1960's

BLAINE AFS 757th Radar Squadron

1960's

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

The 1960's saw changes of the role that the 757 played. The radar were changed to the AN/FPS -20 search radar and the AN/FPS-6 and 6-A height finder radar. In April 1st 1960 the site began providing data to the Seattle Air Defense Sector based out of McChord AFB near Tacoma. Also at the same time it was re-designated the 757th Radar Squadron. The 757 also had acceptance of a smaller site called a GAP FILLER P-46A, it basically provide a fill in the radar gaps. GAP FILLER P-46A was apparently located near Anacortes WA, it had either an AN/FPS-14 or AN/FPS-18 short-range radar? The 757th in 1966 became the first Back Up Interceptor Control (BUIC) Center. it provided a back up to the SAGE- Semi Automatic Ground Environment. Three years later its mission as BUIC was deleted and the site reverted back to its roll as a long radar range (LRR) unit.

Then later in the 1960's the base also switched to the new AN/FPS-24 search radar. Earlier in the 60's the 757 saw growth of the station. Twenty one housing units were dedicated in 1960. Included in the expansion of the base was the construction of the gym and recreation area. The gym even had a steam room and exercise rooms. In 1969 the base gained a 2 lane regulation bowling alley in the bottom level of the recreation and family services building. As quoted from one airman, "Nobody wanted to get into trouble or cause problems, they didn't want to have free time taken away or even worse by reassigned to other units." The 757 had become bestowed on many occasions to be the best station to be stationed at due to it recreational amenities.

NW VIEW OF TOWER 26
a view of tower 26 with its bubble top with unknown tower in view

LINE UP

ceremony line up in front of barracks

SPEAKER AT DRIVERS SAFETY AWARDS CEREMONY 1960

CO and major talking to men about the achievement of fellow members accomplishments