Mt. Hebo Air Force Station

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Mt. Hebo Air Force Station (AFS) was a United States Air Force long-range radar station located at the top of 3,154 foot Mount Hebo in the U.S. state of Oregon. It was part of the U.S. Cold War-era air defense system and operated from 1956–1980.

Mt. Hebo AFS was the home of the 689th Radar Squadron. Squadron responsibilities included operation and maintenance of the installed radar and communications equipment, and various support activities including food service, supply, power production, civil engineering, administration, transportation and personnel services. Available facilities included buildings for the radar and communications, barracks for personnel, family housing, a power plant, dining hall, gym, motor pool, and support activities. The radar station was like a small town.

The weather at Mt. Hebo is often wet, windy, cold, and snowing. Three giant Air Force radomes, about 140 feet in diameter and 100 feet high, were destroyed by the elements. Winter snow accumulations often total more than 300 inches.

Mt. Hebo AFS was a vital part of the Air Force Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) computer supported system for air defense. Available electronic equipment was able to support the detection, identification and destruction of enemy aircraft. This was accomplished by communications between the SAGE computer at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, the radars and communications systems at Mt. Hebo, and interceptor aircraft such as the supersonic F-106 Delta Dart.

The 689th Radar Squadron was originally assigned to the SAGE Portland Air Defense Sector. Later it was realigned with the 25th Air Division SAGE at McChord AFB. Higher headquarters included the Fourth Air Force and Air Defense Command. Later, Detachment 2 of the 14th Missile Warning Squadron was activated at Mt. Hebo to operate missile-warning radar.

[edit] Deactivation

The Air Force equipment and facilities at Mt. Hebo have been removed and the site returned to its natural state. A plaque is virtually all that remains of the radar station. It is dedicated "In Memory of Those Who Served at Mt. Hebo AFS, Oregon. 689th Radar Sq., Oct. 1956-June 1979. Det. 2 14th MWS July 1967 - Sep. 1980".