Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

602nd AC&W

U.S. Air Force•21 members

602nd AC&W Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 602nd AC&W?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

602nd AC&W

U.S. Air Force

The 602nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was a United States Air Force unit activated in the early 1950s during the height of the Cold War. Its primary mission was to provide radar surveillance, early warning, and airspace control, guarding against potential Soviet bomber incursions. The squadron was stationed at various locations, including sites in Alaska and the continental United States, as part of the broader Air Defense Command network. The 602nd AC&W Squadron was eventually inactivated as advancements in radar technology and changes in defense strategy led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

About 602nd AC&W

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origin: The 602nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in the early 1950s as part of the United States Air Force's efforts to strengthen air defense during the Cold War.
Primary Mission: The unit's main mission was to operate radar sites for detecting, tracking, and controlling aircraft, particularly to guard against Soviet bomber incursions.
Stationed in Germany: The 602nd AC&W Squadron was notably stationed at Dobraberg, Germany, operating from the Dobraberg Air Station, an important radar outpost in West Germany.
Role in NATO: As part of the US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), the 602nd contributed to NATO's integrated air defense network, providing early warning and airspace control in the European theater.
Technology Used: The squadron operated AN/FPS-20, AN/FPS-6, and later more advanced radar systems, which were state-of-the-art for the era and crucial for monitoring airspace during high tension periods.
24/7 Operations: Personnel worked around the clock in shifts, constantly monitoring radar screens and relaying information to fighter interceptor squadrons and command centers.
Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the 602nd AC&W Squadron was on heightened alert, prepared to detect any possible Soviet air activity over Europe.
Community Impact: The presence of the squadron brought American service members and their families to local German communities, fostering cross-cultural exchanges that lasted decades.
Deactivation: The 602nd AC&W Squadron was inactivated in the late 1960s as advancing technology and strategic changes led to consolidation of radar sites across Europe.
Legacy: Former members of the 602nd maintain active veterans’ groups and reunions, commemorating their service and the unique role the squadron played in Cold War air defense.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

602nd AC&W

U.S. Air Force•21 members

602nd AC&W Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 602nd AC&W?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

602nd AC&W

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Elton Rayburn

U.S. Air Force Veteran · 1963 - 1986

Message View Profile

Richard Harrison

U.S. Air Force · 1974 - 1977

Message View Profile

Paul Jurkofsky

U.S. Air Force Veteran

Message View Profile

Michael Miller

U.S. Air Force · 1958 - 1960

Message View Profile

View all members

Air Force photos

View all photos

About 602nd AC&W

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origin: The 602nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in the early 1950s as part of the United States Air Force's efforts to strengthen air defense during the Cold War.
Primary Mission: The unit's main mission was to operate radar sites for detecting, tracking, and controlling aircraft, particularly to guard against Soviet bomber incursions.
Stationed in Germany: The 602nd AC&W Squadron was notably stationed at Dobraberg, Germany, operating from the Dobraberg Air Station, an important radar outpost in West Germany.
Role in NATO: As part of the US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), the 602nd contributed to NATO's integrated air defense network, providing early warning and airspace control in the European theater.
Technology Used: The squadron operated AN/FPS-20, AN/FPS-6, and later more advanced radar systems, which were state-of-the-art for the era and crucial for monitoring airspace during high tension periods.
24/7 Operations: Personnel worked around the clock in shifts, constantly monitoring radar screens and relaying information to fighter interceptor squadrons and command centers.
Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the 602nd AC&W Squadron was on heightened alert, prepared to detect any possible Soviet air activity over Europe.
Community Impact: The presence of the squadron brought American service members and their families to local German communities, fostering cross-cultural exchanges that lasted decades.
Deactivation: The 602nd AC&W Squadron was inactivated in the late 1960s as advancing technology and strategic changes led to consolidation of radar sites across Europe.
Legacy: Former members of the 602nd maintain active veterans’ groups and reunions, commemorating their service and the unique role the squadron played in Cold War air defense.