◆ SpookStack

C. J,MADD: Air Training Base,' Retalhuleu,' Guatemala The initial recruitment efforts for air crews . . began in August 1960, and by 23 September the air training base, with the full cooperation of the Govern- ment of Guatemala, had been established at Retalhuleu, in the western part of Guatemala, approximately 40 kilometers NW of the Pacific Coast city of Champerico.* By 23 September Cuban personnel at the base numbered 39 pilots, 2 navigators, 18 mechanics, a chaplain, and a doctor. In addition, 8 PDQ's, 2 radio operators, and a number of guards had been recruited from the Cuban infantry contingent training at Finca Helvetia (JMTRAV) and were undergoing training at JMADD -- the crypt assigned to the air base. The US contingent at JMADD consisted of 9 staff, a contract cook, 2 contract PDO's, 6 HBILKA, 3 ANG, a USAF sergeant, and a USAF private who also.was a cook.** 16/ When the base began opera- tions, it was made quite clear to all personnel Cuban and US -- that Major Billy B. Campbell would be * See Frontispiece. ** The Table of Organization planned for JMADD in September 1960 is shown in Chart 2 following page 107. - 107 -