The Final Chapter

On June 30, 1973 the Navy assumed control of Kagnew Station. John Kircher recalls that one of his last interviews on Kagnew Forum was with the new CO (Cmdr. Nagle?). LTJG Melvin Sundin was the AFRTS Officer in Charge and ran the stations during the time they were changed over to become "NAVCOMMSTA ASMARA". Mel reports their leaving "under less-than-desirable conditions" in March 1974. He further reports, "I had a top-notch group of Army and Navy people working for me, some full-time journalists and several part-timers from other job specialties as well." (Thank you Mel for your fantastic attitude and cooperation. I'm looking forward to those "truly funny shots of some very talented people at work and play".)

A photo of Mel's staff can be seen on the website in the Navy Cruisebook --
http://kagnewstation.net/navycruise/admin.pdf. Bill Benack thinks he was the last one on the air on radio and I'm awaiting his further input. I have also communicated with Peggie Ellis who thinks she has the distinction of being the first woman to broadcast on the Rock of East Africa in 1973. She remembers what a close knit group they were. Peggy reports that the last live TV was the 12/31/73 news on which she ran one of the cameras. Mel notes the official final day for Kagnew Station was April 29, 1974.

As you can hopefully tell, I'm serious about this project and will continue sharing as we together build an even stronger FRATERNITY.

Respectfully,
/Sam Hale

Copyright 2003 Sam H. Hale
Published 2003 Rick Fortney - www.kagnewstation.com