November 17, 1960 Newspaper Clipping from the Cottonwood Chronicle

RADAR BRIEFS

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(This series of articles is written by 1/Lt. Robert O. Bissey and A1/c John F Reeder to promote a better understanding between the U.S. Air Force and the people of Central Idaho. Opinions expressed here are those of the authors and in no way imply Department of Defense approval).

The mission of the Air Defense Command of the U.S. Air Force is the detection, identification, interception, and destruction of any airborne attacks against the United States of America.

The main instrument of detection and identification is a giant radar surveillance system. Identifications are also established by identification radar, flight plans, and by the use of all-weather jet interceptor aircraft which fly up to examine any “unknown” aircraft which cannot be identified by any other means. This examination of “unknown” aircraft is also the interception phase of air defense and, when necessary, the destruction phase.

The 822^nd Radar Squadron of Cottonwood, Idaho, is a vital link in a radar surveillance net. Here, information pertaining to position, speed, altitude, and direction of travel of airborne objects, along with possible identification from identification radar, is compiled and sent to a direction center at Moses Lake, Wash. The direction center then performs the other phases of air defense. The direction center continually receives radar information concerning airborne objects and keeps tabs on individual objects. If necessary, an interceptor controlled by the direction center intercepts the unknown objects and identifies them, or, if necessary, destroys them.

In the case of destruction of the direction center, the 822^nd Radar Squadron takes over all functions of air defense in its radar coverage area, or the radar information is rerouted to another direction center at Reno, Nevada, where the air battle can be continued against the enemy.

The 822^nd Radar Squadron is a needed link in air defense against aggression and proves that for every plane in the air, there are men watching it on radar, checking it for identification, direction of travel, and other needed information valuable to the security of the United States of America.