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62-496: Thomas Wright, a florist from Los Angeles, set up a camp in Crystal Hills Wash in 1918 and prepared an area for salt mining, where he had previously found some minerals. He and his reconnaissance team needed to transport their supplies by truck from Randsburg on inadequate tracks over a distance of 40 miles (64 km). Building a narrow-gauge railway line was considered to be too expensive, so that they decided to build

124-401: A double-flanged steel wheel ran at either end. To balance the vehicle, it had spring-suspended steel rollers with 8 inches (20 cm) height and 8 inches (20 cm) diameter. The couplings between the carriages were reused from scrapped Los Angeles trams. The load was stored in two containers on either side of the vehicles, to keep the center of gravity as low as possible, similar to loading

186-406: A maximum of 3,400 pounds (1.5t) while the carriages could carry 8,500 pounds (3.9t) each. The maximum downhill speed was 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) and in the flat area 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) could be reached. Normal operating speed was 8 miles per hour (13 km/h) on the uphill and up to 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) in the flat area. The monorail was disassembled for scrap in

248-652: A median income of $ 53,750 versus $ 21,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $ 23,602. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line . The lost 1913 movie The Mystery of Yellow Aster Mine was filmed in Randsburg. South of Suez , starring George Brent and released in November 1940, was filmed in Randsburg. The video for Calvin Harris 's platinum single, Feel So Close ,

310-587: A military reservation of approximately 1,000 square miles (3,000 km ) in the area of the present Fort Irwin. In 1942, the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Range was renamed Camp Irwin, in honor of Major General George LeRoy Irwin , commander of the 57th Field Artillery Brigade during World War I , and it was subsumed into the Desert Training Center as one of its cantonment areas and some of its ranges. Two years later, Camp Irwin

372-597: A monorail on wooden trestles. They founded the American Magnesium Company to construct the monorail track from freshly logged Douglas firs , which were shipped to San Pedro and then transported by the Trona Railway to the sidings at Magnesia near Searles. Construction began in 1922 and by September they had passed the half-way point with 15 of 28 miles (25 of 45 km). The monorail was completed and inaugurated in 1924. It became known as

434-571: A proof of concept FX for establishing Irwin as the NTC, the 3rd Battalion 67th Armor, 2nd Armored Division from Fort Hood , Texas in operation TASK FORCE IRWIN III, 1 Aug – 14 Sept, 1979, and 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas in spring 1981. Also Ft Irwin and the 1st CAV tested and implemented the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). Infantry and armor units first augmented

496-740: A prototype by the US Army's Fort Hunter-Liggett with Systems and Software design the BDM , the NTC system was the first to augment After Action Reviews of training exercises with video and maneuver overlays including time stamped combat events. Since its activation, the NTC has witnessed many other firsts. Among the first units to train against the Opposing Force (OPFOR) were 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry and 1st Battalion 77th Armor, 4th Infantry Division (Mech) from Fort Carson , Colorado in Spring 1978 as

558-438: A prototype was built and a patent was taken out on June 23, 1923. A conventional steel rail with 50 to 80 lb/yd (25–40 kg/m) was installed on a central 4 by 6 inches (10 by 15 centimetres) wooden beam. This was supported by trestles 8 feet (2.4 m) apart. 2 by 6 inches (5.1 by 15.2 centimetres) balancing boards attached to the sides of the trestles. The locomotives and carriages had rectangular steel frames, in which

620-423: A result of Base Realignment and Closure Commission actions in the 1990s, USAF air support shifted to composite fighter wings from Nellis AFB, Hill AFB , Luke AFB and Davis-Monthan AFB . USMC air support shifted to MCAS Miramar (formerly NAS Miramar ), MCAS Yuma and MCAS Camp Pendleton . During the 1980s and 1990s, the NTC also showcased US Army large-scale tactics to foreign military leaders from all over

682-545: Is believed to have been the first European to make contact with the Native Americans of the area. Jedediah Smith is thought to have been the first European American to explore the area in 1826. A fur trapper, Smith was soon followed by other pioneers traveling the Old Spanish Trail between Santa Fe and Los Angeles. The trail crossed the area on the eastern edge of Fort Irwin, between Salt Spring and

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744-408: Is to paint their sign on one of the rock formations near the main gate. Units of all types and locations are represented. NTC training is not easy. The exercises incorporate complex scenarios exposing the units to detailed hybrid threats. Facing a strong opposing force and an insurgent force, at the same time, they must assist local people in towns and villages in the area in any way possible. One of

806-468: The 2010 census Randsburg had a population of 69. The population density was 35.5 inhabitants per square mile (13.7/km ). The racial makeup of Randsburg was 62 (89%) White, 0 African American, 4 (6%) Native American, 2 (3%) Asian, 0 Pacific Islander, 0 from other races, and 1 (1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2 people (3%). The whole population lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and no one

868-646: The California Army National Guard back to the Regular Army returning into active status on 1 July 1981. The NTC was unique in its training approach in the use of Real Time Location System (originally a General Dynamics microwave transponder system; later replaced by GPS); the use of lasers to simulate direct fire (including small arms); and the use of real time interactive computer models for indirect fire along with Air to Ground and Ground to Air missile systems. Originally developed as

930-520: The Fort Irwin garrison with general support facilities such as: The National Training Center element of the Post which consists of the following units: The NTC at Fort Irwin continues to serve as one of the US Army's main training centers. All US military services, as well as other government agencies and some foreign military units train at the NTC. A common tradition for any visiting military unit

992-595: The Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex . The ZIP Code is 92310, and the reservation is inside area codes 442 and 760 . According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Fort Irwin has a cold desert climates , abbreviated "BWk" on climate maps. The United States Census Bureau has designated Fort Irwin as a separate census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes, covering

1054-701: The Mojave River . The Old Spanish Trail passed through Silurian Valley , then west through the Avawatz Mountains at Red Pass and beyond the playa of Red Pass Lake , through a gap between the Soda and Tiefort Mountains to Bitter Spring in a wash in the next valley. Bitter Spring was the only reliable watering and grazing place along the route. From Bitter Spring the trail led 18.75 miles (30.18 km) southwest climbing Alvord Mountain to cross Impassable Pass to descend Spanish Canyon and cross

1116-746: The R-2502 Special Use Airspace Complex . The Fort Irwin area has a history dating back almost 15,000 years, when Native Americans of the Lake Mojave Period were believed to have lived in the area. Native American settlements and pioneer explorations in the area were first recorded when the Spanish missionary Padre Francisco Garces traveled the Mohave Trail with Mohave Indian guides in 1776. During his travels, he noted several small bands of Indians, and

1178-692: The US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). The opposing force at the National Training Center is the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment , the Blackhorse Cavalry, who are stationed at the base to provide an opposing force to units on a training rotation at Fort Irwin. In September 2017, a state-of-the-art hospital was opened that provides healthcare services to the Fort Irwin beneficiaries. Fort Irwin works within

1240-611: The United States Census Bureau , the CDP has a total area of 1.945 square miles (5.038 km ), over 99% of it land. Randsburg has a cold semi-arid climate ( BSk ) found on the western edge of the Mojave Desert with very hot, dry summers and cool winters. Gold was discovered by Frederic Mooers, John Singleton and Charles Burcham at Yellow Aster Mine on 25 April 1895 and a mining camp quickly formed named Rand Camp. Both mine and camp were named after

1302-409: The "fastest monorail of the world", because it could pass the 28 miles (45 km) long track fully loaded within an hour. However, it transported less salt than originally estimated within the first two years of its use. The mine employed 12–15 workers in 1924/25. The epsomite could initially be scraped from the surface using gardener's tools, but the high-quality minerals were quickly depleted, and

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1364-499: The 2010 census, down from 77 in the 2000 census. Randsburg is located at 35°22′07″N 117°39′29″W  /  35.36861°N 117.65806°W  / 35.36861; -117.65806 . It is on the west side of U.S. Route 395 between Kramer Junction to the south and Ridgecrest to the north. Randsburg is in the Rand Mountains , and is separated by a ridge from the neighboring community of Johannesburg . According to

1426-568: The Army's Mormon Battalion patrolled the Fort Irwin area to control the raiding and horse stealing. By 1855 it became part of the route of the freight wagon road between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City . During the Bitter Spring Expedition in 1860 the Army constructed Camp Bitter Springs , a small stone fort overlooking Bitter Spring and patrolled the Fort Irwin area. In the 1880s the area experienced an economic boom with

1488-400: The CDP was 86% White, 5% Native American, 4% from other races, and 5% from two or more races. 5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 49 households 4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43% were married couples living together, and 53% were non-families. 49% of households were one person and 25% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size

1550-652: The Cavalry Trainers) Fort Irwin National Training Center ( Fort Irwin NTC ) is a major training area for the United States military in the Mojave Desert in northern San Bernardino County, California . Fort Irwin is at an average elevation of 2,454 feet (748 m). It is located 37 miles (60 km) northeast of Barstow , in the Calico Mountains . The National Training Center is part of

1612-478: The Department of the Army announced that Fort Irwin had been selected as National Training Center (NTC) . The location – an isolated area – was ideal because of its over 1,000 square miles (2,600 km ) capacity for maneuver and ranges, its uncluttered electromagnetic spectrum, and its restricted airspace. The National Training Center was officially activated 16 October 1980, and Fort Irwin was transferred from

1674-675: The Infantry Battalion was designated as the 32nd Guards Motorized Rifle Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard units would support infantry roles for the OPFOR. Air support and air combat tactics came from USAF fighter wings operating from Nellis AFB and George AFB . USN strike squadrons from NAS Lemoore , USMC fighter/attack squadrons operating from MCAS El Toro , and USMC helicopter attack squadrons operating from MCAS Tustin . When George AFB, MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin were closed as

1736-662: The Layton Pass, whose summit is 3,500 feet (1,100 m) above sea level, and followed a steep canyon downwards to the bed of the Panamint Valley with only one road crossing on its way. At the other side of the valley it climbed with a gradient of 10–12% to the Wingate Pass, followed then the Wingate Wash and the Crystal Hills Wash and turned finally eastwards to the camp and mine. Before construction began,

1798-556: The NTC features is the presence of 12 mock-up "villages" used to train troops in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) prior to their deployment. These villages have religious sites, hotels, traffic circles, etc. filled with foreign 'locals'. These are Arabic speaking roleplaying actors portraying government officials, local militia, police, military, villagers, street vendors and insurgents. They will confront

1860-525: The NTC transformed to focus on continuous counterinsurgency ops that reflected a rapidly changing battlefield, especially in desert climate environments. Following the United States withdraw from Afghanistan in 2021 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, The National Training Center began to train soldiers for future fights against major near-peer adversaries. The Post is composed of

1922-619: The Opposing Force in 1984 as a detachment of the 7th infantry Division, Fort Ord CA. June 1985 saw the first use of M1 Abrams tanks and later in the fall of 1985 saw the M2 Bradley fighting vehicles on the NTC battlefield. The first armored cav. squadron rotation occurred in November 1984. Units from the 101st Airborne Division participated in the first light force rotation in March 1985. The 197th Infantry Brigade participated in

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1984-531: The Vietnam buildup, many units, primarily artillery and engineer, trained and deployed from Fort Irwin. In January 1971, the garrison was deactivated again and placed in maintenance status under the control of Fort MacArthur (Los Angeles), California. The California National Guard assumed responsibility for the garrison and from 1972 to 1980, Fort Irwin was used primarily as a training area by Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve units. On 9 August 1979,

2046-566: The discovery of borax at Death Valley . From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the area began to grow tremendously as mining operations of all types flourished. Soon railroads, workers, and businesses led to the establishment of the nearby town of Barstow . The years following the Indian Wars were quiet militarily. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Range ,

2108-400: The extreme heat in summer. The annual Western Days Celebration starts in the third weekend of September, where the town hosts events such as gun fights, panning for gold, live bands, dances and vendors. During Thanksgiving and New Year's Day weekend, off-roading enthusiasts visit via the town's legal off-roading trail. Local shops are usually closed on weekdays, and open during weekends. At

2170-739: The first extended rotation with brigade operations in June 1985. The first combined Light/Mechanized Infantry rotation took place in February 1990; the 7th Infantry Division (Light) from Fort Ord and the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) from Fort Stewart , Georgia participated. The first MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) mission was conducted at the NTC Pioneer Training Facility in December 1993. During

2232-513: The first stamp mill opened at Yellow Aster. To expand production at Yellow Aster, a well was dug at Goler and water was pumped up to the mine serving a second mill. This and other district mines were making substantial profits, but pay for the workers was poor and a strike was called in 1903. Yellow Aster's production declined during the First World War, and it closed in 1918. It reopened in 1921 and worked intermittently until 1933 when it

2294-483: The gold mining region in South Africa . The Yellow Aster was the first of many gold mines that quickly developed around Rand Camp. The Rand Mining District was created on 20 December 1895. By the end of 1896, the camp was renamed to Randsburg and more than 1500 people lived there. The first post office at Randsburg opened in 1896. By October 1897, the mining district had produced over $ 600,000 of gold. In 1899,

2356-738: The late 1930s. Only some A frames remained. The largest part of the monorail is now in a restricted area of the China Lake Naval Weapons Center "B" Range. The mine, however, is inside the Death Valley National Park and accessible via the Fort Irwin National Training Center near Tecopa. The sidings of the Trona Railway can be reached by an unsurfaced track from California Highway 178. If carriages are parked on

2418-545: The military with all kinds of all-day problems. The largest two villages are known as Razish and Ujen, the closest located about 30 minutes from the main part of the post. The largest village consists of 585 buildings that can engage an entire brigade combat team into a fight. The training uses simulated as well as live Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) and incorporates multi-national forces and (social) media actions. Observer, Controller and Trainers (OCTs) are embedded with

2480-532: The occupied units 39 (93%) were owner-occupied and 3 (7%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2%; the rental vacancy rate was 50%. 64 people (93% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 5 people (7%) lived in rental housing units. At the 2000 census there were 77 people, 49 households, and 22 families in the CDP. The population density was 39.1 inhabitants per square mile (15.1/km ). There were 109 housing units at an average density of 55.4 per square mile (21.4/km ). The racial makeup of

2542-741: The plains to the location of Fork of the Road on the north side of the Mojave River where it met the Mohave Trail . In 1844, Captain John C. Fremont , accompanied by Kit Carson , was the first member of the US Army to visit the Fort Irwin area. Captain Fremont established a camp near Bitter Springs as he pioneered a route that served travelers on the Old Spanish Trail, and later the Mormon Road , linking Salt Lake City to California. This camp

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2604-634: The population) lived in households, 1,338 (15.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized. There were 2,371 households, out of which 1,532 (64.6%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,903 (80.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 133 (5.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 54 (2.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 13 (0.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships , and 15 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships . 244 households (10.3%) were made up of individuals, and 3 (0.1%) had someone living alone who

2666-520: The population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 7,436 people (84.1%) lived in rental housing units. According to the 2010 United States census, Fort Irwin had a median household income of $ 50,469, with 12.6% of the population living below the federal poverty line. The Fort Irwin Solar Project , launched in 2009, will be the largest renewable energy project in the DoD's history. This plan

2728-684: The re-opening of the NTC in 1980, the OPFOR consisted of re-activation of the 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry , "The Polar Bears," from the 7th Infantry Division , based in Fort Ord , California, and the 1st Battalion, 73rd Armor . Once the US Army turned to regimental units in 1985, the OPFOR was redesignated the 177th Armored Brigade (SEP). The OPFOR soldiers were dressed in Soviet-style armor uniforms including black berets, Soviet-style insignias, and used M551 Sheridans visually modified to resemble BMP-1 vehicles and T-72 tanks. In their OPFOR role

2790-470: The remainder was mixed with 50% contaminants of sand, debris and other salts. The return on investment was hampered by the high transportation cost to the factory of the American Magnesium Company in Wilmington , especially caused by the high maintenance cost for the wooden track, which distorted when the beams dried, by initially inappropriate locomotives and by landslides which damaged the track. The mine

2852-567: The residential population. Per the 2020 census , the population was 8,096. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race. The 2010 United States Census reported that the Fort Irwin Census Designated Place had a population of 8,845. The population density

2914-416: The saddle bags of a mule. The locomotives had a design similar to the carriages. The first locomotive was battery-operated, but it was not powerful enough to tow loaded trains. Therefore, seven conventional Fordson tractors and one Buda tractor were modified to build articulated monorail locomotives. Brakes were only installed on the locomotives, which caused recurring problems. Each locomotive could carry

2976-458: The sidings, these are easy to spot. There are some concrete foundations and ruins of houses in the area. Randsburg, California Randsburg (formerly Rand Camp) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County , California , United States . Randsburg is located 17 miles (27 km) south of Ridgecrest , at an elevation of 3,504 feet (1,068 m). The population was 69 in

3038-552: The training units from brigade down to platoon level. Some villages are completely instrumented, including video recording, to assist the OC/T teams in providing feedback to the training unit. Fort Irwin has a total area of 2,579.77 km (996.05 sq mi), with only 0.3277 km of this area as water, according to the United States Census Bureau , however the CDP covers an area of 7.1 square miles (18 km ), all of it land. Within its territory on its western side lies

3100-462: The world. The OPFOR ran 15 training rotations a year against armored brigades from both Active and Reserve Component US Army units from all over the United States. The command centers of these large-scale battles were computerized in a central command post, where each battle was recorded and analyzed. The results were subsequently debriefed to the participants. After the September 11, 2001 attacks ,

3162-445: Was 1,254.1 people per square mile (484.2 people/km ). The racial makeup of Fort Irwin was 5,481 (62.0%) White (51.6% Non-Hispanic White), 1,086 (12.3%) African American , 103 (1.2%) Native American , 402 (4.5%) Asian , 120 (1.4%) Pacific Islander , 916 (10.4%) from other races , and 737 (8.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2,261 persons (25.6%). The census reported that 7,507 people (84.9% of

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3224-404: Was 1.6 and the average family size was 2.1. The age distribution was 4% under the age of 18, 3% from 18 to 24, 16% from 25 to 44, 48% from 45 to 64, and 30% 65 or older. The median age was 57 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males. The median household income was $ 48,000 and the median family income was $ 49,875. Males had

3286-407: Was 23.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 132.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 147.9 males. There were 2,487 housing units at an average density of 352.6 units per square mile (136.1 units/km ), of which 18 (0.8%) were owner-occupied, and 2,353 (99.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.3%. 71 people (0.8% of

3348-544: Was 65 or older. The average household size was 1.6. There were 17 families (41% of households); the average family size was 2.1. The age distribution was 2 people (3%) under the age of 18, 2 people (3%) aged 18 to 24, 5 people (7%) aged 25 to 44, 37 people (54%) aged 45 to 64, and 23 people (33%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 59.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 68.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 67.5 males. There were 97 housing units at an average density of 49.9 per square mile, of

3410-411: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.17. There were 2,090 families (88.1% of all households); the average family size was 3.41. The population was spread out, with 2,992 people (33.8%) under the age of 18, 1,888 people (21.3%) aged 18 to 24, 3,727 people (42.1%) aged 25 to 44, 224 people (2.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 14 people (0.2%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

3472-600: Was closed in 1926. As no buyers could be found for the complete installation, only a small percentage of the initial investments could be rescued during the liquidation of the company. The monorail started at the sidings in Magnesia, crossed the dry bed of the Searles Lake and climbed on a ramp through the Layton Canyon with a gain of 1,800 feet (550 m) in 5 miles (8.0 km), i.e. a 7% gradient. It passed

3534-576: Was deactivated and placed on surplus status. Camp Irwin reopened its gates in 1951 as the Armored Combat Training Area and served as a training center for combat units during the Korean War . Regimental tank companies of the U.S. 43d Infantry Division from Camp Pickett, Virginia were the first to train at the new facility. The garrison was designated a permanent installation on 1 August 1961 and renamed Fort Irwin. During

3596-884: Was filmed in part in Randsburg. Dwight Yoakam's 1989 video for "Long White Cadillac" was also filmed in the town. In Randsburg is California Historical Landmark number 938, the Rand Mining District signed October 12, 1958. The area was home to the Rand Mining District which included the Yellow Aster Mine and the Kelly Mine . The mines started the town of Randsburg in 1895 and later the town of Johannesburg, California and Atolia, California . The Rand Mine produced more silver than any mine in California. The mine closed in 1929 as it

3658-543: Was institutionalized. 0 lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 were institutionalized. There were 42 households, 1 (2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13 (31%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 4 (10%) had a female householder with no husband present, 0 had a male householder with no wife present. There were 5 (12%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships , and 3 (7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships . 17 households (41%) were one person and 6 (14%) had someone living alone who

3720-534: Was later to become an important water and grazing place for pioneers crossing the Mojave Desert during California's settlement and gold rush. The California Gold Rush brought prosperous trade and unexpected trouble to the area. As California grew, and more travelers and freighters used the Mormon Road to cross the territory between California and Utah, raids and horse stealing became a problem. In 1847,

3782-659: Was no longer profitable. In January 1898 Randsburg Railway opened. It ran from Johannesburg to Kramer Junction, California with a stop at Atolia. Rand Mining District California Historical Landmark reads: Fort Irwin National Training Center Operations Group: Ghost Team (Information Advantage) Bronco Team (Brigade Trainers) Scorpions (the Green Team, America’s First O/C team) Cobras (the Blue Team,

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3844-421: Was taken over by the Anglo-American Mining Corporation , who sold it in 1940 to John Cummings & Co who worked it until 1956. In 1983, Glamis Gold purchased Yellow Aster. They untopped the mine. By 2006 all remaining gold-bearing rock had been extracted, and operations ceased for the final time. The town has an influx of tourists throughout the year. Most visitors arrive between autumn and spring due to

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