Feb. 4, 2004
Dayton, Ohio

The James Bond-like world of espionage and spy technology is brought to life when Mr. H. Keith Melton speaks at the U.S. Air Force Museum on February 18 at 7:30 p.m.

During the lecture, Mr. Melton will discuss the "Evolution of Tradecraft," which looks at the development of espionage and supporting "spy devices," up to and including World War II. In addition, he'll also discuss his latest book, Ultimate Spy, which remains the largest selling reference book of the last ten years with more than 280,000 copies in print worldwide. The book is also frequently used as an introductory handbook on espionage for many newly hired employees within the intelligence community.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1966), Mr. Melton is a renowned intelligence historian and specialist in clandestine technology, and counter-terrorism. Recognized internationally as an authority on spy technology, Mr. Melton has assembled an unparalleled collection of more than 7,500 "spy devices," books and papers of eminent spies. He has made numerous radio and television appearances on all the major networks and is the author of four highly respected books: CIA Special Weapons and Equipment (1994), OSS Special Weapons and Equipment (1992), Clandestine Warfare (1988), and The Ultimate Spy Book (1996).

Mr. Melton is also a member of the board of directors for the new International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., and director of a private museum, The Spy Museum, in Boca Raton, Florida. The majority of the artifacts on display in the International Spy Museum originated from his personal collection, while another 500 devices from his private museum are on permanent display as the foundation for the CIA's Cold War Museum in Washington, D.C.

Currently, Mr. Melton is a professor at The Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition, he serves as a guest lecturer at the Defense Intelligence College, Joint Military Intelligence College, National Counter-Intelligence Center (CIA) and is an ongoing advisor to other U.S. intelligence services.

Mr. Melton's lecture, "The Evolution of Tradecraft," is part of the Museum's "Wings and Things" lecture series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the lecture will be held in the Museum's Carney Auditorium. For more information, or for special seating arrangements (hearing impaired), contact the Museum's Special Events Office at (937) 255-8046, ext. 312 or visit http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum. Filming or videotaping the lecture is not permitted.

The U.S. Air Force Museum is located on Springfield Pike, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free.

Contact:

Rob Bardua
(937) 255-4704, ext. 330