Lookout Mountain Air Force Station

Lookout Mountain Air Force Station (LMAFS) is a Formerly Used Defense Site which today is a private residence on Wonderland Avenue, Los Angeles, California. The USAF military installation produced motion pictures and still photographs for the United States Department of Defense and the Atomic Energy Commission from 1947-1969. 2 In 2011, the property was put up for sale for over $6 million (USD).3 When it was placed up for sale in 2011, the facility was a 50 thousand square foot, eight bedroom residence on 1.5 acre property.4

The 100,000 sq ft (9,300m) facility was built on 1.5 acres in 1943 as a World War II air defense center to coordinate Los Angeles area radar installations.5 When the studio was established in 1947, its purpose was kept secret. The studio consisted of one large sound stage, a film laboratory, 2 screening rooms, 4 editing rooms, an animation and still photo department, sound mixing studio, and numerous climate controlled film vaults. Using the latest equipment, the studio could process both 35mm and 16mm color motion picture film as well as black and white and color still photographs.6

1947-1960

Beginning with Trinity, the very first nuclear test in 1945, there was an obvious need to document nuclear testing with still and moving pictures photography. The film was needed for the study and understanding of the behavior of nuclear weapons. In 1946, in support of “Operation Crossroads”, the first atomic bomb test in the Pacific, the Joint Task Force conducting the test had pulled together a provisional photographic unit of still and motion picture photographers to document the test. Most of these photographers were part of a small detachment of the 1st Motion Picture Unit from Long Island, New York. 7

At the conclusion of “Operation Crossroads,” it was determined that a permanent photographic unit, providing specialized photography and sound recording, should be established, trained, equipped and organized to obtain scientific, technical and documentary photography of recurring atomic bomb tests. Brigadier General P.T. Cullen, who had commanded the Air Photo Unit on Operation Crossroads, was directed to find a site in the Los Angeles area suitable for the accomplishment of motion picture documentation of JTF-7, “Operation Sandstone.” After an extensive survey of the Los Angeles area, the General choose the Air Force facility at 8935 Wonderland Avenue. The facility had been constructed on two acres of land in 1943 at a cost of $132,000 to house the Los Angeles Flight Control Center. After WW II, the Los Angeles Flight Control Center was closed and the grounds and building declared surplus to the needs of the Air Force. In the fall of 1947 the 1352d Motion Picture Squadron was activated at Lookout Mountain.8

In January, 1948, the building was acquired from the War Assets Administration by the Air Force and the Atomic Energy Commission for the Lookout Mountain Laboratory for use in support of JTF-7. Extensive remodeling commenced by the Los Angeles Office of the Core of Engineers and was paid for by the AEC. One major modification was to install five individual fireproof vaults with a storage capacity of 3,500,000 feet of 35mm film. Office equipment came from Air Force supply at San Bernardino, CA and technical equipment, in excess of $500,000, was obtained from the First Motion Picture Unit in New York and various Air Force photographic units. 9

During the period when Lookout Mt. Laboratory was used in support of JTF-7, it was under the command of the Second Air Division, which was commanded by General Cullen of the Strategic Air Command. Personnel consisted of 8 officers from the Air Force, USA, Navy and Marine Corps. Civilian photographers with Top Secret clearances were supplied by the Air Materiel Command and the Strategic Air Command on a TDY basis, their salaries paid jointly by the AEC and the Air Force.10

In the fall of 1949, Lt. General Curtis LeMay decided that the production of motion pictures was not a proper function of the Strategic Air Command. Lookout Mountain Laboratory and all its staff were transferred to the Air Proving Ground under the command of Lt. General William E. Kepner.11

In December, 1949, Lookout Mountain Laboratory and the 4881st Motion Picture Squadron were assigned the responsibility for accomplishing all documentary photography for JTF-3, “Operation Greenhouse.” This was the first time that a photographic unit, specifically staffed and equipped for documentation of an atomic weapons test existed during the planning stages of such test. As a result, it was possible to pre-plan the photography. 12

In June, 1950, the Atomic Energy Commission (later the U.S. Department of Energy of Energy (DOE) made funds available for further construction at Lookout Mountain Laboratory. Between June, 1950 and January 1, 1953 a new 100,000 square foot building was constructed, new motion picture processing equipment installed, more humidity controlled film vaults built, editing and screening rooms updated, a new still processing lab build and a sound stage added to the multistory building, much of which was underground having been built down into the mountain. It was agreed that the AEC would have the privilege of storing all existing AEC film pertaining to atomic weapons tests and development programs at Lookout Mountain free-of-charge. In 1953, the new Lookout Mt. Lab facility had an estimated value of $1,500,000.13

Formation of 1352nd Photographic group

On April 1, 1951 the Air Force established the Air Pictorial Service (APS) with the primary photo unit being the 4881st Motion Picture Squadron. All photography of atomic bomb tests was quickly transferred from the Air Proving Ground to the Air Pictorial Service which was under the command of Military Air Transport Service (MATS). 14

On April 16, 1952 the Air Pictorial Service was redesignated the Air Photographic and Charting Service (APCS). APCS was responsible for mapping the world and providing accurate aerial charts to military aviators wherever they need be. It also produced all Air Force training films, public information films and monthly newsreels.15 On April 28, 1952, the 4881st Motion Picture Squadron was redesignated the 1352nd Motion Picture Squadron effective on May 1, 1952. The mission of the newly formed 1352nd Motion Picture Squadron was: “to provide in-service production of classified motion pictures and still photographs for the Department of the Air Force in support of the Atomic Energy program and to provide such additional production of motion picture and still photography as directed by the Commanding General, Air Pictorial Service.”16

1958-1969

On March 27, 1958, Lookout Mountain Laboratory was redesignated Lookout Mountain Air Force Station. 17

On July 1, 1960 the 1352d Motion Picture Squadron was re-designated as the 1352d Photographic Group with Headquarters at Lookout Mountain Air Force Station (LMAFS), 8935 Wonderland Ave, Los Angeles, CA. The offices of the Commander, Executive, Administrative, Comptroller, Manpower, Procurement, Base Supply, Civilian and Military Personnel, and Information Office were located at the “Annex” at 10850 Riverside Drive, Suite 208 of the North Hollywood Federal Building in North Hollywood.18

In January, 1966 the Military Air Transport Service became the Military Airlift Command (MAC) with headquarters at Scott, AFB, Illinois. The Air Photographic and Charting Service became the Aerospace Audio Visual Service (AAVS) with Headquarters at the 1365th Photographic Group, Orlando, AFB, Florida. 19

In March, 1967, the 1352nd Photographic Group was composed of two squadrons, four Detachments (Det) and two Operating Locations (O/L). The squadrons were the 1369th Photo Sq. at Vandenburg, AFB, CA and the 600th Photo Sq, Tan Son Nhut, AB, Saigon, RVN. The Detachments and Operating Locations were: Det. 2 1352d Colorado Springs, CO, Det. 3 1352d Hickham, AFB, Hawaii, Det. 4 1352d El Segundo, CA, Det. 7 1352d March, AFB, CA, O/L 1 1352d Elmendorf, AFB, Alaska, O/L 1 Det. 3 Yamato, AS, Japan. 20

From 1960 to 1969, the 1352d Photo Group, Lookout Mt. AFS, was responsible for all document-ary photographic capabilities and the maintenance and operation of laboratories and production facilities in the western part of the United States (west of the Mississippi River), the Pacific and the Far East.

Productions

In an average year, Lookout Mt. produced 150 reels of finished film, a reel being 10 minutes of film, or roughly 35-40 finished films. In addition, Lookout Mt. provided film input for the monthly Air Force Newsreel, shown to Air Force personnel around the world, and briefing films for HQ USAF and unclassified film clips for the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Information (SAFOI) to distribute to TV media from film received daily from the 600th Photo Squadron documenting Air Force combat operations in Vietnam.22

Many of the Film Reports, Training Films and Special Film Projects featured well known Hollywood actors and voice-over narrators. Among those who have starred in Air Force films shot at “the Hill,” as Lookout personnel called the studio, were: Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Robert Preston, James Garner, Juliet Prouse, Gregory Peck, Keenan Wynn, Marvin Miller, Les Treymane, Kim Novak, Glenn Ford and Lee Marvin.23 As a Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserve, Jimmy Stewart narrated several films and starred in a series of public service announcements for the Civil Air Patrol. Leonid Kinsky, who had played the bartender in “Casablanca” in 1942, starred in a series of training films with titles like “Kinsky’s Report on Frostbite.”24

Among Special Film Projects were films like “There Is A Way” which told the story of a squadron of F-105 pilots who flew to North Vietnam to bomb strategic targets and often had to fight their way in an out against North Vietnamese MIGS. “USAF Combat Photography In Southeast Asia” which told the story of the 600th Photo Squadron whose combat photographers documented Air Force operations in South Vietnam and which included the rescue of down pilots from North Vietnam. “A Night On Jackrabbit Mesa,” explained to civilian authorities, police, fire and rescue, how to secure and handle the crash of an Air Force plane. “Escape and Evasion,” taught downed pilots how to evade the enemy and live off the land until rescued.25

For years, at Christmas, the Air Force provided Bob Hope with air and logistical support for his annual Christmas tours to Vietnam to entertain the troops. As part of this support, Lookout Mt. AFS provide 35mm film equipment and film crews to document Hope’s tours. His tours were later broadcast on NBC as “Bob Hope Specials.”26

Lookout Mt. AFS also supported the AEC with documentation of underground nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site, Mercury, NV. Beginning in 1951 with Operation Ranger, the first series of atmospheric tests at NTS, photographers from the 1352 Photographic Squadron and the U.S. Army Signal Corps began experimenting with different photographic methods from high-speed to wide-screen. Nuclear tests were filmed in 35mm and 16mm color, in Cinemascope, Vista Vision, and even 3-D. One of the last underground nuclear tests covered by Lookout Mt. crews was “Midi Mist” in June, 1967. Between 1946 and 1969, Lookout Mountain studio produced more than 6,500 films for the Atomic Energy Commission and other government agencies. Many of these films remain classified.27

Personnel

In the 1960s, Lookout Mountain, AFS was staffed by more than 250 military and civilian personnel. The studio employed many talented civilians as producers, writers, directors, cameramen, editors and animators. Many of these “old timers” had worked at Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Universal and RKO Pictures.28 W. Donn Hayes (1893–1973), who coined the name American Cinema Editors (ACE), was the past president of the Motion Picture Editors Guild and worked at Lookout Mountain as his last career assignment. Hayes had been in the film and television industries since 1916. Among his credits were “Tarzan Escapes” (1936), Hitchcock’s “Rebecca” (1940), and “Li’l Abner” (1940). Another Lookout Mt. editor, William “Bill” Holmes (1904–1978) had edited 54 feature films at Warner Bros. Holmes’ credits included: “Ben Hur” (1925), “I Was A Fugitive From A Chain Gang” (1932), “Dark Victory” (1939), “They Died With Their Boots On” (1941) and “Sergeant York,” for which he won the 1941 Academy Award for Best Editing. Barry Shipman (1912–1994), one of Lookout Mts’ writers, had written serials for Universal Pictures including “”Dick Tracy” (1937) and “Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe” (1940), and had written for such TV series as “Lassie,” “Ramar of the Jungle” “Adventures of Wild Bill Hicock” and “Death Valley Days.”29 Many of the studio’s producers and directors were veterans of Frank Capra’s WW II film unit, or had been with combat photo teams of the Army, Navy and Marines.

1966-1975

In 1966 the 1352 Photographic Group took on a new role, the documentation of the growing war in Vietnam. On January 17, 1966, HQ MAC formally advised HQ AAVS and the 1352d Photographic Group that the formation of the 600th Photo Squadron was approved by HQ USAF. The message read:

“HQ USAF has approved the organization of a photo squadron with nine detachments and one OL in SEA (Southeast Asia). To provide lineage, AF advises that the squadron will be an AFCON unit. The 13th Combat Camera Squadron will be re-designated the 600th Photo Squadron activated, assigned to MAC for further assignment to the 1352 Photographic Group effective o/s 8 Feb 1966.” 30

On the 8th of February 1966, Det. 5, 1352 Photographic Group at Tan Son Nhut, AB, RVN became the 600th Photo Squadron charged with the increased responsibility of all AF photographic services in SEA except reconnaissance photography. This responsibility grew over the years to include combat documentation, automatic gun-camera and high-speed pod and blister photography of ordnance deliveries, still photography, and photographic support of the Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF). The first commander of the 600th PS was Colonel James P. Warndorf. 31 By 1968, the 600th Photo Squadron Detachments in Vietnam were: 32

Det. 4 Cam Ranh Bay, AB, RVN Det. 5 Phan Rang, AB, RVN Det. 6 Bien Hoa, AB, RVN Det. 7 Da Nang, AB, RVN Det. 8 Tuy Hoa,AB, RVN Det. 13 Nha Trang, AB, RVN Det. 14 Pleiku, AB, RVN Det. 15 Binh Tuy, AB, RVN Det. 16 Phu Cat, AB, RVN

In addition to the 9 detachments in RVN, the 600th PS also oversaw OL-1 (Operating Location 1), which was assigned to HQ MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam) in Saigon. The “MACV Team,” as it was known, was free to document all branches of the armed forces in Vietnam per the request of HQ MACV. The MACV team covered stories on the USAF, USA, US Navy, Marines, the Royal Tahi AF and combat units from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and the Philippines. 33

By 1968, the 601st Photo Flight, with headquarters at Korat, Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAB), had also been formed and was operating out of 6 Royal Thai Air Force bases. The 601st Photo Flight Detachments in Thailand were: 34

Det. 1 Korat, RTAB Det. 2 Tahkli, RTAB Det. 3 Ubon, RTAB Det. 10 U-Tapao, RTAB Det. 11 Don Muang, RTAB, Bangkok Det. 12 Nakohon Phanom, RTAB

Between 1966 and 1976, the 600th Photo Squadron lost 11 combat cameramen killed-in-action. Four were killed in 1968 at the height of U.S. combat operations in Vietnam. 35

Deactivation

In June, 1968, the 1352d Photographic Group at Lookout Mt, AFS was deactivated and all personnel and equipment was relocated to Norton, AFB, CA. HQ AAVS relocated to Norton, AFB in July, 1968. The 1360th Photographic Squadron, the USAF’S Film Depository, also relocated to Norton, AFB from Wright-Patterson, AFB in July, 1968. The Air Force’s film depository houses over 100,000 million feet of 16mm and 35mm color motion picture film. 36

Private use

As of November, 2012, the former Air Force film studio and laboratory had been leased by the One80Center as a drug and alcohol abuse recovery-center “housing up to 18 residents at a time, who will dish out $50,000 per month to live and recover in this historic treasure.” 37

==

1. The Center For Land Use Interpretation. Map coordinates of Lookout Mountain.

           (http://ludb.clui.org/ex/i/CA6081)

2. U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Office. The Nevada Test Site’s Secret Film Studio:

           Lookout Mountain (July, 2006).
           (http://www.nv.doc.gov/library/factsheets/DOENV_1142.pdf)

3. Connie Tran; Gordon Tokumatsu (1 September 2011) “Mysterious Building in Laurel

           Canyon Unveiled” (http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Mysterious-building-in-
           Laurel-Canyon-Unvieled-128852083.html). KNBC

4. Lauren Beale (28 August 2011) “http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-home-

           20110828,0,1523444.story)  Los Angeles Times

5. “Secret Film Studio: Lookout Mountain” Nevada National Security Site History

           (http://www.nv.doc.gov/library/factsheetDOENV_1142.pdf)

6. Guide To Lookout Mt. Air Force Station, Los Angeles, CA - 28 November 1966 -

           Author’s copy.

7. Outline of History of Lookout Mountain Laboratory - USAF -1952 - Author’s copy.

8. Air Force History Index - http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/426/492.xml

9. Guide To Air Force Historical Literature 1943-1983 - August 29, 1983

10. Military Airlift Command - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

           (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Airlift_Command) 

11. “THE LOOKOUT MT. STORY” (1965) - USAF film

12. Recollections of 2nd Lt. Dennis S. Johnson, 1352d Photographic Group, LMAFS,

           December, 1967 to March, 1968.

13. “HOLLYWOOD’S TOP SECRET MOVIE STUDIO - ATOMIC FILMMAKERS” (1999)

           Directed by Peter Kuran, DVD

14. IMDb. Biographies for W. Donn Hayes, William “Bill” Holmes, and Barry Shipman

15. Unit History 600th Photo Squadron, Tan Son Nhut AB, Saigin, RVN - January - June, 1966.

           600th Photo Squadron.org website.

16. “USAF COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA” (1968) USAF Film

17. Lensman - October, 1969 - The official newspaper of Aerospace Audio Visual

           Service (AAVS).

18. Military’s Secret Nuclear Bomb Film Studio Compound in Laurel Canyon is Now A

           Rehab Center - Adrian Glick Kudler -  “Curbbed Los Angeles” - November 7, 2012 
          (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2012/11/militarys_secret_nuclear_bomb_film_studio_
           compound_in_laurel_canyon_is_now_a_rehab_center)

1 The Center For Land Use Interpretation. Map coordinates of Lookout Mountain.

      (http://ludb.clui.org/ex/i/CA6081)

2 U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Office. The Nevada Test Site’s Secret Film Studio:

     Lookout Mountain (July, 2006).  (http://www.nv.doc.gov/library/factsheets/DOENV_1142.pdf)

3 Connie Tran; Gordon Tokumatsu (1 September 2011) “Mysterious Building in Laurel Canyon

     Unveiled” (http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Mysterious-building-in-Laurel-Canyon-
     Unvieled-128852083.html). KNBC

4 Lauren Beale (28 August 2011) “http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-home-

       20110828,0,1523444.story)  Los Angeles Times

5 “Secret Film Studio: Lookout Mountain” Nevada National Security Site History

     (http://www.nv.doc.gov/library/factsheetDOENV_1142.pdf)

6 Guide To Lookout Mt. Air Force Station, Los Angeles, CA - 28 November 1966 - Author’s copy.

7 Outline of History of Lookout Mountain Laboratory - USAF -1952 - Author’s copy.

8 IBID

9 IBID

10 IBID

11 IBID

12 IBID

13 IBID

14 Air Force History Index - (http//airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/426/492.xml)

15 Guide To Air Force Historical Literature 1943-1983 - August 29, 1983

16 Air Force History Index - http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/426/492.xml

17 Guide To Lookout Mt. Air Force Station, Los Angeles, CA - 28 November 1966 - Author’s copy.

18 IBID

19 Military Airlift Command- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

     Military_Airlift_Command)       

20 Guide To Lookout Mt. Air Force Station, Los Angeles, CA - 28 November 1966 - Author’s copy.

21 IBID

22 IBID

23 “THE LOOKOUT MT. STORY” (1965) - USAF Film

24 Recollections of 2nd LT. Dennis S. Johnson, 1352nd Photographic Group, LMAFS, December,

      1966-March, 1968

25 IBID

26 IBID

27 “HOLLYWOOD’S TOP SECRET MOVIE STUDIO - ATOMIC FILMMAKERS” (1999) - Directed by Peter

        Kuran

28 Recollections of 2nd Lt. Dennis S. Johnson, 1352nd Photographic Group, LMAFS, December,

      1966 - March, 1968.

29 Internet Movie Data Base - IMDb

30 Unit History, 600th Photo Squadron - January - June, 1966 - 600th PhotoSquadron.org website.

31 IBID

32 “USAF COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA” (1968) - USAF Film

33 IBID

34 IBID

35 600th PhotoSquadron.org - website

36 LENSMAN - October, 1969 - Official newspaper of the Aerospace Audio Visual Service.

37 Military’s Secret Nuclear Bomb Film Studio Compound in Laurel Canyon is Now A Rehab

      Center - Adrian Glick Kudler -  “Curbbed Los Angeles” - November 7, 2012  
      (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2012/11/militarys_secret_nuclear_bomb_film_studio_
      compound_in_laurel_canyon_is_now_a_rehab_center)

.

Category:Military installations of the United States Category:United States Air Force