Othello Air Force Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Othello Air Force Station
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| Part of Air Defense Command (ADC) | |
 Othello AFS
Location of Othello AFS, Washington
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| Coordinates | 46°43′17″N 119°10′48″W / 46.72139°N 119.18000°W |
| Type | Air Force Station |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  United States Air Force |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1951 |
| In use | 1951–1975 |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | 637th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (later 637th Radar Squadron); 637th Air Defense Group |
Othello Air Force Station was a special base of the United States Air Force. It was a radar station that helped keep an eye on the skies. You can find it about 7.2 miles (11.6 km) south of Othello, Washington. This station was home to different Air Force groups, like the 637th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. It was active from 1951 until it closed in 1975.
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History of Othello Air Force Station
Othello Air Force Station was one of many stations built to create a strong radar network across the United States. This network was important for the Air Defense Command, which protected the country from air attacks. Building these stations became a top priority when the Korean War started in 1950.
The 637th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W Sq) moved to the Othello area by early 1951. By January 1952, they started using powerful radars. These included a long-range search radar (AN/FPS-3) and a height-finder radar (AN/FPS-5).
What the Station Did
At first, Othello Air Force Station worked as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) station. This meant its job was to spot unknown aircraft on its radar screens. Then, it would guide friendly fighter jets to intercept these unknown planes. It was like a air traffic controller for defense. The station officially got the name Othello Air Force Station in December 1953.
Over the years, the station got newer and better radar equipment. In 1956, they upgraded the height-finder radar. By 1958, they had an AN/FPS-20 search radar and an improved height-finder radar (AN/FPS-6A).
Joining the SAGE System
In July 1960, Othello Air Force Station became part of a bigger system called Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE). SAGE was a huge computer network designed to track aircraft and guide interceptors automatically. When Othello joined SAGE, its squadron was renamed the 637th Radar Squadron (SAGE).
This radar squadron worked 24/7. They sent constant information to the SAGE Direction Center. This center would then figure out how far away, what direction, how high, and how fast planes were flying. It also helped tell if an aircraft was friendly or a potential threat. In July 1963, the site was given a new identification code: NORAD ID Z-40.
More radar upgrades happened in 1963 and 1964. The AN/FPS-20 radar was replaced with a more advanced AN/FPS-7C. This new radar had special features to help it work better even if enemies tried to block its signals. They also installed a powerful AN/FPS-26A height-finder radar.
Gap Filler Sites
Besides the main station, Othello also managed smaller radar sites called "Gap Filler" sites. These sites helped cover areas where the main radar might have missed something. They used AN/FPS-14 radars.
- Wenatchee, WA (P-40B) 47°30′32″N 120°14′25″W / 47.50889°N 120.24028°W
- Okanogan, WA (P-40C) 48°31′41″N 119°56′38″W / 48.52806°N 119.94389°W
Changes and Closure
In March 1970, the 637th Radar Squadron was changed into the 637th Air Defense Group. This upgrade happened because Othello Air Force Station became a Backup Interceptor Control (BUIC) site. BUIC sites were very important. They could take over control of fighter jets if the main SAGE Direction Centers were ever unable to work.
The 637th Air Defense Group even won an award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, for their excellent service from March 1970 to May 1971.
However, as the need for defenses against manned bombers decreased, the group was eventually changed back to the 637th Radar Squadron. The entire station was closed on March 31, 1975. This was due to budget cuts and a general reduction in air defense operations.
Today, Othello Air Force Station is abandoned. The buildings and housing areas are falling apart, and tall weeds and plants grow everywhere. It looks like a ghost town.
Units Stationed at Othello
- 637th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
- Activated on May 21, 1947.
- Moved to Othello Air Force Station around January 1, 1951.
- Renamed 637th Radar Squadron (SAGE) on September 1, 1960.
- Inactivated on March 1, 1970.
- Reactivated as 637th Radar Squadron on January 17, 1974.
- Inactivated for good on March 31, 1975.
- 637th Air Defense Group
- Activated on March 1, 1970.
- Inactivated on January 17, 1974.
Awards
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, given to the 637th Air Defense Group for their service from March 1, 1970, to May 31, 1971.
