735th AC&W

• Activation and Purpose: The 735th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in 1950 as part of the United States Air Force’s effort to establish a robust radar network during the early Cold War to detect and intercept potential Soviet bomber attacks. • Location: The squadron was stationed at Duluth Air Force Station, Minnesota, a strategic site near the US-Canada border, chosen for monitoring potential threats approaching from the polar region. • Role in Air Defense: The 735th AC&W Squadron operated ground-based radar systems to track and identify all aircraft in their sector, providing critical early warning and direction for interceptor aircraft. • Cold War Tensions: The unit played a vital role during periods of heightened Cold War tensions, particularly during the Korean War and Cuban Missile Crisis, where rapid response to unidentified aircraft was paramount. • Technological Evolution: Over its years of operation, the 735th saw upgrades in radar technology, transitioning from early AN/CPS-6B radars to more advanced AN/FPS-20 and AN/FPS-66 search radars. • SAGE Integration: In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the squadron became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, linking its radars to a continent-wide computer network for faster and more coordinated air defense. • Community Impact: The squadron’s presence brought economic and social activity to the Duluth area, with airmen and their families becoming part of the local community. • Scrambles and Drills: The 735th regularly conducted practice scrambles and exercises, simulating Soviet bomber attacks to ensure readiness and keep personnel sharp. • Deactivation: With advances in missile technology and changes in defense strategy, the squadron was inactivated on 1 July 1963, as its mission became less critical to US air defense. • Legacy: The legacy of the 735th AC&W Squadron lives on through veterans’ stories and its role in laying the foundation for modern integrated air defense systems.