602nd AC&W

• 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.