First ESC Commander Dies:

Retired Maj. Gen. Doyle E. Larson, the first commander of Electronic Security Command, died Aug. 13 at age 76. The Air Force established ESC, comprising the Air Force Security Service and other assets, as a major command in August 1979; Larson remained commander until his retirement in 1983. Recently the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency named a building after Larson, honoring his 32 years of service in the communications security and intelligence arena. He started his Air Force service in 1951, training as a Russian linguist, and received his wings and commission after completing aviation cadet training in 1953. During his career, he served as senior military representative to the National Security Agency and led the intelligence functions at both US Pacific Command and Strategic Air Command. After retirement, Larson served as the Air Force Association National President (1996-98) and Chairman of the Board (1998-2000). His home state of Minnesota inducted him into its aviation hall of fame in 2004.