773rd AC&W

• Formation and Role: The 773rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated on 8 November 1950 during the early years of the Cold War, tasked with providing radar surveillance and air defense for the United States. • Location: The unit was originally stationed at Montauk Air Force Station, New York, a significant radar post on the eastern tip of Long Island. • Radar Technology: The squadron operated early warning radar systems such as the AN/FPS-3 and AN/FPS-20, which were crucial for detecting potential Soviet bomber threats approaching the U.S. East Coast. • Relocation: In 1957, the 773rd AC&W Squadron relocated to Claysburg Air Force Station, Pennsylvania, a move reflecting shifting defense priorities and improved radar coverage. • Integration into SAGE: In 1961, the unit became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, one of the first large-scale computer networks, linking radar sites for faster response to air threats. • 24/7 Operations: The squadron maintained round-the-clock operations, with highly trained personnel monitoring radar screens for unidentified aircraft at all hours. • Peak Cold War Tensions: The 773rd played a key role during periods of heightened alert, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, by ensuring continuous radar coverage and rapid response capability. • Community Interaction: Members of the squadron were active in local communities, frequently participating in public events and fostering civilian-military relations in both New York and Pennsylvania. • Deactivation: The 773rd AC&W Squadron was inactivated on 1 September 1961 as advancements in radar and air defense technology, as well as changing strategic needs, led to the consolidation of radar sites. • Legacy: The sites operated by the 773rd, especially Montauk Air Force Station, have since become points of local historical interest, with some facilities repurposed as parks or museums commemorating Cold War air defense history.