108th AC&W Squadron
Preliminary work on what would prove to be called NEAC’s (Northeast Air Command) permanent radar system began in 15 August 1950. ConAC sent a survey party to look at sites in Newfoundland, Labrador and Baffin Island. The USAF authorized the Army Engineers to proceed on 27 March 1951 with design and construction of sites in the approved areas.
While work went ahead on the so-called permanent system, a temporary station, often referred to as lash-up radar net, was thrown up. The following detail applies to the 108th AC&W Squadron which was to be located at Red Cliff, NF:
Site |
Type of Site |
Location |
Unit |
Remarks on AC&W Unit |
Radar |
Approximate |
L-22 |
ADDC |
Red Cliff, |
108th |
1 August 1951 – Federalized |
AN/CPS-5 |
June 1952 |
The 108th AC&W Squadron was an Air National Guard unit that had been Federalized (called to active duty) on 1 August 1951 - exactly two years prior to becoming the 642nd AC&W Squadron. It began operations during the summer of 1952, as an Air Defense Direction Center of the Northeast Air Command Center Temporary Radar System (L-22). The 642nd AC&W Squadron would eventually be constructed at the same location as the 108th AC&W Squadron.
Details of the NEAC (Northeast Air Command) Permanent Radar System as it applied to Red Cliff, NF are as follows:
Site |
Type of Site |
Location |
Unit |
Remarks on AC&W Units |
Radar |
Approximate Date Station Operational |
N-22 |
ADDC |
Red Cliff |
642nd |
1 August 1953 - Re-designated from 108th |
AN/CPS-6B |
Mid 1954 |