775th Radar

• Establishment: The 775th Radar Squadron was activated on 1 December 1950 as part of the United States Air Force's growing radar defense network during the early Cold War. • Location: The unit was stationed at Cambria Air Force Station, near San Simeon, California, a strategic location for monitoring the Pacific approaches to the U.S. West Coast. • Mission: Its primary mission was to provide early warning radar coverage, tracking both aircraft and potential missile threats as part of the Air Defense Command. • SAGE Integration: The 775th was integrated into the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system in 1961, allowing real-time data sharing with interceptor aircraft and command centers. • Gap Filler Sites: The squadron operated several "gap filler" radar sites along the California coastline to close low-altitude detection gaps in the radar network. • Deactivation: The 775th Radar Squadron was inactivated on 30 September 1980 as advances in technology and changes in defense priorities made many radar stations obsolete. • Legacy Equipment: Over its history, the squadron operated various radars, including the AN/FPS-3, AN/FPS-6, and later the AN/FPS-27, reflecting the evolution of radar technology. • Community Impact: The presence of the 775th brought military families and civilian employees to Cambria, leaving a lasting impact on the small coastal community. • Cold War Exercises: The unit participated in numerous NORAD and Air Defense Command exercises, simulating Soviet bomber attacks and improving U.S. readiness. • Historical Preservation: After inactivation, some of the radar site’s structures remained and are of interest to military history enthusiasts and local historians.