About this Unit
The 674th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Osceola Air Force Station, Wisconsin. Activated in 1950, the squadron operated as part of the Air Defense Command, providing early warning and ground-controlled interception radar coverage during the Cold War. Its mission was to detect and track potential airborne threats to the upper Midwest region, contributing to the continental air defense network. The 674th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1968 as advances in radar technology and changes in defense strategy led to the closure of many similar sites.
Historical Facts
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Activation and Mission: The 674th Radar Squadron (Radar Sq) was activated in 1951 at Osceola Air Force Station, Wisconsin, as part of the Air Defense Command’s network to detect and track incoming enemy aircraft during the Cold War.
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Role in the SAGE System: The squadron became a key part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system in 1960, feeding real-time radar data to command centers to coordinate fighter intercepts against potential Soviet bombers.
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Types of Radar Used: The unit operated several radar types, including the AN/FPS-3, AN/FPS-20, AN/FPS-6, and later the AN/FPS-66A, reflecting rapid advances in radar technology during its years of service.
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Gap Filler Sites: The 674th managed several unmanned “gap filler” radar sites at locations such as Jim Falls and Ridgeland, Wisconsin, to cover low-altitude detection gaps in the main radar coverage.
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Living Conditions: Osceola AFS was known for its challenging winters, with personnel often battling heavy snow and freezing temperatures while maintaining 24/7 radar operations.
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Community Connection: The squadron developed close ties with the local Osceola community, participating in civic events and hosting open houses to educate the public about their mission.
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Major Reorganization: In 1963, with the Air Defense Command’s reorganization, the 674th Radar Squadron was redesignated as 674th Radar Squadron (SAGE), indicating its integration with the continental air defense network.
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Deactivation: The squadron was inactivated on 30 June 1970 as advances in technology and changes in military strategy made many fixed radar sites obsolete.
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Cultural Footprint: After closure, Osceola AFS’s buildings were repurposed for civilian use, and stories of the base still circulate in local history, with remnants of the radar towers visible for decades.
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Legacy: The 674th Radar Squadron is remembered as a vital part of America’s Cold War air defense shield, contributing to the early warning and safety of the nation during tense periods of geopolitical rivalry.
