About this Unit
The 791st Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Hanna City Air Force Station, Illinois. Activated in 1951, the squadron was responsible for operating radar systems as part of the nation’s Air Defense Command, providing early warning and airspace surveillance during the Cold War. The unit played a critical role in detecting and tracking potential airborne threats and guiding interceptor aircraft in defense of the Midwest region. The 791st Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1968 as advances in technology and changes in defense priorities led to the deactivation of many radar sites across the country.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Activation: The 791st Radar Squadron was originally activated as the 791st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron on 8 February 1953 as part of the Air Defense Command’s expansion during the Cold War.
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Location: The squadron was stationed at Hanna City Air Force Station, located near Hanna City, Illinois, approximately 15 miles west of Peoria.
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Primary Mission: The unit’s main role was to operate long-range radar systems to detect and track potential Soviet bombers approaching the central United States, providing early warning and air defense coordination.
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SAGE Integration: In 1961, the 791st became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, a revolutionary computerized air defense network that linked radar sites, command centers, and interceptor aircraft.
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Squadron Redesignation: On 1 July 1962, the unit was redesignated from “Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron” to “Radar Squadron (SAGE)” to reflect its new mission and advanced capabilities.
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Technological Upgrades: Over its operational years, the squadron used a variety of radar systems, including the AN/FPS-20, AN/FPS-67, and AN/FPS-6 height-finder radars, and later upgrades to AN/FPS-66A and others.
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Community Relations: The station and its personnel became a significant part of the local community, participating in civic events and fostering civilian-military cooperation in the Peoria region.
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Deactivation: As intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and new technology changed defense strategies, the squadron was inactivated on 30 September 1968, and Hanna City AFS was closed.
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Legacy: The former radar station site was used by various federal and local agencies after closure, including serving as a NORAD backup site and later as a communications facility for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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Cold War Significance: The 791st Radar Squadron was one of nearly 200 similar units across the United States, forming a critical shield during the height of the Cold War and contributing to the nation’s air defense readiness for 15 years.
