To counter Soviet intrusions into Alaska's air space, McChord fighters deployed to forward Alaska bases. With the stationing of the F-106 Delta Dart high-performance fighter, the McChord runway required another lengthening, to 10,100 feet. With the Soviet ICBM deployment and newer radars, the SAGE system eventually became obsolete and was replaced in August 1983. Clyde (its official designation was AN/FSQ-7) made 65,000 computations per second to track and guide interception, and the McChord SAGE became operational in May 1960. The SAGE computer, called “Clyde” by SAGE personnel, automated the information and communication system. The SAGE system employed the world’s largest computer (in duplex, so that if one computer failed the second took over) to collect information regarding the targets from radar sites, compute their path or track, and direct fighters to an intercept. The speed of new jet aircraft combined with slowness in tracking and getting the fighters into the air required a faster response. It had become doubtful that an enemy bomber attack could be stopped. Ground was broken for the nation's first Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system complex. The most significant air-defense advance came in 1957. New enlisted dormitories were constructed in 1956, followed by a major family housing program.įorward bomber-stationing facilities also were constructed during the 1950s, and the air-defense system was improved. Its buildings were demolished, except three staff houses that became senior officer housing. In 1955 the closed Mountain View Tuberculosis Sanitarium was acquired for further base expansion. McChord units would also compete well in the William Tell weapons meets, competitions for the best fighter gunnery and weapons. The 317th would become the only squadron to win the Hughes trophy three times. In 1956 McChord’s 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was the nation’s top squadron, winning the Hughes Trophy, the air force award for air defense fighter excellence. Alert hangers went up 1951-1953, allowing for more rapid responses. In September 1951, the 25th Air Division (Defense) arrived at the base and would serve there for the next 49 years. During the first year of the Korean War the Military Airlift Transport Service (MATS) carried 96,000 passengers out of McChord. These airlift duties necessitated base expansion, so in September 1951, work started on a new cargo terminal and an addition to the passenger terminal. In the first month of the war 80 planes delivered more than one million pounds of material. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force working together to deliver supplies and troops to the front. McChord Air Force Base would become extremely busy during the Korean War, with the U.S. These F-82s were soon replaced with the jet-engine F-94 Starfire, an all-weather fighter. The 325th flew piston-engine F-82 Twin Mustangs for interception, rocket launching, and bombing. The base's air defense role had been enhanced with the 1950 arrival of the 325th Fighter, All-Weather Wing. That summer, to accommodate more advanced aircraft, the runway was extended from 5,880 to 9,000 feet. In 1950 additional land was acquired, bringing the base to 4,616 acres. And, of course, the base also provided the Pacific Northwest with air defense. These transport aircraft were used later that year in a humanitarian mission when, in the cold winter of 1948-1949, the 62nd Troop Carrier Wing airdropped hay to stranded livestock in Western states, saving about 80 percent of the animals. For example, in January 1948 McChord aircraft airlifted troops and equipment to Big Delta, Alaska, in a training exercise. On January 1, 1948, McChord Field became McChord Air Force Base, and it would have three main missions: transport and airlift duties, humanitarian support, and air defense. The 62nd Troop Carrier Wing arrived at McChord in August 1947, making military transport a central base activity. Bomber training ended and new military missions evolved. The nation's large wartime air force and its personnel were demobilized. The end of World War II brought changes to McChord Field. In 2010 McChord Air Force Base was merged with Fort Lewis to create Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It has been home to air-defense warning and command systems, and fighter aircraft stationed here have defended the Northwest's air space. In addition, McChord performs a significant role in air defense. Airlift planes have also carried out many humanitarian missions. Its major role has been airlift, moving troops and equipment to combat zones. McChord Air Force Base (now part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord), located in Pierce County south of Tacoma, has served airlift and air-defense functions since World War II.
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