About this Unit
The 635th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the early Cold War period. Established in 1950, the squadron was tasked with operating radar equipment and providing air surveillance, early warning, and ground-controlled interception as part of the nation’s air defense network. The unit was stationed at various locations, including McChord Air Force Base in Washington and Fort Lawton Air Force Station, playing a crucial role in monitoring North American airspace for potential threats. The 635th AC&W Squadron was inactivated in 1963 as advancements in radar technology and shifts in defense strategies led to the reorganization of Air Defense Command assets.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 635th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated on 8 December 1949 as part of the growing United States Air Defense Command during the early Cold War.
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Mission: The primary mission of the 635th AC&W was to provide radar surveillance and early warning of potential air attacks, serving as a key component in the continental air defense network.
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Stationed at Fort Williams: The squadron was originally assigned to Fort Williams, Maine, a strategically important location for monitoring the northeastern approaches to the United States.
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Role in the SAGE System: The 635th AC&W played a part in the development of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE), an advanced air defense system that integrated radar data for rapid response.
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Involvement in Cold War Exercises: The unit participated in numerous national defense exercises, including simulated Soviet bomber attacks, to test and improve U.S. air defense capabilities.
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Relocation: In 1951, the squadron moved from Fort Williams to Dauphin Island Air Force Station, Alabama, shifting its focus to protecting the southern approaches of the U.S.
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Radar Technology: The 635th AC&W operated several types of radar, including AN/FPS-3 and AN/FPS-6, which were state-of-the-art at the time and critical for detecting high-altitude threats.
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Integration with NORAD: The squadron's operations became part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), reflecting the growing importance of U.S.-Canadian defense cooperation.
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Deactivation: As newer technologies and satellite surveillance reduced the need for ground-based radar stations, the 635th AC&W Squadron was inactivated on 1 September 1962.
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Legacy: Veterans and historians remember the 635th AC&W for its vital role in the early warning network that helped safeguard North America during the tense years of the Cold War.
