BLAINE AFS 757th Radar Squadron

This site is not an official link to USAF. It provides a informative perspective on this cold war era radar installation.

IN THE BEGINNING:

spring 1952 aerial shot from a Fairchild 22 taken by 

Don Karaiskos 757th AC&W Sq. Jan 1952 - Sep 1954

Eighty acres of what was once rolling farm lands make up the main squadron area. Supplemented by three additional acres at the nearby Ground to Air Transmitter and Receiver (GATR) site is Nestled in the resort community of Birch Bay WA was once a Air Force Radar Station and here's its story:

USAF saw the need for more protection with radars in certain sectors. The choice was to construct small units that could fill in those sectors throughout the Northwest area and Alaska. Birch Bay was chosen because of the near sea level advantage that certain radars needed to effectively scan long range. The 757th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated at Paine Air Field near Everett, Washington, on November 27 1950. the initial cadre arrived at the Birch Bay site March 14th 1951 with the presence of a pair of AN/FPS-10 radars. Later in 1953, the Birch Bay site was designated Blaine Air Force Station, taking its name from the nearest incorporated town.

The 757's command was the 25th air division (defense) from McChord AFB near Tacoma WA. The base could house up to 200+ airmen in 5 barracks and at least 20 some officers in the BOQ. Staffing fluctuated in the first few years of the unit , it was sometimes difficult to man a certain posts. March of 1952 the MARS Military Amateur Radio Station was initiated.

One of the other efforts was to beautify the station and make it more livable. "Operation facelift" was inspired by the CO. Food services on base were limited to a full service dining hall and NCO club. Shopping on base was limited to a BX -"base exchange". Entertainment and recreation on base was limited on base to a wood hobby shop that was very popular with the airmen. Some of the projects were small boats which could be launched in nearby Birch Bay. Cabinet projects were designed by the airmen and were utilized in their barrack rooms. Leather making and Photo developing also proved popular. The base also had a movie theater and motor shop. Outdoor amenities include golf passes to the nearby golf courses.

757th  SHIELD
the shield as it appears on tower 26 in the 1990's

1953 ORDERLY ROOM STAFF

Squatting L-R  D. Karaiskos - Chief Clerk; J. Kirk - Personnel Clk; D. Bagwell - mail clerk.  Standing L-R  M. Williams - Finance Clk; R. Freston - First Sgt.;R Cornett - Records Clerk; N. Friday - Personnel Clk  

757th POSTER
describes the mission of the 757