About this Unit
The 785th Radar Squadron was an Air Force radar unit established during the Cold War era as part of the United States' Air Defense Command. Activated in 1951, the squadron was stationed at Finley Air Force Station, North Dakota, where it operated long-range radar systems to detect and track potential airborne threats. Its primary mission was to provide early warning and ground-controlled interception guidance against Soviet bomber attacks. The squadron was inactivated in 1979 as technological advancements and changes in defense strategy rendered many radar stations obsolete.
Historical Facts
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Cold War Origins: The 785th Radar Squadron was activated during the height of the Cold War, playing a pivotal role in the United States’ continental air defense network.
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Location: The squadron was stationed at Finley Air Force Station in North Dakota, a remote outpost designed for optimal radar coverage of the northern approach to the United States.
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Air Defense Command: The unit operated under the Air Defense Command, responsible for protecting U.S. airspace from potential Soviet bomber threats.
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SAGE System Integration: The 785th became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, an early computer network that linked radar sites to central command and control centers for real-time tracking and interception.
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Squadron Redesignation: The unit underwent several redesignations, reflecting technological advancements and organizational changes, including a shift from Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron to Radar Squadron (SAGE).
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Technological Upgrades: Over the years, the squadron operated several radar models, including the AN/FPS-3, AN/FPS-20, and later the AN/FPS-66, each offering improved detection capabilities.
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Community Impact: The squadron and Finley AFS were significant contributors to the local economy and social fabric, with airmen and families becoming integrated into surrounding North Dakota communities.
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Deactivation: The 785th Radar Squadron was inactivated on July 1, 1979, following the general drawdown of air defense assets as the perceived threat of Soviet bombers diminished.
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Legacy Structures: Some buildings and radar towers from the original Finley Air Force Station still stand today, serving as silent reminders of the Cold War era.
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Preserved History: Veterans and local historians have worked to document and preserve the history of the 785th, including oral histories, photographs, and artifacts, to ensure its story remains accessible to future generations.
