689th Radar Squadron
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The US Air Force's 689th Radar Squadron was a vital air defense unit during the Cold War. [1] The Squadron was located at Mount Hebo Air Force Station, Oregon, from October 1956 to June 1979. 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 equipment, barracks for personnel, family housing, a power plant, dining hall, gym, motor pool, and administrative activities. The Squadron had all the functions and capabilities of a small town.
[edit] Function
The 689th Radar Squadron's long range radars were part of the Air Force Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) computer directed system for air defense. Available Squadron 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 AFB, the radars and communications systems at Mt. Hebo, and airborne fighter-interceptor aircraft such as the supersonic F-106 Delta Dart jet.
The 689th Radar Squadron was originally assigned to the SAGE Portland Air Defense Sector at Adair Air Force Station, Oregon. Later it became part of the 25th Air Division SAGE at McChord AFB, Washington. Higher headquarters included 4th Air Force (Hamilton AFB, California), and Air Defense Command (Peterson AFB, Colorado). Later in July 1967, Detachment 2 of the 14th Missile Warning Squadron was activated at Mt Hebo AFS to operate a missile warning radar. [2] Both Squadrons are now deactivated. 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.
[edit] References
1. Searching The Skies - The Legacy of the United States Cold War Defense Radar Program — USAF Air Combat Command, June 1997. Contact: HQ ACC CEVP, 129 Andrews St. Suite 102, Langley AFB, VA 23665-2769.
2. Strategic Communications: Alternative Approaches for Modernization. Congressional Budget Office. October 1981, Page 10 Table 1.
