History of the Office of Special Activities (Inception – 1969)

Description

CIA’s Office of Special Activities: Covert Reconnaissance History

• 1954:The Office of Special Activities (OSA) is informally created as a small project group of approximately six people.
• Richard M. Bissell Jr., then Special Assistant for Policy Coordination, Office of the DCI (SAPC/DCI), leads this group.
• Project AQUATONE, the cryptonym for the CIA’s high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft (the Lockheed U-2), is initiated.
• A formal agreement is signed between Director of Central Intelligence John Foster Dulles and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Nathan Twining, to delineate responsibilities for the covert development and operation of the U-2 aircraft.
• The acquisition of Watertown Airstrip, later known as Area 51, Groom Lake, and Watertown Strip, takes place.
• 1950s (specific date not given, but after 1954):The Lockheed U-2 spy plane, nicknamed “Dragon Lady,” begins operation by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the CIA.
• May Day 1960:“The May Day 1960 Incident” occurs, referring to the shoot-down of a U-2 aircraft over the Soviet Union.
• Through 1969:The OSA continues to conceive, develop, produce, and operate integrated covert photographic and electronic intelligence collection systems using manned and unmanned aircraft and space vehicles.
• High-altitude reconnaissance is developed at and launched from Area 51, supporting projects such as the U-2, OXCART A-12, SR-71, CORONA, and other high-altitude reconnaissance efforts.
• Test programs for these aircraft are conducted at Watertown (Area 51).
• Chinese (Taiwanese) and British participation in the U-2 program occurs.
• Intelligence acquired from the U-2 program has an effect on U.S. National Policy.
• Projects and sub-projects covered include Lockheed D-21 (Project Tagboard), Operation SOFT TOUCH, and Operation GRAND SLAM.

Cast of Characters

• Richard M. Bissell Jr.: Led the small project group that formed the Office of Special Activities (OSA) in 1954. At the time, he was the Special Assistant for Policy Coordination, Office of the DCI (SAPC/DCI), and was instrumental in the covert development and operation of the U-2 aircraft (Project AQUATONE).
• John Foster Dulles: Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) in 1954. He signed the formal agreement with the Air Force, delineating responsibilities for the U-2 program.
• General Nathan Twining: Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 1954. He signed the formal agreement with the Director of Central Intelligence, John Foster Dulles, regarding the U-2 program.
• Helen Kleyla: Co-author of the “History of the Office of Special Activities from Inception to 1969 (1969)” for the CIA.
• Robert Hern: Co-author of the “History of the Office of Special Activities from Inception to 1969 (1969)” for the CIA.