762nd AC&W

• Founding and Role: The 762nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated on 27 November 1950 as part of the United States Air Force’s efforts to provide early warning and air defense during the Cold War. • Location: The unit was stationed at North Truro Air Force Station, Massachusetts, a critical point for detecting potential Soviet bomber incursions along the northeastern coast of the United States. • Radar Operations: The squadron operated various radar systems, including the AN/FPS-3, AN/CPS-6B, and eventually the AN/FPS-24, which greatly enhanced long-range detection capabilities. • Integration into SAGE: In the late 1950s, the 762nd AC&W Squadron became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, an advanced computer network designed to coordinate air defense across North America. • 24/7 Watch: Personnel at the 762nd maintained a constant watch, operating in shifts to ensure that the radar site was manned and ready to respond to any aerial threat at all hours. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the squadron was on heightened alert, playing a vital role in monitoring the skies for any signs of Soviet aircraft or missiles. • Community Ties: The squadron became an important part of the local Cape Cod community, participating in events and fostering strong civilian-military relationships. • Technological Upgrades: Over the years, the squadron saw many technological advancements, including upgrades to radar systems and improvements in communication and control networks. • Deactivation: The 762nd AC&W Squadron was inactivated on 1 June 1984 as part of a broader reorganization and reduction in manned air defense sites due to changing defense strategies and the advent of new technology. • Legacy: The former North Truro AFS site has since been repurposed, with parts used by the National Park Service and other facilities, but the memory of the 762nd’s key role in Cold War defense is commemorated by veterans and historians alike.