655th Radar Squadron

• Establishment: The 655th Radar Squadron was originally constituted as the 655th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron on 14 November 1949, and activated on 1 December 1949. • Cold War Mission: The squadron was an integral part of the United States Air Force's air defense network during the Cold War, providing 24/7 radar surveillance against potential Soviet air incursions. • Stationed at Watertown Air Force Station: The unit was primarily based at Watertown AFS, New York, where it operated for most of its existence. • SAGE Integration: The squadron became a part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system in 1961, which linked radar stations with computer systems to improve response time to threats. • Redesignation: On 1 March 1961, the unit was redesignated as the 655th Radar Squadron (SAGE) to reflect its new mission and technological upgrade. • Radar Equipment: Over its years of service, the squadron operated a variety of radar systems, including the AN/FPS-3, AN/FPS-6, AN/FPS-20, and later the AN/FPS-66. • Air Defense Command: The 655th was assigned to several higher headquarters, including the 32d Air Division and the Syracuse Air Defense Sector, reflecting shifts in national air defense priorities. • Deactivation: The squadron was inactivated on 1 July 1970 as part of a drawdown of air defense forces and the closure of many radar stations. • Community Interaction: The presence of the 655th and Watertown AFS had a significant impact on the local community, providing jobs and fostering civilian-military relationships in upstate New York. • Legacy: Today, the legacy of the 655th Radar Squadron lives on through historical research, veterans’ associations, and the preservation of Cold War radar site histories.