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Coordinates: 35°04′54.1″N 117°34′58.4″W / 35.081694°N 117.582889°W / 35.081694; -117.582889 (Boron AFS P-59)
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==History==
==History==
Boron Air Force Station was one of twenty-eight stations built as part of the second segment of the [[Air Defense Command]] permanent radar network. Prompted by the start of the [[Korean War]], on July 11, 1950, the Secretary of the Air Force asked the Secretary of Defense for approval to expedite construction of the permanent network. Receiving the Defense Secretary's approval on July 21, the Air Force directed the Corps of Engineers to proceed with construction.
Boron Air Force Station was one of twenty-eight stations built as part of the second segment of the [[Air Defense Command]] permanent radar network. Prompted by the start of the [[Korean War]], Secretary of the Air Force [[Thomas K. Finletter]] asked Secretary of Defense [[Louis A. Johnson]] on 11 July 1950 for approval to expedite construction of the permanent network. Receiving approval 10 days later, the Air Force directed the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|Army Corps of Engineers]] to proceed with construction.{{Cn|date=March 2022}}


The 750th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was assigned to Atolia, California on 28 January 1952. It assumed coverage responsibilities formerly held by the temporary "Lashup" site at Edwards AFB site (L-40), and was operating two AN/FPS-10 radars at this new site, and initially the station functioned as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders picked up on the unit's radar scopes. Atolia AFS was renamed "Boron Air Force Station" on 1 December 1953.
The '''750th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron''' was assigned to [[Atolia, California]], on 28 January 1952. It assumed coverage responsibilities formerly held by the temporary [[Lashup Radar Network]] site at [[Edwards Air Force Base]] (L-40). It operated two [[AN/FPS-10]] radars and initially functioned as a [[Ground-controlled interception]] (GCI) and warning station. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders. Atolia AFS was renamed '''Boron Air Force Station''' on 1 December 1953.


The AN/FPS-10 search radar at Boron remained until 1959. In 1958 an [[AN/FPS-6]] replaced the AN/FPS-10 height-finder radar. A second height-finder radar ([[AN/FPS-6]]A) was installed in 1959.
The AN/FPS-10 [[search radar]] at Boron remained until 1959. In 1958 an [[AN/FPS-6]] replaced the AN/FPS-10 [[height finder radar]]. A second height finder radar (an AN/FPS-6A) was installed in 1959.{{Clarify|reason=So, this seems to say that originally, there was a search '10 and a height finder '10, and eventually just a height finder '6 and a height finder '6A with no search radar? Since this is unlikely, what was the search radar?|date=March 2022}}


During 1961 Boron AFS joined the [[Semi Automatic Ground Environment]] (SAGE) system, feeding data to DC-17 at [[Norton AFB]], California. After joining, the squadron was redesignated as the 750th Radar Squadron (SAGE) on 1 May 1961. The radar squadron provided information 24/7 the SAGE Direction Center where it was analyzed to determine range, direction altitude speed and whether or not aircraft were friendly or hostile.
During 1961 Boron AFS joined the [[Semi-Automatic Ground Environment]] (SAGE) system, feeding data to [[DC-17]] at [[Norton Air Force Base]], California. After joining, the squadron was redesignated as the '''750th Radar Squadron (SAGE)''' on 1 May 1961. The radar squadron provided continuous information to the SAGE Direction Center, where it was analyzed to determine range, direction, altitude, speed, and whether aircraft were friendly or hostile.


In addition to the main site, a [[Ground Air Transmit Receive]] (GATR) site was located 3.5 miles north of the main site, at a heading of 335 degrees, in order to gain some distance from the high-powered RF energy from the search radar systems. The GATR sites were used to communicate audibly to intercept aircraft in order to vector them to airborne targets. AN/GRT-3 <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/military_radio_transmitting_set_an.html|title = Radio Transmitting Set AN/GRT-3 Military MILITARY U.S.}}</ref> systems were the transmitters used, along with AN/GRR-7 <ref>http://radionerds.com/images/b/bf/TO-31R2-2GRR7-2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> receivers. Backup Transceivers, AN/GRC-27 <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://radionerds.com/index.php/AN~GRC-27|title = AN/GRC-27 - RadioNerds}}</ref> systems were used to cover frequencies that were lost due to outages of the main transmitters and receivers. In addition to these, an AN/GKA-5 Time-division Data-link (TDDL) system <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.radomes.org/museum/equip/radarequip.php?link=gka-5.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-03-16 |archive-date=2016-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005085549/http://www.radomes.org/museum/equip/radarequip.php?link=gka-5.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.f-106deltadart.com/sage_system.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-03-17 |archive-date=2016-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328044926/http://www.f-106deltadart.com/sage_system.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> was used to digitally provide the vectoring data to the F-106 Delta Dart intercept aircraft.
A separate [[Ground Air Transmit Receive]] (GATR) site was located 3.5 miles NNW of the main site to provide some isolation from the high-powered RF energy from the search radar systems for the GATR's HF/VHF/UHF voice and data air-to-ground communications. GATR sites used voice communications via AN/GRT-3<ref name="RadioMuseum">{{cite web |title=Radio Transmitting Set AN/GRT-3 Military MILITARY U.S. |url=http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/military_radio_transmitting_set_an.html |website=Radiomuseum |access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref> transmitters and AN/GRR-7<ref>http://radionerds.com/images/b/bf/TO-31R2-2GRR7-2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> receivers to guide [[F-106 Delta Dart]] and other suitably-equipped intercept aircraft to airborne targets. AN/GRC-27<ref name="RN-AN/GRC-27">{{cite web |title=AN/GRC-27 - RadioNerds |url=http://radionerds.com/index.php/AN~GRC-27 |website=RadioNerds |access-date=March 17, 2022 |date=2018-05-17}}</ref> backup transcievers were used to cover frequencies that were lost due to outages of the main transmitters and receivers. In addition to these, an AN/GKA-5 Time Division Data Link (TDDL) system<ref name="RO-AN/GKA-5">{{cite web |title=AN/GKA-5 TDDL |url=https://www.radomes.org/museum/parseequip.php?html=gka-5.html&type=equip_html |website=Radomes.org |access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref><ref name="F-106">{{Cite web |url=http://www.f-106deltadart.com/sage_system.htm |title=MA-1 SAGE : F-106 Delta Dart : Ultimate Interceptor : Century Series Fighter : Convair |access-date=2022-03-17 |archive-date=2016-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328044926/http://www.f-106deltadart.com/sage_system.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> was used to digitally provide the vectoring data to the intercept aircraft.


In addition to the defense mission, Boron AFS became a joint-use facility with the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) for use in tracking aircraft in the Los Angeles sector. By this time the AN/FPS-10 had been replaced by an [[AN/FPS-20]] search radar. However, this radar was soon replaced by an [[AN/FPS-35]] FD radar. By 1963 this radar operated with [[AN/FPS-26]]A and [[AN/FPS-90]] height-finder radars. Boron AFS was re-designated as NORAD ID Z-59 on 31 July 1963.
In addition to the defense mission, Boron AFS became a joint-use facility with the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) for use in tracking aircraft in the Los Angeles sector. By this time the AN/FPS-10 had been replaced by an [[AN/FPS-20]] search radar. However, this radar was soon replaced by an [[AN/FPS-35]] FD radar. By 1963 this radar operated with [[AN/FPS-26A]] and [[AN/FPS-90]] height-finder radars. Boron AFS was re-designated as NORAD ID Z-59 on 31 July 1963.


In 1968 the AN/FPS-90 was inactivated. In 1969 the AN/FPS-35 was removed, and was replaced by an [[AN/FPS-67]] on the same tower (and with a radome); it became operational in 1970.
In 1968 the AN/FPS-90 was deactivated. In 1969 the AN/FPS-35 was removed, and was replaced by an [[AN/FPS-67]] on the same tower (and with a radome); it became operational in 1970.


In addition to the main facility, Boron operated several [[AN/FPS-14]] Gap Filler sites:
In addition to the main facility, Boron operated these [[AN/FPS-14]] gap-filler sites:
* Shafter, CA (P-59A) {{Coord|35|30|07|N|119|11|50|W|name=P-59A}}
* [[Minter Field Army Airfield]] (now Shafter Airport), Shafter, CA (P-59A) at {{Coord|35|30|07|N|119|11|50|W|name=P-59A}}
* Copper Mountain,<ref name="WNVW900">{{cite web |title=ULS License - Other Indust/Land Transp. 896-901/935-940 MHz, Trunked License - WNVW900 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY - Locations Summary |url=https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/licenseLocSum.jsp?licKey=1926795 |website=[[FCC]] |access-date=March 17, 2022 |date=2018-08-02}}</ref> Joshua Tree, CA (P-76F, P-59C) at {{Coord|34|09|17|N|116|12|08|W|name=P-76F, P-59C}}
* Joshua Tree, CA (P-76F), (P-59C) {{Coord|34|09|17|N|116|12|08|W|name=P-76F, P-59C}}


Over the years, the equipment at the station was upgraded or modified to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information gathered by the radars. The 750th Radar Squadron was inactivated on 30 June 1975. The FAA retained the AN/FPS-67, and continue to operate it today and is now data-tied into the [[Joint Surveillance System]] (JSS).
Over the years, the equipment at the station was upgraded or modified to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information gathered by the radars. The '''750th Radar Squadron''' was deactivated on 30 June 1975. The FAA retained the AN/FPS-67, and continues to operate it today as part of the [[Joint Surveillance System]] (JSS).


Boron AFS was later converted into a Federal Prison in 1979, for minimum security male inmates, which was closed in 2000. The prison site and housing area have been completely demolished. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating trespass activity at FPC Boron. All identified instances of trespass are logged, and trespassers may be subject to federal and state prosecution including imprisonment and/or fines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bop.gov/locations/fpc_boron.jsp|title=BOP: FPC Boron - No Trespassing Warning}}</ref> It may eventually be sold as surplus property through the GSA.
In 1979, Boron AFS was converted into '''Federal Prison Camp, Boron''', a minimum-security Federal Prison for male inmates that was closed in 2000. The prison site and housing area have been completely demolished. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating trespass activity at FPC Boron. All identified instances of trespass are logged, and trespassers may be subject to federal and state prosecution including imprisonment and/or fines.<ref name="BOP">{{cite web |title=FPC Boron - No Trespassing Warning |url=http://www.bop.gov/locations/fpc_boron.jsp |website=[[Federal Bureau of Prisons]] |access-date=March 18, 2022}}</ref>


==Air Force units and assignments ==
==Air Force units and assignments ==

Revision as of 00:03, 18 March 2022

Boron Air Force Station
Part of Air Defense Command (ADC)
Site information
TypeAir Force Station
CodeADC ID: P-59, NORAD ID: Z-59
Controlled by United States Air Force
Location
Boron AFS is located in California
Boron AFS
Boron AFS
Location of Boron AFS, California
Coordinates35°04′54.1″N 117°34′58.4″W / 35.081694°N 117.582889°W / 35.081694; -117.582889 (Boron AFS P-59)[1]
Site history
Built1952
In use1952–1975
Garrison information
Garrison750th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
Map all coordinates using OpenStreetMap

Download coordinates as:

Boron Air Force Station is a closed United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar station. It is located 6.8 miles (10.9 km) northeast of Boron, California. It was closed by the Air Force in 1975 and turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The radar site is still operated by the FAA as part of the Joint Surveillance System (JSS).

History

Boron Air Force Station was one of twenty-eight stations built as part of the second segment of the Air Defense Command permanent radar network. Prompted by the start of the Korean War, Secretary of the Air Force Thomas K. Finletter asked Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson on 11 July 1950 for approval to expedite construction of the permanent network. Receiving approval 10 days later, the Air Force directed the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with construction.[citation needed]

The 750th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was assigned to Atolia, California, on 28 January 1952. It assumed coverage responsibilities formerly held by the temporary Lashup Radar Network site at Edwards Air Force Base (L-40). It operated two AN/FPS-10 radars and initially functioned as a Ground-controlled interception (GCI) and warning station. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders. Atolia AFS was renamed Boron Air Force Station on 1 December 1953.

The AN/FPS-10 search radar at Boron remained until 1959. In 1958 an AN/FPS-6 replaced the AN/FPS-10 height finder radar. A second height finder radar (an AN/FPS-6A) was installed in 1959.[clarification needed]

During 1961 Boron AFS joined the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, feeding data to DC-17 at Norton Air Force Base, California. After joining, the squadron was redesignated as the 750th Radar Squadron (SAGE) on 1 May 1961. The radar squadron provided continuous information to the SAGE Direction Center, where it was analyzed to determine range, direction, altitude, speed, and whether aircraft were friendly or hostile.

A separate Ground Air Transmit Receive (GATR) site was located 3.5 miles NNW of the main site to provide some isolation from the high-powered RF energy from the search radar systems for the GATR's HF/VHF/UHF voice and data air-to-ground communications. GATR sites used voice communications via AN/GRT-3[2] transmitters and AN/GRR-7[3] receivers to guide F-106 Delta Dart and other suitably-equipped intercept aircraft to airborne targets. AN/GRC-27[4] backup transcievers were used to cover frequencies that were lost due to outages of the main transmitters and receivers. In addition to these, an AN/GKA-5 Time Division Data Link (TDDL) system[5][6] was used to digitally provide the vectoring data to the intercept aircraft.

In addition to the defense mission, Boron AFS became a joint-use facility with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use in tracking aircraft in the Los Angeles sector. By this time the AN/FPS-10 had been replaced by an AN/FPS-20 search radar. However, this radar was soon replaced by an AN/FPS-35 FD radar. By 1963 this radar operated with AN/FPS-26A and AN/FPS-90 height-finder radars. Boron AFS was re-designated as NORAD ID Z-59 on 31 July 1963.

In 1968 the AN/FPS-90 was deactivated. In 1969 the AN/FPS-35 was removed, and was replaced by an AN/FPS-67 on the same tower (and with a radome); it became operational in 1970.

In addition to the main facility, Boron operated these AN/FPS-14 gap-filler sites:

Over the years, the equipment at the station was upgraded or modified to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information gathered by the radars. The 750th Radar Squadron was deactivated on 30 June 1975. The FAA retained the AN/FPS-67, and continues to operate it today as part of the Joint Surveillance System (JSS).

In 1979, Boron AFS was converted into Federal Prison Camp, Boron, a minimum-security Federal Prison for male inmates that was closed in 2000. The prison site and housing area have been completely demolished. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating trespass activity at FPC Boron. All identified instances of trespass are logged, and trespassers may be subject to federal and state prosecution including imprisonment and/or fines.[8]

Air Force units and assignments

Emblem of the 750th Radar Squadron

Units

  • Constituted as the 750th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
Activated at Edwards AFB, California on 8 October 1950[9]
Moved to Atolia, California on 28 January 1952[10]
Site redesignated Boron Air Force Station, 1 December 1953
Redesignated 750th Radar Squadron (SAGE) on 1 May 1961
Redesignated 750th Radar Squadron on 1 February 1974
Inactivated on 30 June 1975

Assignments

See also

References

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

  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Boron Air Force Station (historical)
  2. ^ "Radio Transmitting Set AN/GRT-3 Military MILITARY U.S." Radiomuseum. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  3. ^ http://radionerds.com/images/b/bf/TO-31R2-2GRR7-2.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  4. ^ "AN/GRC-27 - RadioNerds". RadioNerds. 2018-05-17. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  5. ^ "AN/GKA-5 TDDL". Radomes.org. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  6. ^ "MA-1 SAGE : F-106 Delta Dart : Ultimate Interceptor : Century Series Fighter : Convair". Archived from the original on 2016-03-28. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
  7. ^ "ULS License - Other Indust/Land Transp. 896-901/935-940 MHz, Trunked License - WNVW900 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY - Locations Summary". FCC. 2018-08-02. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  8. ^ "FPC Boron - No Trespassing Warning". Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  9. ^ Mueller, Robert, Air Force Bases, Vol. I, p. 127
  10. ^ Ibid.
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