About this Unit
The 787th Radar Squadron was an integral unit of the United States Air Force Air Defense Command, first activated in 1951. Stationed at Chandler Air Force Station in Minnesota, its primary mission was to operate radar equipment for the detection and tracking of potential aerial threats during the Cold War. The squadron played a critical role in the early warning defense network, supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The 787th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1969 as advancements in technology and changes in defense strategy rendered many radar stations obsolete.
Historical Facts
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Activation and Timeline: The 787th Radar Squadron was first activated in 1951 and served until 1980, playing a crucial role during the Cold War era.
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Location: The squadron was stationed at Chandler Air Force Station, located near Chandler, Minnesota, providing air defense coverage for the upper Midwest.
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Air Defense Command: The 787th was part of the Air Defense Command, tasked with detecting and tracking potential enemy aircraft entering North American airspace.
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SAGE Integration: In 1961, the squadron was integrated into the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, a revolutionary computerized air defense network.
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Radar Equipment: The unit operated several radar systems over its history, including the AN/FPS-20, AN/FPS-66, and AN/FPS-27 search radars, as well as height-finder radars like the AN/FPS-6.
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Gap Filler Sites: The 787th managed several unmanned "Gap Filler" radar sites in the region to fill low-altitude coverage gaps, including those at Sherburn, MN; Winnebago, MN; and New Ulm, MN.
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Emblem: The unit’s emblem featured a vigilant bald eagle, symbolizing readiness and protection of American skies.
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Deactivation: Due to advances in radar and satellite technology and changing defense priorities, the squadron was inactivated on 30 September 1980.
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Legacy: Although deactivated, the site’s facilities still stand today and are sometimes used by local government agencies or for civilian purposes.
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Community Impact: The presence of the 787th Radar Squadron provided a significant economic and social boost to Chandler and surrounding communities during its years of operation.
