It was great seeing Col. Powell in the above pictures…he mentored me there and he even tried to look me up in Viet Nam, but we never did. I often speak about my tour at Cambria. Does anyone know if the Brambles steakhouse is still there?
The Brambles Steak House is no longer in business, I’m afraid, although it only closed a few years ago. Something about the owners dying or getting old. Wish I could tell you what happened to it, but I haven’t been in downtown Cambria for several years. I know they changed owners of the old market too. Is the old barber still there?
I have not been there in several years and I now live in Illinois. Sorry to hear about Brambles…my favorite place to get a great steak. Thanks for the quick response.
I was stationed at Cambria AFS from Dec’69 thru Aug’71. Loved it there. I have a friend I keep in touch with while there, and just found another on Facebook just last week. It was a beautiful facility, and now to see the pictures of it in its current state are a bit hard to take, but the good memories are still there. I worked in the FPS-7 search radar tower under CMS Schuchardt also, and Capt Bob Cook (saw him at Clark AFB in the PI in ’71). Best Messhall and food in the AF. My best years while in the AF.
Anybody else out there from 1969-1971?
By the way, I have an updated base booklet with picutres that was printed in 1970 or 1971. I could probably scan it and email to whoever wants a copy.
to: Pat Hart – I would luv a copy you can e mail me at stevesolar@hotmail.com
I was at the base until August of 1967. I married a Cambria girl. We now live in Arkansas where I am from.
I was at the base until August of 1967. I married a Cambria girl. We now live in Arkansas where I am from. I believe the Brambles Steak House closed recently–this year.
Would appreciate any information regarding the lawsuit regarding LUTHER AKERS and the Cambria Airforce base regarding asbestos, is the lawsuit still on going, and what courts?
Hey, would that be (then) Lt Mogavero? I was a SSgt in the chow hall during your time there. I left before site closure, cross-trained to computer programming and went to SAC HQ. Got out, went to Fresno State, completed ROTC. Than an ICBM Crew tour, Services Officer, and retired as Capt. Cambria was my 3rd radar site and site duty was the best. Small world, stay well.
Hey Gus, This is Rick Holliday and I am sitting with Owen Kelly right now and if you really want the “whole story” then drop me a email and I will get in touch with you. Yes, the lawsuit is now filed in San Luis Obispo County Courts as well as pending “FED” charges!
To all the people of San Luis Obispo County:
Do not let Luther Akers or Bernd Schaefers get away with this, call the DA of San Luis Obispo (805-781-5800-Gerald T. Shea) and tell him that you want these guys prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Violations go back on Luther Akers to at least 2003 for simlar charges. Bernd Schaefers has allowed Luther Akers to illegally remove asbestos from the base so the costs of cleaning up the base are less. If you want more info then drop me an email at ricker22@sbcglobal.net
Thanks, Rick and Owen
it is great to read some of the stories of the air station as i have such great memories of there my grandpa carl smith ran the mess hall there for many years about 67 till 80 when it closed
Just found the Cambria AFS site on-line. I was there 1977-1978 and worked next door to the mess hall.
I remember Carl as a very, very kind, friendly and cheerful professional. Hope all is well for him and his family.
Sincerely
John Messick
Belleair, FL
for Elby Lambert – Hey Elby I worked in the orderly room and remember well when u wed one of the three sisters. Walt Jordan and I were very good friends.
Helen was a wonderful girl. good too see u r still around.
I lived in Cambria from 1977 – 1990. My dad was stationed at the Air Station up until it was closing and I vividly remember the drive up and down the hill and hoping a cow wasn’t crossing the road as your were speeding around a corner.
We still visit the town at least once a year and during one visit I decided to attempt to get up to the station to see what was left of it, and to my surprise the gate that blocked cars from entering just off HWY 1 was open and unmanned, so I proceeded to drive up the hill all the way to the security gate. There were work trucks around the remaining buildings, so I didn’t go past the security shack – I took some pictures and then made my way down. About 6 months later I had a hard drive crash, so I have very few of the pictures I took left. Next time I head back over, I will try my luck again!
My dad was stationed as a cook at the Air Station from January 1959 until October 1960, his name was Sgt. Arthur “Red” Gipson. We lived in Morro Bay for a short time then moved to Cayucos until he was transferred back to his hometown of Pensacola, Florida. Dad passed away September 14, 2004 and we were wondering if anyone remembers working with him or haning out with him at the base. He also went by the nick-name of “Hoot”. My mom is now 77 years old and we were hoping someone would have some pictures of dad or stories they could share, anything would be appreciated. Please contact me at smittys1@bellsouth.net. Thanks, Dale…
I remember the site well. I was stationed there from mid 1955 to June 1956 and did “get a cow” going around a corner too fast. Loved the area and the drive to Paso Robles. Visited the Hearst Castle before it was turned over to the State, Abalone hunting at Jade Cove and San Simeon. Barking of the walruses. How can the kids of today refer to “The Good Ol Days” ??
I was stationed here in 1973. Working in the power plant, I worked with the first woman in the Air Force to be in the power production dept. We were in the local news. I wish I could remember her name, my photos burned up in a house fire in 1980. Had my first car, 73 gold MG Midget, first girl friend, visited cal poly and Santa Barbra . Took scuba lessions in Sanlouis Obispo at the high school. Connie Shafer (Revara) was the girls name I dated.
Beautiful location, spent alot of time at Camberia Pines Lodge. Swimming in the pool and at the bar ! Cute cottages there too. Lots of good memories, like to hear from my buddies from all over the country ! I am in Richmond,Va. area. My best to all ! Tom Hines USAF Airman.
Tom ….Smiley Barger and myself visited Cambria AFS in late 1973….spent a couple days with Kurt?Patterson there….Patterson had been with Smiley in Vietnam….Patterson played almost every musical instrument , but his guitar playing was alot like Jimi Hendrix….any chance you remember him????
Sure does bring back some great memories. I was stationed there from 75 to 76. Was the first with a club AFSC to go there. Had a great time running that club and playing golf at Morro Bay club. Sure met some great people while there to. Retired in 2011 after 40+ years with the government and am currently living in Texas. Take care everyone and I agree that Cambria was the best of all assignments!