About this Unit
The Cape Lisburne Radar Site, located on the remote northwest coast of Alaska, was established in 1953 as part of the United States' Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line during the Cold War. Its primary mission was to provide early detection of potential Soviet air attacks across the polar region, serving as a critical link in North America's air defense network. Operated by the U.S. Air Force, the site was later upgraded and integrated into the North Warning System in the late 1980s, reflecting advancements in radar technology and shifting defense needs. Today, the Cape Lisburne Radar Site remains an active part of continental air surveillance, operated as Long Range Radar Site LRR-2 by contractors supporting the Pacific Air Forces.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Cold War Outpost: Cape Lisburne Radar Site was established in 1951 as part of the United States Air Force’s Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, a critical network of radar stations built to detect Soviet bombers approaching North America over the Arctic.
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Remote Location: The site is located at the extreme northwest tip of Alaska, on the Chukchi Sea, making it one of the most remote military installations in the United States.
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Radar Evolution: Initially equipped with AN/FPS-19 search radars, the site has undergone several technological upgrades, and today operates as part of the North Warning System (NWS) with modern radar equipment.
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Harsh Living Conditions: Personnel stationed at Cape Lisburne have endured extreme Arctic conditions, including temperatures dropping below -40°F, strong winds, and months of darkness during the winter.
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Critical Air Defense Role: The radar site has been continuously staffed and operational for decades, providing vital surveillance and early warning coverage for North America’s northern airspace.
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Airstrip Construction: The site's gravel airstrip, built to supply materials and personnel, is one of the northernmost runways in the United States and is accessible only by air or sea during certain months.
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Ecological Impact and Cleanup: Decades of operation led to environmental concerns. The US Air Force has conducted remediation projects to clean up fuel spills and remove hazardous materials, as part of the Alaska Defense Environmental Restoration Program.
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Transition to Remote Operations: While originally manned by dozens of personnel, advances in technology have allowed the site to become minimally staffed, with much of its operation now remote-controlled from other locations.
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Indigenous Connections: The radar site is near the Iñupiat community of Point Hope, and over the years, relationships have developed between military personnel and local residents, often involving cultural exchanges and employment opportunities.
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Historic Designation: Due to its significance in national defense and Cold War history, the Cape Lisburne Radar Site is recognized as a historic military site, with some original structures preserved as part of Alaska’s military heritage.
