About this Unit
The 615th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (615th AC&W Sq) was activated in 1948 as part of the United States Air Force's early Cold War air defense network. Stationed at several sites, including Colville Air Force Station in Washington, the unit was responsible for operating radar systems to detect and track potential aerial threats to North American airspace. The 615th played a vital role in the Air Defense Command’s mission, providing early warning and ground-controlled interception guidance during a period of heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. The squadron was inactivated in 1960 as technological advancements and restructuring led to the consolidation of air defense assets.
Historical Facts
• Origins in the Cold War: The 615th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated during the Cold War era, a time marked by heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, to provide early warning and air defense capabilities.
• Activation Date: The squadron was first activated on 8 December 1949, reflecting the urgent need for radar coverage in response to potential Soviet bomber threats.
• Location: The 615th AC&W Squadron was stationed at various locations, most notably at Brookfield Air Force Station, Ohio, serving as a key radar site for the United States Air Defense Command.
• Radar Technology: The unit operated ground-based radar systems, such as the AN/FPS-3 and AN/FPS-20, which were cutting-edge in their time for detecting incoming aircraft at long distances.
• 24/7 Operations: Personnel of the 615th worked around the clock, ensuring constant vigilance and readiness to scramble interceptor aircraft if unidentified or hostile planes were detected.
• Integration with SAGE: In the late 1950s, the squadron became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, one of the earliest computer networks, which automated and centralized air defense command and control.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 615th played a crucial role in heightened air surveillance and early warning efforts, contributing to national security during a period of unprecedented tension.
• Human Stories: Veterans of the 615th recall long hours in remote radar stations, camaraderie among airmen, and the vital importance of their mission in protecting North American airspace.
• Deactivation: The unit was inactivated on 1 August 1963, as advances in radar technology, missile-based defense systems, and changes in strategic priorities led to restructuring of US air defense forces.
• Legacy: The 615th AC&W Squadron is remembered as part of the "silent shield" during the Cold War, exemplifying the dedication and technical skill of Air Force personnel who stood ready to defend the nation from air attack.
