635th AC&W

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.