179th Radar Suadron

• Origins: The 179th Radar Squadron was originally activated as the 679th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron in 1951, during the height of the Cold War, to provide air defense for the United States. • Location: The unit was stationed at King Salmon Air Force Station, Alaska, a strategic site due to its proximity to possible Soviet air routes. • Name Change: The designation was changed to the 179th Radar Squadron in 1981, aligning with a broader reorganization of Air Force radar units. • DEW Line Connection: The squadron was part of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line network, a chain of radar stations designed to detect incoming enemy bombers during the Cold War. • Technological Evolution: Over the years, the 179th upgraded from manual radar plotting to sophisticated, computerized systems, reflecting advances in air defense technology. • Environmental Challenge: Operating in Alaska, the squadron faced extreme weather conditions, including temperatures well below zero and frequent blizzards, making maintenance and operations difficult. • 24/7 Operations: The unit maintained round-the-clock vigilance, with crews working in shifts to monitor radar screens for any sign of unauthorized aircraft. • Humanitarian Role: In addition to military duties, the 179th often assisted in search and rescue operations for lost civilian and military aircraft in the remote Alaskan wilderness. • Deactivation: With the end of the Cold War and advances in satellite technology, the squadron was inactivated in 1983, as its role was deemed less critical. • Legacy: The 179th Radar Squadron's history serves as a testament to the dedication of radar operators who guarded North America's skies during tense periods of international relations.