Charles Franklin

The 674th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Osceola Air Force Station, Wisconsin. Activated in 1950, the squadron operated as part of the Air Defense Command, providing early warning and ground-controlled interception radar coverage during the Cold War. Its mission was to detect and track potential airborne threats to the upper Midwest region, contributing to the continental air defense network. The 674th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1968 as advances in radar technology and changes in defense strategy led to the closure of many similar sites.

The 739th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in 1950 as part of the United States Air Force’s expanding air defense network during the early Cold War era. Stationed at Wadena Air Force Station, Minnesota, the unit’s primary mission was to operate radar systems to detect and track potential airborne threats entering North American airspace. The squadron played a critical role in the Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) system, guiding interceptor aircraft toward unidentified targets. The 739th AC&W Squadron was inactivated in 1963 as advances in radar technology and shifts in defense priorities led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

The 4754th Radar Evaluation Squadron (RADES) is a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history in radar operations and evaluation. Established in the 1960s, the unit has played a crucial role in the calibration, evaluation, and optimization of Air Force radar systems, ensuring air defense readiness throughout the Cold War and beyond. The squadron has been instrumental in supporting air surveillance, weapons testing, and operational training exercises across various theaters. Over the decades, 4754 RADES has adapted to evolving technologies, continuing its vital mission in enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of the United States’ air defense network.