CINCPAC MSQ-126

• Origins of CINCPAC MSQ-126: The designation "CINCPAC MSQ-126" refers to a unique and little-known military unit that operated under the Commander in Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC) during the Vietnam War era. The MSQ-126 was specifically linked to mobile radar and communications operations. • Radar Bomb Scoring Mission: The MSQ-126 was a variant of the AN/MSQ-77 radar system, adapted for use in Southeast Asia. Its primary mission was to provide Radar Bomb Scoring (RBS) for U.S. Air Force bomber crews, helping to improve bombing accuracy during training and combat missions. • Mobile Control Center: Unlike fixed installations, the MSQ-126 was designed as a mobile unit, allowing quick deployment to various locations in Vietnam and surrounding regions to support combat operations and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. • Support for Arc Light Operations: The MSQ-126 played a crucial role in supporting "Operation Arc Light," the code name for B-52 strategic bombing missions conducted by the United States in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. • Real-Time Bomb Guidance: The radar and computer systems of the MSQ-126 enabled ground controllers to guide bombers in real time, providing corrections and guidance to ensure bombs were released with maximum accuracy, even in poor weather or at night. • Highly Secretive Deployments: Due to the sensitivity of its mission and advanced technology, the locations and movements of MSQ-126 units were often classified, and its personnel operated under strict security protocols. • Role in Project Combat Skyspot: The MSQ-126 was a key component of "Combat Skyspot," a program that used ground-based radar to direct airstrikes when visual targeting was impossible, making it an essential asset during the monsoon season. • Joint Service Crews: While primarily operated by the U.S. Air Force, the MSQ-126 units sometimes included personnel from the U.S. Navy and Army, reflecting the joint-service nature of operations in the Pacific theater. • Surviving Artifacts: Today, very few MSQ-126 systems remain. Some components appear in military museums and private collections, serving as rare reminders of Cold War-era radar technology and innovation. • Legacy and Recognition: Though not as famous as other military units, veterans of CINCPAC MSQ-126 and related radar bomb scoring units have formed reunions and historical associations to preserve the history and stories of their unique contributions to air warfare.