788th ACWRON (ADC)

• Formation and Activation: The 788th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ACWRON) was activated on 1 May 1951 as part of the United States Air Force’s Air Defense Command (ADC), during the early years of the Cold War. • Primary Mission: The unit’s primary role was ground-based radar surveillance, providing early warning and aircraft control to protect the U.S. airspace from potential Soviet bomber attacks. • Location: The 788th ACWRON was stationed at Waverly Air Force Station, near Waverly, Iowa, a strategic location for monitoring the Midwest air approaches. • Radar Equipment: The squadron operated various radar systems over its lifespan, including the AN/FPS-3 search radar and later the AN/FPS-20, reflecting technological advances in air defense. • SAGE Integration: In 1960, the 788th was incorporated into the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, which automated the process of detecting and intercepting enemy aircraft. • 24/7 Operations: The squadron maintained round-the-clock operations, with personnel working in shifts to staff radar scopes and coordinate with interceptor aircraft at all hours. • Community Relations: The presence of the 788th ACWRON at Waverly AFS fostered strong relationships with the local Iowa community, including open house events and joint civil defense drills. • Notable Incident: In 1957, the unit played a key role in tracking an unidentified aircraft that triggered a regional air defense alert, showcasing the importance of the radar network. • Deactivation: As advances in radar and satellite technology shifted air defense strategies, the 788th ACWRON was inactivated on 1 August 1965, and Waverly AFS was subsequently closed. • Legacy: Despite its relatively short existence, the 788th ACWRON contributed to the foundation of modern U.S. air defense infrastructure and is remembered by veterans’ organizations and Cold War historians.