About this Unit
The 822nd Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the height of the Cold War to provide air defense surveillance. Established in 1957, the squadron was stationed at Cottonwood Air Force Station in Idaho, where it operated long-range radar systems to detect potential Soviet bomber incursions over North America. As part of the Air Defense Command, the 822nd played a critical role in the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) network, relaying real-time data for continental air defense. The squadron was inactivated in 1965 as advancements in technology and changes in strategic priorities led to the consolidation of radar stations.
Historical Facts
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Early Activation: The 822nd Radar Squadron was first activated on 28 May 1957 as part of the United States Air Force’s Air Defense Command during the Cold War, reflecting the heightened tension and need for continental air defense.
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Location: The squadron was stationed at Cottonwood Air Force Station in Idaho, a remote and strategic spot chosen for radar coverage of the northwestern United States.
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Primary Mission: Its mission was to operate long-range radar systems, providing continuous surveillance for any potential Soviet bomber attacks by detecting and tracking unidentified aircraft.
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SAGE System Integration: In 1960, the 822nd Radar Squadron became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, an advanced network that automated air defense using computers and communication links.
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24/7 Operations: The squadron maintained round-the-clock operations, with radar operators, technicians, and support staff working shifts to ensure no gap in coverage.
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Equipment Used: The squadron operated powerful search and height-finder radars, including the AN/FPS-20 and AN/FPS-6, which could track high-altitude aircraft over long distances.
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Role in Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the squadron was on high alert, contributing to increased airspace monitoring for any signs of hostile activity.
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Community Relations: Despite its secrecy, the squadron became an important part of the local community, with airmen participating in local events and building relationships in Cottonwood, Idaho.
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Deactivation: As technology improved and the threat of manned bomber attack decreased, the squadron was inactivated on 1 September 1968, and Cottonwood AFS was closed.
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Legacy: The 822nd Radar Squadron contributed to the broader North American air defense network and is remembered as part of the “radar line” that protected the U.S. during the most dangerous years of the Cold War.
