705th ACW

• Origins in WWII: The 705th began as the 705th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, activated in 1948, with roots in early air defense efforts following World War II. • Radar Pioneers: The squadron operated ground-based radar stations, playing a key role in the United States’ Cold War air defense network. • Stationed in the Midwest: The 705th ACW Squadron was notably stationed at Willow Run Air Force Station, Michigan, from 1951 until its inactivation in 1963. • SAGE System Integration: The unit became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE), an advanced computer-based air defense system of the era. • 24/7 Vigilance: Personnel at the 705th worked round-the-clock shifts to detect and track potential Soviet bomber threats during the height of the Cold War. • Command Structure: The 705th was assigned to the Air Defense Command and later to the Detroit Air Defense Sector, reflecting shifting organizational priorities. • Technological Evolution: The unit transitioned from World War II-era radar equipment to more sophisticated systems, including AN/FPS-20 and AN/FPS-6 radars. • Prepared for Nuclear Attack: The squadron participated in nationwide air defense exercises, simulating responses to potential nuclear attacks on the continental U.S. • Inactivation: The 705th ACW Squadron was inactivated on August 1, 1963, as part of a broader realignment and modernization of air defense assets. • Legacy: Former members of the 705th have formed alumni groups and maintain connections, preserving the history and camaraderie of the unit through reunions and websites.