September 7, 2011

Shown in this photo are dignitaries arriving for the official activation of the Little Rock Air Force Base on October 9, 1955. Secretary of the Air Force Donald Quarles is shown in the dark suit in the middle. To his left is General Curtis LeMay, commander of the Strategic Air Command, and General Joe Preston, 825th Air Division commander. An open house attended by an estimated 85,000 followed the official ceremonies.