788th AC&W

• Formation and Role: The 788th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in 1951 as part of the United States Air Force’s expanding air defense network during the early Cold War. • Stationed at Waverly, Iowa: The squadron was based near Waverly, Iowa, and its radar site was known as Waverly Air Force Station, designated P-71. • Early Warning Mission: The unit’s primary mission was to operate radar systems to detect, identify, and track incoming aircraft, providing early warning in case of a Soviet bomber attack. • SAGE Integration: In the late 1950s, the 788th AC&W was integrated into the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, which automated the process of identifying and responding to airborne threats. • Diverse Equipment: The squadron operated several radar types during its service, including the AN/FPS-3 search radar and later the AN/FPS-20, as well as height-finder radars like the AN/FPS-6. • Community Impact: The presence of the squadron brought economic and social changes to Waverly, with airmen and their families becoming part of local life. • Cold War Drills: The unit regularly participated in simulated attack drills, testing readiness in case of a real incursion by enemy aircraft. • Deactivation: The 788th AC&W Squadron was inactivated in 1968 as part of a general drawdown of continental air defense sites due to changing strategic needs and advances in missile technology. • Legacy: While the radar site was dismantled, some structures remained for years and were repurposed for civilian use, serving as a reminder of the area’s Cold War heritage. • Veteran Stories: Former squadron members have shared recollections of harsh Iowa winters, camaraderie, and the sense of purpose in guarding the nation’s skies during a tense period in world history.