636th Radar Squadron

• Activation and Early Days: The 636th Radar Squadron was first activated on 1 June 1948 as part of the United States Air Force's early efforts to establish a permanent radar defense network during the beginnings of the Cold War. • Strategic Location: The squadron was stationed at Condon Air Force Station, Oregon, which provided radar coverage for the Pacific Northwest—an area considered vulnerable to potential air attacks during the Cold War. • Role in Air Defense: The 636th was responsible for operating long-range radar systems, detecting and tracking unidentified aircraft, and guiding interceptor aircraft toward potential threats as part of the Air Defense Command. • Technological Evolution: Over its service life, the squadron operated several radar models, including the AN/FPS-3 search radar and the AN/FPS-6 height-finder, reflecting the rapid evolution of radar technology in the 1950s and 1960s. • SAGE System Integration: In the late 1950s, the 636th Radar Squadron became a part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, linking its radars to a nationwide network of computers and command centers for automated air defense. • Cuban Missile Crisis Vigilance: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the squadron played a heightened role in monitoring airspace for possible Soviet bomber incursions, reflecting the tense atmosphere of the era. • Unit Redesignation: The squadron was briefly redesignated as the 636th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, highlighting its dual mission of both detecting aircraft and coordinating defense measures. • Community Ties: The personnel of the 636th Radar Squadron were an important part of the local Condon, Oregon, community, participating in civic events and fostering strong military-civilian relationships. • Deactivation: The squadron was inactivated on 1 August 1965, as advances in radar and missile technology, as well as changes in defense strategy, led to the closure of many radar sites across the country. • Legacy: Today, the site of Condon AFS and the memory of the 636th Radar Squadron are commemorated by military historians and local residents, symbolizing a critical era in America’s air defense history.