Montauk Air Force Station
Historical Background

The Montauk Air Force Station was an important link in the Cold War air defenses of the United States. Located at the extreme eastern tip of Long Island, its mission was to guard the New York metropolitan area and the northeastern United States against a surprise air attack by nuclear armed Soviet bombers.

The Air Force established its first radar at Montauk Point during the summer of 1948. The Montauk base was later incorporated into the nation's first two air defense radar networks known as the "Lashup" and "Permanent" networks. Operation of the base was the responsibility of the Air Force's 773rd Aircraft Control & Warning (AC&W) Squadron.

Many different types of surveillance and height finder radars were deployed at the base during its years of operation, reflecting the latest developments in radar technology. The site was incorporated into the nationwide Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense network during 1958. It had previously been an important site within the Experimental SAGE Sector which proved the validity of the SAGE concept. The 773rd AC&W Squadron was later renamed the 773rd Radar Squadron (SAGE).

One of the Cold War's largest and most technically advanced surveillance radars, a Sperry built AN/FPS-35, became operational at Montauk during 1960. The "35" was able to detect airborne objects at distances of well over 200 miles. It also incorporated "frequency diversity" features making it resistant to electronic countermeasures.

The Montauk site remained operational until 1981 when it was replaced by a new radar installation located farther to the west. Operated by the FAA, the new radar provided data for both civil air traffic control and air defense purposes, rendering the Montauk base obsolete.

Abandoned in place by the Air Force, the huge AN/FPS-35 radar is the nation's only intact example of a large frequency diversity radar. It is a valuable technological and historical artifact of national significance.

Subsequent to its closure, the former Montauk Air Force Station was acquired by New York State as a park. The future of the former base is still being debated at this time.

Donald E. Bender

Copyright 2000 by Donald E. Bender.
All Rights Reserved.