Continental Air Defense Command (ADC) USAF LASHUP Program 1948-1952 Site ID: L-1 128 AC&W Squadron Dow AFB, Bangor, Maine

On 10 February 1948, the 128 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W), Wisconsin Air National Guard was given official Federal recognition. With an initial strength of 35 airmen under the command of Major George S. Watson, it was based at Gen. Billy Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first radar set installed was an AN/TPS-2.

With both the "Korean conflict" and "the cold war" in progress during the summer of 1951, the 128 AC&W Squadron, consisting of approximately 100 officers and enlisted personnel, under the command of Major Raymond E. Hren, was called up for two years active duty. The 128 was assigned to Dow AFB, Bangor, Maine as part of the 32 Air Division (Defense), Hancock Field, Syracuse, New York..

The squadron established itself in former WW2 era Air Corps buildings in the northeast corner of the base The radar equipment installed was probably an AN/CPS-5.

In late 1951, Major Hren was transferred to Japan. Major Thomas A. Ramey replaced him as C.O of the unit.

It is interesting to note that during the late summer of 1952, huge forest fires were burning about fifty miles north of Bangor. The Maine Forest Service asked the military for help. Dow AFB personnel, including airmen from the 128 AC&W Squadron, were "recruited" for several days of front line fire fighting. The 128 personnel were an easy mark for this task as the squadron was starting its deactivation phase and most of the troops were on "standby duty".

The radar site was deactivated in August 1952. All personnel were transferred to other AC&W units and USAF bases. By mid 1953, the members of the old 128 were being released from active duty.

On 1 September 1953, the 128 AC&W Squadron reverted to Air National Guard status. Major Hren returned from overseas and resumed command of the squadron.

The unit continues to this day as the 128 Tactical Control Squadron (TCS) supported by the host unit, the 128 Air Refueling Group (who fly KC-135 "tankers") at Gen. Billy Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.