785th Radar Squadron

• 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. • 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. • Air Defense Command: The unit operated under the Air Defense Command, responsible for protecting U.S. airspace from potential Soviet bomber threats. • 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. • 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). • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.