962nd AWACS

• Origins in Vietnam: The 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron (AWACS) traces its lineage to the 962nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron, first activated in 1955, supporting surveillance operations during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. • Alaska-based Operations: The modern 962nd AWACS is based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, where it conducts critical airspace surveillance over the Arctic and North Pacific regions. • Flying the E-3 Sentry: The squadron operates the Boeing E-3 Sentry, an Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft equipped with a rotating radar dome for 360-degree surveillance. • 24/7 Air Defense: As part of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), the 962nd provides continuous air defense warning and control missions, ready to detect and respond to potential threats entering North American airspace. • Operation Noble Eagle: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the 962nd AWACS played a key role in Operation Noble Eagle, monitoring U.S. and Canadian airspace for unauthorized or suspicious aircraft. • Arctic Edge Exercises: The squadron regularly participates in Arctic Edge and Red Flag-Alaska exercises, simulating large-scale joint air operations in extreme climates to enhance readiness. • International Collaboration: The 962nd frequently coordinates with Canadian and Japanese air defense forces, enhancing interoperability and regional security in the Pacific. • Quick Reaction Alert: The unit maintains crews and aircraft on alert status, able to launch within minutes to intercept unknown or hostile aircraft detected near U.S. airspace. • Distinguished Unit Awards: Over its history, the squadron has earned several Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for excellence in mission performance, including during critical Cold War and post-9/11 operations. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond defense, the 962nd AWACS has supported disaster relief and search-and-rescue operations, using its advanced radar and communications to coordinate efforts across vast and remote areas of Alaska and the Pacific.