Posted on 05/16/2010 9:51:42 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
For 30 years, it has protected the East Coast of the United States from sea and land strikes by enemy missiles.
Yesterday, officials from the Air Force 6th Space Warning Squadron celebrated those three decades at PAVE PAWS — the first U.S. phased array warning system in the country and only one of four overall. "I think certainly the legacy is keeping a watch, a presence looking out over the Atlantic Ocean," Lt. Col. Max Lantz, commander of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, said Friday. "It's been one of vigilant watch for the past 30 years."
Everyday, the 10-story radar station, which pokes out from the pitch pines and scrub oaks of Flat Rock Hill on the Massachusetts Military Reservation in Sagamore, uses 1,792 active antenna elements to detect ballistic missiles that could be launched from submarines or land. In recent years, as the unit's name indicates, the mission has grown from a Cold War missile watch to include tracking satellites and other objects in space.
"Everyday, 21,500 objects are tracked, preserving the safety of satellites and manned systems like the space shuttle and International Space Station," Lantz said.
At its farthest reaches — 3,000 nautical miles — the radar station can detect an object the size of an automobile, according to material provided by the 6th Space Warning Squadron.
(Excerpt) Read more at capecodonline.com ...
I used to admire that thing (from a distance!) while doing weekends and ATs at Camp Edwards. To be able to see an object the size of a car over Poland! Fantastic. Made me remember the closing line from one of my favorite Sci-Fi movies from the 50s — “The Thing.” Any FReepers out there remember it?
Keep watching the skies. Wherever you are,keep watching.
See my profile! I was stationed there for three years. I helped open the place. Proud to know it’s still operational.
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