This week in history: celebrating the Air Force’s 60th Anniversary by remembering Kirtland’s history

Published May 1, 2007
By David Bragg
377th Air Base Wing historian

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Coca-Cola Machine Installed, April 23, 1948
The installation of a Coke machine in the mess hall made it possible for those who did not like the cold drinks served to drop a nickel in the slot and enjoy a Coke with their meal. Incidentally, the only thing this machine would put out for a slug dropped in the slot was one week of Kitchen Police.

Ground Broken for Weapons Lab Computer Building, April 28, 1967
The $592,000 computer building housed the equipment and personnel of the Laboratory's Theoretical Branch. Computers were moved there from other locations on base and included the CDC 6600, CDC 1604 and the Programmable Integrated Control Equipment. Located adjacent to Crumley Laboratory on the corner of Aberdeen and Carlisle, the building was one of the finest computer facilities in the Air Force. This building is now used by the Space Development and Test Wing.

Be sure to save Sept. 14 for the Air Force Ball