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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 26th Air Division
|unit_name= 26th Air Division
|image=[[File:84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron 3 F-101Bs 1968.jpg|290px]]
| image=84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron 3 F-101Bs 1968.jpg
| image_size = 290
|caption=[[84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]] [[F-101B Voodoo]]s
|caption=[[84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]] [[F-101B Voodoo]]s
|dates= 1948–1952; 1952–1969; 1969–1990
|dates= 1948–1952; 1952–1969; 1969–1990
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<!-- Insignia -->
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[Image:USAF 26th Air Division Crest.jpg|165px]]
|identification_symbol=[[Image:USAF 26th Air Division Crest.jpg|165px]]
|identification_symbol_label=26th Air Division emblem <small>(Approved 17 November 1960)</small><ref name=26ADfacts>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10079 |title=Factsheet 26 Air Division |date=October 5, 2007|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20121110103517/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10079 |archivedate=10 November 2012 |accessdate=April 9, 2014}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_label=26th Air Division emblem <small>(Approved 17 November 1960)</small><ref name=26ADfacts>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10079 |title=Factsheet 26 Air Division |date=5 October 2007|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121110103517/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10079 |archive-date=10 November 2012 |access-date=9 April 2014}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_2=
|identification_symbol_2=
|identification_symbol_2_label=
|identification_symbol_2_label=
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==History==
==History==
[[File:26thAD - Map 1948-1959.jpg|thumb|left|26th Air Division ADC AOR 1948-1959]]
[[File:26thAD - Map 1948-1959.jpg|thumb|left|26th Air Division ADC AOR 1948–1959]]
Was established in October 1948 by [[Air Defense Command]] (ADC) as intermediate level of command.<ref name=26ADfacts/> Initially responsible for atmospheric air defense of middle Atlantic region from North Carolina to greater New York City area east of the Appalachian mountains. Commanded Manual Direction Center (MDC) at [[Roslyn Air Force Station]], New York (P-3) 1948-1958 directing interceptor units to aircraft identified by Aircraft Control and Warning Squadrons at radar stations in AOR. It employed off shore naval [[Radar picket|picket ships]], fixed "[[Texas Towers|Texas Tower]]" radar sites, airborne early warning units, and a civilian [[Ground Observer Corps]] program. The latter phased down when the [[Semi Automatic Ground Environment|SAGE]] program was implemented.
Was established in October 1948 by [[Air Defense Command]] (ADC) as intermediate level of command.<ref name=26ADfacts/> Initially responsible for atmospheric air defense of middle Atlantic region from North Carolina to greater New York City area east of the Appalachian mountains. Commanded Manual Direction Center (MDC) at [[Roslyn Air Force Station]], New York (P-3) 1948–1958 directing interceptor units to aircraft identified by Aircraft Control and Warning Squadrons at radar stations in AOR. It employed off shore naval [[Radar picket|picket ships]], fixed "[[Texas Towers|Texas Tower]]" radar sites, airborne early warning units, and a civilian [[Ground Observer Corps]] program. The latter phased down when the [[Semi Automatic Ground Environment|SAGE]] program was implemented.


Improved radar and communications equipment and fighter interceptors, and better techniques and methods, eventually led to the 26th Air Division becoming the first operational [[Semi Automatic Ground Environment]] SAGE Direction Center (DC-1) within Air Defense Command<ref name=26ADfacts/> at [[McGuire Air Force Base]], New Jersey.<ref name=NORAD1958B>{{Cite NORAD Historical Summary |version=1958b |accessdate=2013-04-30}} "''USAF also set down a new schedule (see table preceding). This schedule was to be included in an entirely new SAGE schedule (Schedule A) to be prepared by the '''SAGE Project Office'''. The phasing was to be as follows. The last combat center, AN/FSQ-8, to be installed under SAGE Schedule 7 (Improved), was to be at McChord AFB (25th Air Division). Subsequent combat facilities and equipment were to be cancelled with the exception of (1) one AN/FSQ-8 that was to be converted to an AN/FSQ-7, using FY 1959 funds, to be installed at the Sioux City DC, and (2) the combat center building at Minot.''" (improved) On April 1, 1966, Combat Center CC-03 at McChord AFB, WA was inactivated in conjunction with the activation of Combat Center CC-05 at Hamilton AFB, CA, and the combining of 25th, 26th and 27th NORAD divisions into the new Headquarters Western NORAD Region at HAFB. CC-05 utilized a 3-String AN/GSA-51 computer system. CC-05 and Headquarters Western NORAD Region were inactivated at Hamilton AFB on December 31, 1969.</ref> Moved to [[Syracuse Air Force Station]] New York<ref name=26ADfacts/> and commanded SAGE DC-3 Direction Center and first SAGE Command Center (CC-01) beginning in 1958 and assumed operational control of the MDC at [[Topsham Air Force Station]], Maine in August 1958 and the SAGE DC-4 at [[Fort Lee Air Force Station]], Virginia in September 1958.
Improved radar and communications equipment and fighter interceptors, and better techniques and methods, eventually led to the 26th Air Division becoming the first operational [[Semi Automatic Ground Environment]] SAGE Direction Center (DC-1) within Air Defense Command<ref name=26ADfacts/> at [[McGuire Air Force Base]], New Jersey.<ref name=NORAD1958B>{{Cite NORAD Historical Summary |version=1958b |access-date=30 April 2013}} "''USAF also set down a new schedule (see table preceding). This schedule was to be included in an entirely new SAGE schedule (Schedule A) to be prepared by the '''SAGE Project Office'''. The phasing was to be as follows. The last combat center, AN/FSQ-8, to be installed under SAGE Schedule 7 (Improved), was to be at McChord AFB (25th Air Division). Subsequent combat facilities and equipment were to be cancelled with the exception of (1) one AN/FSQ-8 that was to be converted to an AN/FSQ-7, using FY 1959 funds, to be installed at the Sioux City DC, and (2) the combat center building at Minot.''" (improved) On 1 April 1966, Combat Center CC-03 at McChord AFB, WA was inactivated in conjunction with the activation of Combat Center CC-05 at Hamilton AFB, CA, and the combining of 25th, 26th and 27th NORAD divisions into the new Headquarters Western NORAD Region at HAFB. CC-05 utilized a 3-String AN/GSA-51 computer system. CC-05 and Headquarters Western NORAD Region were inactivated at Hamilton AFB on 31 December 1969.</ref> Moved to [[Syracuse Air Force Station]] New York<ref name=26ADfacts/> and commanded SAGE DC-3 Direction Center and first SAGE Command Center (CC-01) beginning in 1958 and assumed operational control of the MDC at [[Topsham Air Force Station]], Maine in August 1958 and the SAGE DC-4 at [[Fort Lee Air Force Station]], Virginia in September 1958.


In 1961 the division assumed air defense training responsibility for [[Air National Guard]] (ANG) units within the area. During the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] of 1962, the division deployed fighter aircraft and part of its airborne early warning and control force to Florida.<ref name=26ADfacts/>
In 1961 the division assumed air defense training responsibility for [[Air National Guard]] (ANG) units within the area. During the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] of 1962, the division deployed fighter aircraft and part of its airborne early warning and control force to Florida.<ref name=26ADfacts/>
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The 26th's area of control expanded until by 1963 its boundaries extended from the [[Arctic]] to the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and well toward the center of the United States. Expanded responsibilities in 1963 assuming command of SAGE DC-9 at [[Gunter Air Force Base]], Alabama in July and DC-6 at [[Custer Air Force Station]], Michigan in September and GCI stations in [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] formerly under the 64th Air Division.
The 26th's area of control expanded until by 1963 its boundaries extended from the [[Arctic]] to the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and well toward the center of the United States. Expanded responsibilities in 1963 assuming command of SAGE DC-9 at [[Gunter Air Force Base]], Alabama in July and DC-6 at [[Custer Air Force Station]], Michigan in September and GCI stations in [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] formerly under the 64th Air Division.


[[File:26thAD - Map 1966-1980.jpg|thumb|26th Air Division ADC AOR 1966-1979]]
[[File:26thAD - Map 1966-1980.jpg|thumb|26th Air Division ADC AOR 1966–1979]]
In April 1966, the division was replaced by the [[First Air Force]], and moved without personnel or equipment to [[Adair Air Force Station]], Oregon, where it assumed responsibility for the defense of Oregon, part of California and Nevada<ref name=26ADfacts/> by the inactivation of the [[Portland Air Defense Sector|Portland]] and [[Reno Air Defense Sector]]s. Assumed additional designation of '''26th NORAD Region''' and '''26th CONAD Region''' after activation of the NORAD Combat Operations Center at the [[Cheyenne Mountain Complex]], Colorado and reporting was transferred to [[NORAD]] from ADC at [[Ent Air Force Base]] in April 1966.
In April 1966, the division was replaced by the [[First Air Force]], and moved without personnel or equipment to [[Adair Air Force Station]], Oregon, where it assumed responsibility for the defense of Oregon, part of California and Nevada<ref name=26ADfacts/> by the inactivation of the [[Portland Air Defense Sector|Portland]] and [[Reno Air Defense Sector]]s. Assumed additional designation of '''26th NORAD Region''' and '''26th CONAD Region''' after activation of the NORAD Combat Operations Center at the [[Cheyenne Mountain Complex]], Colorado and reporting was transferred to [[NORAD]] from ADC at [[Ent Air Force Base]] in April 1966.


[[File:26AD-SWADS-1979-1990.jpg|thumb|26th Air Division/Southwest Air Defense Sector AOR, 1979-1990]]
[[File:26AD-SWADS-1979-1990.jpg|thumb|26th Air Division/Southwest Air Defense Sector AOR, 1979–1990]]
The division was gradually phasing down until it replaced the [[27th Air Division]] at [[Luke Air Force Base]], Arizona in November 1969,<ref name=26ADfacts/> when in an ADCOM reorganization of atmospheric defense forces, the command became responsible for the air defense of a large area of the southwest. In October 1979, it transferred to [[Tactical Air Command]] (ADTAC) and continued to supervise atmospheric defense forces of its assigned AOR. Assumed additional designation '''26th ADCOM Region''' on 8 December 1978.
The division was gradually phasing down until it replaced the [[27th Air Division]] at [[Luke Air Force Base]], Arizona in November 1969,<ref name=26ADfacts/> when in an ADCOM reorganization of atmospheric defense forces, the command became responsible for the air defense of a large area of the southwest. In October 1979, it transferred to [[Tactical Air Command]] (ADTAC) and continued to supervise atmospheric defense forces of its assigned AOR. Assumed additional designation '''26th ADCOM Region''' on 8 December 1978.


Began phase-down of operations with activation of new [[Southwest Air Defense Sector]] (SWADS) in July 1987. Engaged chiefly in transfer of mission to SWADS 1987-1990. Inactivated on 1 October 1990.<ref name=26ADfacts/>
Began phase-down of operations with activation of new [[Southwest Air Defense Sector]] (SWADS) in July 1987. Engaged chiefly in transfer of mission to SWADS 1987–1990. Inactivated on 1 October 1990.<ref name=26ADfacts/>


==Lineage==
==Lineage==
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===Components===
===Components===

====Air Force====
====Air Force====
* [[Air Forces Iceland]]
* [[Air Forces Iceland]]
: [[NAS Keflavik|Keflavik Airport]], Iceland, 1 July-4 September 1963<ref name=26ADfacts/>
: [[NAS Keflavik|Keflavik Airport]], Iceland, 1 July – 4 September 1963<ref name=26ADfacts/>


====Sectors====
====Sectors====
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: [[Hamilton Air Force Base]], California, 31 December 1969 – 10 October 1970
: [[Hamilton Air Force Base]], California, 31 December 1969 – 10 October 1970
* [[78th Fighter Wing]] (Air Defense)
* [[78th Fighter Wing]] (Air Defense)
: Hamilton Air Force Base, California, 1 April 1966 – 15 September 1969; 19 November-31 December 1969
: Hamilton Air Force Base, California, 1 April 1966 – 15 September 1969; 19 November – 31 December 1969
* [[551st Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing]]
* [[551st Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing]]
: [[Otis Air Force Base]], Massachusetts, 1 July 1959 – 1 April 1966
: [[Otis Air Force Base]], Massachusetts, 1 July 1959 – 1 April 1966
* 4601st Support Wing (DEW)
* 4601st Support Wing (DEW)
: [[Paramus, New Jersey]], 1 July - 1 October 1963
: [[Paramus, New Jersey]], 1 July – 1 October 1963
* [[4621st Air Defense Wing]] (SAGE)
* [[4621st Air Defense Wing]] (SAGE)
: McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, 18 October 1956 – 8 January 1957
: McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, 18 October 1956 – 8 January 1957
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: [[Stewart Air Force Base]], New York, 18 October 1956 – 8 January 1957
: [[Stewart Air Force Base]], New York, 18 October 1956 – 8 January 1957
* [[4707th Air Defense Wing]]
* [[4707th Air Defense Wing]]
: Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts, 1 March-18 October 1956
: Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts, 1 March – 18 October 1956
* [[4709th Air Defense Wing]]
* [[4709th Air Defense Wing]]
: McGuire Air Force Base, New York, 16 February 1953 – 1 September 1954
: McGuire Air Force Base, New York, 16 February 1953 – 1 September 1954
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: [[Kingsley Field]], Oregon, 1 April 1966 – 15 September 1969
: [[Kingsley Field]], Oregon, 1 April 1966 – 15 September 1969
* [[408th Fighter Group]]
* [[408th Fighter Group]]
: [[Oxnard Air Force Base]], California, 19 November-31 December 1969
: [[Oxnard Air Force Base]], California, 19 November – 31 December 1969
* [[503d Aircraft Control and Warning Group]]
* [[503d Aircraft Control and Warning Group]]
: Roslyn Air Force Base, New York, 1 January 1951 – 6 February 1952
: Roslyn Air Force Base, New York, 1 January 1951 – 6 February 1952
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====Interceptor squadrons====
====Interceptor squadrons====
* [[82d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]]
* [[82d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]]
: [[Travis Air Force Base]], California, 1 April-25 June 1966
: [[Travis Air Force Base]], California, 1 April – 25 June 1966
* [[84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]]
* [[84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]]
: Hamilton Air Force Base, California, 1 October 1970 – 1 September 1973
: Hamilton Air Force Base, California, 1 October 1970 – 1 September 1973
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: Condon Air Force Station, Oregon, 1 April 1966 – 15 September 1969
: Condon Air Force Station, Oregon, 1 April 1966 – 15 September 1969
* [[646th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
* [[646th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
: Highlands Air Force Station, New Jersey, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
: Highlands Air Force Station, New Jersey, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
* [[647th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
* [[647th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
: Quantico Air Force Station, Virginia, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
: Quantico Air Force Station, Virginia, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
* [[648th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
* [[648th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
: Benton Air Force Station, Pennsylvania, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
: Benton Air Force Station, Pennsylvania, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
* [[649th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
* [[649th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron]]
: Bedford Air Force Station, Virginia, 26 May 1953 – 1 May 1954
: Bedford Air Force Station, Virginia, 26 May 1953 – 1 May 1954
* [[658th Radar Squadron]]
* [[658th Radar Squadron]]
: Winnemucca Air Force Station, Nevada, 1 April 1966 – 18 June 1968
: Winnemucca Air Force Station, Nevada, 1 April 1966 – 18 June 1968
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: Montauk Air Force Station, New York, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
: Montauk Air Force Station, New York, 6 February 1952 – 16 February 1953
* [[774th Radar Squadron]]
* [[774th Radar Squadron]]
: Madera Air Force Station, California, 1 April-25 June 1966
: Madera Air Force Station, California, 1 April – 25 June 1966
* [[775th Radar Squadron]]
* [[775th Radar Squadron]]
: Cambria Air Force Station, California, 19 November 1969 – 30 September 1980
: Cambria Air Force Station, California, 19 November 1969 – 30 September 1980
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====Radar evaluation squadron====
====Radar evaluation squadron====
* [[4758th Radar Evaluation Squadron]] (ECM)
* [[4758th Radar Evaluation Squadron]] (ECM)
: [[Griffiss Air Force Base]], New York, 1 July-20 October 1959<ref name=26ADfacts/>
: [[Griffiss Air Force Base]], New York, 1 July – 20 October 1959<ref name=26ADfacts/>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|United States Air Force|Military of the United States}}
* [[List of United States Air Force Aerospace Defense Command Interceptor Squadrons]]
* [[List of United States Air Force air divisions]]
* [[List of United States Air Force air divisions]]
* [[United States general surveillance radar stations]]
* [[List of USAF Aerospace Defense Command General Surveillance Radar Stations]]
* [[Aerospace Defense Command Fighter Squadrons]]


==References==
==References==

===Notes===
===Notes===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
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===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|last=Cornett|first=Lloyd H|author2=Johnson, Mildred W|title=A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980|url= http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf |year=1980|publisher=Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center|location=Peterson AFB, CO|page= }}
* {{cite book|last=Cornett|first=Lloyd H|author2=Johnson, Mildred W|title=A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980|url=http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf|year=1980|publisher=Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center|location=Peterson AFB, CO|access-date=30 June 2012|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213173347/http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|origyear= 1961|url= http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/af_combat_units_wwii.pdf |edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=978-0-912799-02-5|page= }}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|orig-year= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf |edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=978-0-912799-02-5}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|origyear=1969|url= http://www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101202-002.pdf|edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402|pages= }}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|orig-year=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf|edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}
* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977|url= http://www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100921-047.pdf|year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9|pages=}}
* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977|url=https://archive.org/details/airforcecombatwi0000rave|year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9|url-access=registration}}


{{Tactical Air Command}}
{{Tactical Air Command}}
{{Aerospace Defense Command}}
{{Aerospace Defense Command}}


[[Category:Air divisions of the United States Air Force|026]]
[[Category:Air defense divisions of the United States Air Force|026]]
[[Category:Aerospace Defense Command units]]
[[Category:Aerospace Defense Command units]]
[[Category:1948 establishments in New York]]
[[Category:1948 establishments in New York (state)]]
[[Category:1990 disestablishments in California]]
[[Category:1990 disestablishments in California]]

Latest revision as of 21:09, 20 July 2023

26th Air Division
84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron F-101B Voodoos
Active1948–1952; 1952–1969; 1969–1990
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleCommand of air defense forces
Part ofTactical Air Command
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
26th Air Division emblem (Approved 17 November 1960)[1]

The 26th Air Division (26th AD) is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Air Defense Tactical Air Command, assigned to First Air Force, being stationed at March Air Force Base, California. It was inactivated on 30 September 1990.

History

[edit]
26th Air Division ADC AOR 1948–1959

Was established in October 1948 by Air Defense Command (ADC) as intermediate level of command.[1] Initially responsible for atmospheric air defense of middle Atlantic region from North Carolina to greater New York City area east of the Appalachian mountains. Commanded Manual Direction Center (MDC) at Roslyn Air Force Station, New York (P-3) 1948–1958 directing interceptor units to aircraft identified by Aircraft Control and Warning Squadrons at radar stations in AOR. It employed off shore naval picket ships, fixed "Texas Tower" radar sites, airborne early warning units, and a civilian Ground Observer Corps program. The latter phased down when the SAGE program was implemented.

Improved radar and communications equipment and fighter interceptors, and better techniques and methods, eventually led to the 26th Air Division becoming the first operational Semi Automatic Ground Environment SAGE Direction Center (DC-1) within Air Defense Command[1] at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey.[2] Moved to Syracuse Air Force Station New York[1] and commanded SAGE DC-3 Direction Center and first SAGE Command Center (CC-01) beginning in 1958 and assumed operational control of the MDC at Topsham Air Force Station, Maine in August 1958 and the SAGE DC-4 at Fort Lee Air Force Station, Virginia in September 1958.

In 1961 the division assumed air defense training responsibility for Air National Guard (ANG) units within the area. During the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the division deployed fighter aircraft and part of its airborne early warning and control force to Florida.[1]

The 26th's area of control expanded until by 1963 its boundaries extended from the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico and well toward the center of the United States. Expanded responsibilities in 1963 assuming command of SAGE DC-9 at Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama in July and DC-6 at Custer Air Force Station, Michigan in September and GCI stations in Newfoundland and Labrador formerly under the 64th Air Division.

26th Air Division ADC AOR 1966–1979

In April 1966, the division was replaced by the First Air Force, and moved without personnel or equipment to Adair Air Force Station, Oregon, where it assumed responsibility for the defense of Oregon, part of California and Nevada[1] by the inactivation of the Portland and Reno Air Defense Sectors. Assumed additional designation of 26th NORAD Region and 26th CONAD Region after activation of the NORAD Combat Operations Center at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado and reporting was transferred to NORAD from ADC at Ent Air Force Base in April 1966.

26th Air Division/Southwest Air Defense Sector AOR, 1979–1990

The division was gradually phasing down until it replaced the 27th Air Division at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in November 1969,[1] when in an ADCOM reorganization of atmospheric defense forces, the command became responsible for the air defense of a large area of the southwest. In October 1979, it transferred to Tactical Air Command (ADTAC) and continued to supervise atmospheric defense forces of its assigned AOR. Assumed additional designation 26th ADCOM Region on 8 December 1978.

Began phase-down of operations with activation of new Southwest Air Defense Sector (SWADS) in July 1987. Engaged chiefly in transfer of mission to SWADS 1987–1990. Inactivated on 1 October 1990.[1]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Established as the 26th Air Defense Division on 21 October 1948
Activated on 16 November 1948
Re-designated: 26th Air Division (Defense) on 20 June 1949
Inactivated on 1 February 1952
  • Organized on 1 February 1952[3]
Redesignated 26th Air Division (SAGE) on 8 August 1958
Redesignated 26th Air Division on 1 April 1966
Inactivated on 30 September 1969
  • Reactivated on 18 November 1969
Organized on 19 November 1969
Inactivated on 30 September 1990[1]

Assignments

[edit]

Stations

[edit]

Components

[edit]

Air Force

[edit]
Keflavik Airport, Iceland, 1 July – 4 September 1963[1]

Sectors

[edit]

Wings

[edit]

Groups

[edit]

Interceptor squadrons

[edit]
Travis Air Force Base, California, 1 April – 25 June 1966
Hamilton Air Force Base, California, 1 October 1970 – 1 September 1973
Castle Air Force Base, California, 1 September 1973 – 1 July 1987
Castle Air Force Base, California, 1 April 1966 – 18 July 1968[1]

Radar squadrons

[edit]

Radar evaluation squadron

[edit]
Griffiss Air Force Base, New York, 1 July – 20 October 1959[1]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Factsheet 26 Air Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
  2. ^ Preface by Buss, L. H. (Director) (14 April 1959). North American Air Defense Command and Continental Air Defense Command Historical Summary: July–December 1958 (Report). Directorate of Command History: Office of Information Services. "USAF also set down a new schedule (see table preceding). This schedule was to be included in an entirely new SAGE schedule (Schedule A) to be prepared by the SAGE Project Office. The phasing was to be as follows. The last combat center, AN/FSQ-8, to be installed under SAGE Schedule 7 (Improved), was to be at McChord AFB (25th Air Division). Subsequent combat facilities and equipment were to be cancelled with the exception of (1) one AN/FSQ-8 that was to be converted to an AN/FSQ-7, using FY 1959 funds, to be installed at the Sioux City DC, and (2) the combat center building at Minot." (improved) On 1 April 1966, Combat Center CC-03 at McChord AFB, WA was inactivated in conjunction with the activation of Combat Center CC-05 at Hamilton AFB, CA, and the combining of 25th, 26th and 27th NORAD divisions into the new Headquarters Western NORAD Region at HAFB. CC-05 utilized a 3-String AN/GSA-51 computer system. CC-05 and Headquarters Western NORAD Region were inactivated at Hamilton AFB on 31 December 1969.
  3. ^ The simultaneous activation and reactivation on 1 February 1952 reflects a change from a Table of Organization unit to a Table of Distribut8on unit.

Bibliography

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

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