9th air div.geiger fld. spokane wash.

• Establishment and Activation: The 9th Air Division was activated at Geiger Field, Spokane, Washington, on 8 October 1949, as part of Air Defense Command’s efforts during the early Cold War. • Air Defense Mission: The division’s primary mission was to provide air defense for the Pacific Northwest region, protecting key areas from potential Soviet bomber attacks. • Geiger Field Namesake: Geiger Field was named after Major Harold Geiger, a U.S. Army aviation pioneer who contributed significantly to early Army aviation and died in a plane crash in 1927. • Radar Network Coordination: The 9th Air Division oversaw a network of radar stations and fighter interceptor squadrons, integrating the emerging Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system for early warning and response. • Home to Jet Interceptors: Units under the 9th Air Division flew aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and later F-102 Delta Dagger and F-106 Delta Dart, which were state-of-the-art jet interceptors of their time. • SAC and ADC Connections: Geiger Field was unique in hosting both Strategic Air Command (SAC) and Air Defense Command (ADC) units, making it a key hub for both offensive and defensive air operations. • Participation in Training Exercises: The division regularly participated in large-scale exercises simulating Soviet attacks, sharpening the readiness of its pilots and radar operators. • Short but Impactful Existence: The 9th Air Division at Geiger Field was inactivated in 1958 as part of a nationwide consolidation of air defense assets, but its legacy persisted in the region’s military history. • Cold War Stories: Anecdotes from veterans recall tense moments during air defense alerts, when unidentified aircraft (sometimes civilian) triggered full-scale interceptor scrambles. • Geiger Field’s Later Life: After the division’s inactivation, Geiger Field transitioned into Spokane International Airport, but traces of its military past remain, including some original hangars and runways.