Western Air Defense Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western Air Defense Force |
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Regions of ADC Air Defense Forces and known Air Force Bases with ADC units, 1949–1960 Note: States containing ADC bases of Western & Central ADF and Eastern & Central ADF identified as Central/Western and Central/Eastern
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| Active | 1949–1960 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Air Defense |
| Part of | Air Defense Command |
The Western Air Defense Force (WADF) was a part of the United States Air Force. It was a special group that helped protect the skies over the western United States.
WADF worked with the Air Defense Command. Its main job was to defend the country from air attacks. The group was based at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. It was active from 1949 until July 1, 1960, when it was closed down.
Contents
Protecting the Skies
The Western Air Defense Force was a key part of the Air Defense Command. It was like a manager for many smaller air defense units. These units worked together to keep the skies safe.
How WADF Started
The WADF began on September 1, 1949. It was created to help organize air defense across the United States. At first, there were two main groups: the Western and Eastern Air Defense Forces.
The Area WADF Covered
When it first started, WADF was in charge of the western part of the United States. This area stretched from the Canada–United States border in the north to the Rio Grande river in the south. It went all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Over time, the area WADF covered changed. In 1951, a new group called the Central Air Defense Force (CADF) was created. This meant WADF's area shifted a bit more to the west. Later, in 1956, the border moved again, roughly along the eastern edges of Idaho, Nevada, and California. Any units east of this new line joined CADF.
Why WADF Ended
The Western Air Defense Force was closed down on July 1, 1960. Its duties were taken over by other Air Force groups. New technologies, like the Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, changed how air defense worked. This led to a new way of organizing air defense units.
WADF's Journey
Here's a quick look at how the Western Air Defense Force was set up and where it was based.
Its Beginning and End
- The Western Air Defense Force was officially started on September 1, 1949.
- It was closed down on July 1, 1960.
Who WADF Worked For
- From September 1, 1949, to January 1, 1951, it worked under Continental Air Command.
- From January 1, 1951, to July 1, 1960, it worked under Air Defense Command.
Where WADF Was Based
- The Western Air Defense Force was always based at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. It stayed there from September 1, 1949, until it closed on July 1, 1960.
Units That Were Part of WADF
The Western Air Defense Force oversaw many different units. These included Air Divisions, Air Defense Sectors, and Wings. They all worked together to protect the skies.
Air Divisions
Air Divisions were large groups of air defense units.
* Based at McClellan Air Force Base, California. * Joined WADF on May 1, 1954.
* Based at Geiger Field, Washington. * Joined WADF on October 8, 1954. * Closed on August 15, 1958.
* Based at Silver Lake, Washington, then McChord Field, Washington. * Joined WADF on February 1, 1950.
* Based at Norton AFB, California. * Joined WADF on September 20, 1950. * Closed on October 1, 1959. |
* Based at Hamilton Air Force Base, California. * Joined WADF on January 1, 1951.
* Based at Great Falls AFB (later Malmstrom AFB), Montana. * Joined WADF on March 1, 1951.
* Based at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. * Joined WADF on January 5, 1951. * Moved to Central Air Defense Force on February 15, 1953. |
Air Defense Sectors
These sectors were responsible for specific areas of air defense.
- Los Angeles Air Defense Sector
* Based at Norton AFB, California. * Joined WADF on October 1, 1959.
- Phoenix Air Defense Sector
* Based at Luke AFB, Arizona. * Joined WADF on June 15, 1959.
Wings
Wings were groups of aircraft and their support teams.
* Based at George Air Force Base, California. * Joined WADF on January 1, 1951. * Closed on February 6, 1952.
* Based at Hamilton Air Force Base, California. * Joined WADF on January 1, 1951. * Closed on February 6, 1952.
* Based at Larson AFB, Washington. * Joined WADF on January 1, 1951.
* Based at Larson AFB, Washington. * Joined WADF on August 2, 1951. * Closed on February 6, 1952.
* Based at Geiger Field, Washington. * Joined WADF on March 2, 1951.
* Based at McChord Field, Washington. * Joined WADF on May 1, 1951. * Closed on February 6, 1952. |
* Based at McClellan Air Force Base, California. * Joined WADF on July 1, 1957.
* Based at Hamilton Air Force Base, California. * Joined WADF on February 1, 1952. * Based at Larson AFB, Washington. * Joined WADF on February 1, 1952. * Closed on April 7, 1952. * Based at McChord Field, Washington. * Joined WADF on February 1, 1952.
* Based at Norton AFB, California. * Joined WADF on February 1, 1952. * Closed on March 1, 1952.
* Based at Yuma County Airport, Arizona. * Joined WADF on September 1, 1953. |
Groups and Squadrons
Smaller units also played a role in WADF's operations.
- 162d Aircraft Control and Warning Group
* Based at Larson AFB, Washington. * Joined WADF on May 12, 1951.
- 115th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
* Based at Geiger Field, Washington. * Joined WADF from March 17, 1952, to February 16, 1953.
- 917th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
* Based at Puntzi Mountain AS, British Columbia. * Joined WADF from April 16, 1952, to January 1, 1953.
- 918th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
* Based at Baldy Hughes AS, British Columbia. * Joined WADF from April 16, 1952, to February 16, 1953.
- 919th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
* Based at Saskatoon Mountain AS, Alberta. * Joined WADF from April 16, 1952, to February 16, 1953.
