Makah Air Force Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Makah Air Force Station
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| Part of Air Defense Command (ADC) | |
 Makah AFS
Location of Makah AFS, Washington
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| Coordinates | 48°22′18″N 124°40′30″W / 48.37167°N 124.67500°W |
| Type | Air Force Station |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  United States Air Force |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1951 |
| In use | 1951–1988 |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | 758th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron |
Makah Air Force Station was a special place where the United States Air Force used powerful radar to watch the skies. It was located about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) south of Neah Bay, Washington. This station was active from 1951 until 1988.
After the Air Force closed it, the site was given to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Today, it's still used as part of the Joint Surveillance System (JSS). This system helps the NORAD keep an eye on air traffic.
Contents
History of Makah Air Force Station
Makah Air Force Station was one of many radar stations built by the Air Defense Command. These stations were part of a big network designed to protect the United States. The plan to build them sped up because of the Korean War, which started in 1950. The land for the Makah station was leased from the Makah Indian tribe.
Early Operations and Radar Technology
The 758th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W Sq) started working at the site in November 1950. They used large radar machines like the AN/FPS-3 and AN/CPS-4. These radars helped them find planes in the sky.
The squadron's main job was to act as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) station. This meant they would guide friendly fighter planes to any unknown aircraft seen on their radar screens. The station was officially named Makah Air Force Station in December 1953.
Joining the SAGE System
In 1960, Makah Air Force Station became part of the Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system. SAGE was a huge computer network that collected radar data from many stations. Makah's radar information was sent to a main center at McChord Air Force Base in Washington.
When they joined SAGE, the squadron changed its name to the 758th Radar Squadron (SAGE). They worked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, sending information to the SAGE center. This data helped figure out how far away planes were, their direction, height, and speed. It also helped tell if planes were friendly or not.
Over the years, the radar equipment at Makah was updated. By 1963, they were using an AN/FPS-7A search radar and AN/FPS-90 and AN/FPS-26A height-finder radars. These upgrades made the information they gathered even better and more accurate.
Changes and Closure
In the 1970s, the radars continued to be improved. The AN/FPS-7A was updated to an AN/FPS-107V1, and the AN/FPS-90 was changed to an AN/FPS-116. In 1979, the station's control moved to the Tactical Air Command (TAC). Around 1980, the AN/FPS-107V1 was replaced with an AN/FPS-91A.
On June 15, 1988, the 758th Radar Squadron was closed down. The Air Force reduced its presence at Makah Air Force Station. The radar site was then given to the FAA. However, a small team from McChord Air Force Base stayed to help maintain the radars. The AN/FPS-116 radar was retired around this time.
In the late 1990s, the AN/FPS-91A radar was replaced by a newer FAA-operated ARSR-4 radar. The FAA still uses this radar today as part of the Joint Surveillance System (JSS).
The station buildings and housing areas were returned to the Makah people. Today, the former Air Force station is used by the Makah Tribal Council Center. The buildings are well-kept and still in use by the tribe.
Air Force Units at Makah
The main unit that operated at Makah Air Force Station was the 758th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. It was formed in November 1950. Over time, its name changed as its role evolved:
- It started as the 758th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron in November 1950.
- It was renamed 758th Radar Squadron (SAGE) in April 1960 when it joined the SAGE system.
- It became the 758th Radar Squadron again in February 1974.
- The squadron was officially closed on June 30, 1988.
This squadron was part of different Air Force groups and divisions during its time. For example, it was assigned to the 25th Air Division for many years.
