About this Unit
The 708th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W Sq) was activated in 1957 at Indian Mountain Air Force Station, Alaska, as part of the United States Air Force’s early warning radar network during the Cold War. Tasked with providing radar surveillance and aircraft control for the defense of North American airspace, the squadron monitored the Alaska air approaches for potential Soviet incursions. Operating in harsh Arctic conditions, the 708th played a critical role in the Distant Early Warning (DEW) system until advances in radar technology and changes in defense priorities led to its inactivation in 1983. The squadron’s legacy remains as part of the vital air defense infrastructure that helped protect North America during a tense period in world history.
Historical Facts
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Establishment and Mission:
The 708th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W Sq) was activated in 1957 at Indian Mountain Air Force Station, Alaska, as part of the United States' Cold War air defense network, tasked with detecting and tracking potential Soviet bombers approaching North America.
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Distant Early Warning (DEW) Role:
Indian Mountain AFS, manned by the 708th, was a key node in the Alaska segment of the DEW Line, providing round-the-clock radar surveillance of Alaskan airspace.
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Strategic Location:
The station was uniquely isolated, situated approximately 150 miles northwest of Fairbanks, accessible primarily by air, which made logistics and personnel rotations a significant challenge.
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Harsh Living Conditions:
Personnel endured extreme Arctic conditions, with winter temperatures often dropping below -50°F (-45°C), requiring specialized training and equipment to survive and operate effectively.
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Communication Innovations:
The 708th helped pioneer innovative long-range communication techniques, including the White Alice Communications System, which relayed radar data and voice communications via tropospheric scatter technology.
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Role in NORAD:
The squadron was a critical component of NORAD's early warning system, tasked with identifying and tracking unidentified aircraft and relaying information to command centers in real time.
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Unusual Supply Drops:
Due to its remoteness, supplies—including food and fuel—were frequently delivered by air, and in winter, parachute drops were sometimes necessary when runways were unusable.
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Impact on Local Communities:
The presence of the 708th brought jobs and infrastructure to the region, and personnel often interacted with local Native Alaskan communities, fostering unique cultural exchanges.
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Deactivation:
The 708th AC&W Squadron was inactivated in 1983 as advances in radar and satellite technology led to a restructuring of the air defense network and the closure of many remote stations.
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Legacy and Remnants:
Today, remnants of Indian Mountain AFS—including derelict radar towers and support buildings—remain as silent witnesses to the critical Cold War mission of the 708th AC&W Squadron in America’s Arctic defense.
