4704th Defense Wing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 4704th Defense Wing  |
|
|---|---|
F-86Ds of the wing's 357th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
|
|
| Active | 1952–1954 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Type | Fighter Interceptor and Radar |
| Role | Air Defense |
| Size | Wing |
| Part of | Air Defense Command |
| Garrison/HQ | McChord Air Force Base |
The 4704th Defense Wing was a special group in the United States Air Force. It was created to help protect the skies over the United States. This wing was based at McChord Air Force Base in Washington state. It was part of the Air Defense Command (ADC), which was like the air police for the country.
The 4704th Defense Wing started in 1952. Its job was to guard against enemy planes. It had many different types of planes and radar stations. The wing was stopped in 1954, and its jobs were given to other groups.
Contents
Protecting the Skies: The Wing's Mission
The 4704th Defense Wing was formed in February 1952. This was part of a big change in how the Air Defense Command worked. Before, each air base had its own wing. But this new plan made wings responsible for larger areas. This helped the Air Force move its fighter planes more easily.
Just five days after it started, the 4704th Defense Wing took over from another group. It gained control of three important fighter squadrons. These squadrons flew fast fighter planes. The wing's main job was to train these units. They needed to be ready to find and stop any enemy aircraft. This was all to protect the Northwest United States.
Planes and Pilots: What They Flew
The fighter squadrons under the 4704th Defense Wing flew different types of planes. The 317th and 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadrons used Lockheed F-94 Starfire jets. These were powerful planes designed to catch and stop other aircraft.
Another squadron, the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, was special. It was made up of pilots from the Air National Guard. At first, they flew older F-51 Mustang planes from World War II. But by June 1952, they upgraded to the faster F-86 Sabre jets. The F-86 Sabre was a very famous fighter plane.
The wing also helped manage air force bases. For example, it took over the Air Force facilities at Portland Air Force Base. This base was moved from the Tactical Air Command (TAC) to the Air Defense Command (ADC).
More Squadrons Join the Team
As 1952 went on, more fighter squadrons joined the 4704th Defense Wing. In March, the 82nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron moved to the wing. They flew F-94s from Larson AFB. This move happened because Larson Air Force Base was changing hands.
In August, the 83rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron joined. They flew F-89 Scorpion planes. These planes were based at Paine Air Force Base in Washington.
Later in the year, the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron returned to the Air National Guard. Its pilots and planes became part of a new group, the 357th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. This new squadron continued the important work of defending the skies.
Adding Radar and Control
In early 1953, the wing's job grew even bigger. It started to manage the detection, warning, and control of aircraft. This meant it was in charge of finding planes, telling others about them, and guiding its own planes. Six radar squadrons were added to the wing. Radar stations are very important. They use radio waves to find planes far away, even in the dark or bad weather.
The Air Defense Command made more changes in February 1953. The wing's support groups became more specialized. For example, the 567th Air Base Group became the 567th Air Defense Group. This group then took charge of the 317th and 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadrons.
New groups were also created. The 503rd Air Defense Group started at Portland Air Force Base. The 357th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron joined this new group. Another group, the 529th Air Defense Group, started at Paine Air Force Base. The 83rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was assigned to them.
In October 1953, a special Air National Guard radar squadron, the 136th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron, returned to its home state. Its people and equipment were then used to create a new squadron, the 689th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron.
The Wing's Final Days
The 4704th Defense Wing was officially stopped in October 1954. Its planes, equipment, and people were moved to other Air Defense Command units. These units continued the important job of protecting the United States from the air. The groups that were once part of the 4704th Defense Wing then reported directly to the 25th Air Division.
Quick Facts About the Wing
How it Started and Ended
- It was named the 4704th Defense Wing and began on 1 February 1952.
- It was stopped on 8 October 1954.
Who it Worked With
- Western Air Defense Force, from 1 February 1952
- 25th Air Division, from 10 December 1952 until it stopped
Where it Was Based
- McChord Air Force Base, Washington, from 1 February 1952 to 8 October 1954
Who Was in Charge
- Colonel Alan T. Bennett, from 1 February 1952 to about January 1953
- Colonel Loring F. Stetson, Jr., from about January 1953 until it stopped
What Planes They Flew
- F-84G (1953)
- F-86D (1953–1954)
- F-86F (1952–1953)
- F-89B (1952–1953)
- F-94A (1952–1954)
- F-94B (1952–1953)
Images for kids
-
Lockheed F-94B-1-LO Starfire 50-890 at McChord AFB 1952.jpg
A Lockheed F-94 Starfire plane, like those flown by the wing.
