About this Unit
The 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron (37th ADMS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for the operation of surface-to-air missile systems during the Cold War. Activated in 1960 at Kincheloe Air Force Base, Michigan, the squadron was equipped with BOMARC missiles to provide air defense coverage for the Great Lakes region against potential Soviet bomber attacks. The unit operated as part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) structure, integrating its operations with other air defense assets. The 37th ADMS was inactivated in 1972 as advancements in missile technology and changes in strategic threats led to the phasing out of the BOMARC program.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron (ADMS) was originally activated during the height of the Cold War as part of the United States' efforts to defend against potential Soviet bomber attacks.
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Location: The unit was stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan, a strategic site due to its proximity to the northern U.S. border and potential Arctic approach routes.
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Missile System: The 37th ADMS operated the BOMARC (Boeing Michigan Aeronautical Research Center) surface-to-air missile, the first long-range anti-aircraft missile in the U.S. arsenal.
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Activation Date: The unit was officially activated on 1 September 1960, reflecting the growing need for advanced air defense systems during the Cold War.
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Integration with NORAD: The squadron was an integral part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) network, working closely with radar and interceptor aircraft units.
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Deactivation: The 37th ADMS was inactivated on 30 April 1972 as advancements in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and changing defense strategies rendered BOMARC less critical.
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Unique Role: The squadron was one of only a handful of BOMARC missile units in the United States, highlighting its unique and specialized role in national defense.
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Nuclear Capability: The BOMARC missiles operated by the 37th ADMS could be equipped with either conventional or nuclear warheads to maximize their effectiveness against massed bomber formations.
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Public Concern: The deployment of nuclear-armed missiles near civilian areas led to public debate and concern regarding safety and environmental impact, a common issue for many Cold War-era defense units.
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Legacy: Though the squadron was deactivated, its history is remembered as a critical part of America's air defense strategy, and the former missile site at Kincheloe AFB remains a point of interest for military historians.
