773rd RADS

• Unit Designation: The 773rd Radar Squadron (RADS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with general radar surveillance as part of North American air defense. • Activation Date: The squadron was first activated on 1 May 1951, during the height of the Cold War, reflecting the urgent need for air defense capabilities. • Location: The 773rd was stationed at Blue Knob Air Force Station, Pennsylvania, strategically positioned to monitor the northeastern approaches to the United States. • Role in SAGE: In 1961, the unit joined the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, an advanced network integrating radar data with computer technology for improved response to air threats. • Gap Filler Radar Sites: The 773rd operated several unmanned "gap filler" radar sites in Pennsylvania, including those at Emporium, Lewis Run, and Oswayo, to cover low-altitude approaches. • Primary Equipment: The squadron utilized several radar systems over its history, such as the AN/FPS-20, AN/FPS-24, and AN/FPS-26, which were state-of-the-art during their respective eras. • Notable Incident: In the early 1960s, the Blue Knob radar site experienced a massive power failure during a severe winter storm, but the crew maintained operations with backup generators, ensuring continuous airspace monitoring. • Cold War Significance: The 773rd played a critical role in detecting and tracking potential Soviet bomber incursions, acting as a first line of defense during tense periods such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. • Deactivation: The squadron was inactivated on 1 June 1968, as technological advances and shifts in defense priorities led to the consolidation and closure of many radar stations. • Legacy: Today, the site of the former Blue Knob AFS is largely abandoned, but the legacy of the 773rd lives on among Cold War veterans and is commemorated in various military history forums and reunions.