790th Radar Squadron

• Establishment: The 790th Radar Squadron was first activated on 1 May 1951, during the early years of the Cold War, as part of the United States' expanding air defense network. • Primary Mission: Its main mission was to provide general radar surveillance for the air defense of North America, monitoring for potential Soviet bomber attacks. • Location: The squadron was based at Kirksville Air Force Station, located in Missouri, a strategic site for central U.S. airspace defense. • SAGE System: In 1961, the unit joined the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, which automated the process of detecting, tracking, and intercepting enemy aircraft. • Notable Equipment: The squadron operated a variety of radar systems over its history, including the AN/FPS-10, AN/FPS-6, and AN/FPS-18, which were state-of-the-art at the time. • Cold War Role: During the Cuban Missile Crisis and other Cold War flashpoints, the squadron was on heightened alert, playing a crucial role in early warning and airspace monitoring. • Deactivation: The 790th Radar Squadron was inactivated on 8 September 1968, as advances in technology and the changing nature of threats led to the realignment of air defense resources. • Personnel: The unit was staffed by a mix of Air Force officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian technicians, all working around the clock to ensure continuous surveillance. • Legacy: While deactivated, the squadron’s work contributed to the development and refinement of U.S. air defense doctrine and radar technology. • Veteran Community: Former members of the 790th have formed alumni groups and participate in reunions, preserving the camaraderie and history of the unit to this day.