Railroaders' Nostalgia > Info on the 1964 military moves to Barstow CA

1964, saw a very large military training in the Mojave Desert region, exenting east to Needles, west to Mojave.  Many special trains were operated to bring troops in.  My guess was at least 15-20.   This was not the norma Ft Irwin training move as we kknow today.  Its thought to have been last large troop move by rail.

Any Rails remember these moves. ?  Have only details of one move from Butte MT to Barstow on the UP, , A 19 sleepers, 2 diners, 2 baggage train.  Looking for more info.

You can contact by private message or   edmundv@sbcglobal.net

Thanks,  Ed



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/18 11:30 by mundo.

I don't know about the railroad aspects of the exercise; IIRC Operation Desert Strike was conducted in 1964.
While hiking in the desert afterward, we found MASSIVE amounts of litter strewn throught the area.
My father pointed out that opposing forces had many clues as to their 'enemies' movements and intentions.
...Lorenzo

My face is red,  it was 1964 for the big move.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/20/18 19:08 by mundo.

I worked for the Santa Fe at Barstow as a hostler or yard fireman from June till December 1964 and did not notice any out of the ordinary activity in that time frame.

Mark

Just to confirm what others have said, it was Exercise Desert Strike conducted in May of 1964. My Dad participated; at that time he was with the Sixth Army and stationed at Fort Ord.

Involved 100,000+ troops, making it the largest stateside excercise since WWII.

Thanks Highspeed,  that clears the time frame up.  Ed

'Looks like I just missed that.  I arrived at Ft. Ord in mid-June 1964 for "basic training."
Interesting that I don't recall hearing anything about it from the troops who were there at the time.

Greg Stadter
Phoenix, AZ