Stephenville, NF

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 105^th AC&W Squadron which was to be located at Stephenville, NF:

The 105^th 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 640^th AC&W Squadron. It began operations during the spring of 1952, as an Air Defense Direction Center of the Northeast Air Command Center Temporary Radar System (L-23). The 105^th AC&W Squadron radar equipment was physically located on the same mountain top that would eventually be home to the 640^th AC&W Squadron.

Details of the NEAC (Northeast Air Command) Permanent Radar System as it applied to Stephenville, NF are as follows:

The USAF’s 640^th AC&W Squadron part of the Pepperrell AFB St. John’s Newfoundland based 64^th Air Division (Defense), took up residence at the same location as the 105^th AC&W Squadron. The 105^th AC&W Squadron was re-designated the 640^th AC&W Squadron on 1 August 1953,