Duluth Air Defense Sector

The Duluth Air Defense Sector was an important part of the United States Air Force. It helped protect the country's airspace by watching for possible threats from the sky. The sector was based at Duluth Airport in Minnesota.

This group worked closely with the Air Defense Command and the 29th Air Division. Its job was to keep the skies over the northern United States safe.

The Duluth Air Defense Sector served until it closed on April 1, 1969. Even though it is no longer active, its work helped keep the nation secure during its time.

History

The Duluth Air Defense Sector began in October 1957 to help protect the skies over most of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It used many aircraft and radar teams to watch for any dangers.

In November 1959, a new control center opened, using special computers to help track aircraft. The group trained pilots flying special jets like the F-94 Starfire, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-106 Delta Dart, to be ready for any possible attacks. Later, in April 1966, the sector closed as part of changes in the Air Force. The old control building became a research center for the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Lineage

• Established as Duluth Air Defense Sector on 1 October 1957, Inactivated on 1 April 1966

Assignments

• 37th Air Division, 1 October 1957
• 31st Air Division, 20 December 1957
• 37th Air Division, 1 January 1959
• 30th Air Division, 1 April 1959 – 1 April 1966

Stations

• Duluth Airport, Minnesota, 1 October 1957 – 1 April 1966

Components

Wings

• 56th Fighter Wing (Air Defense): K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, 1 October 1963 – 1 January 1964
• 507th Fighter Wing (Air Defense): Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, 1 October 1963 – 1 April 1966

Group

• 343d Fighter Group (Air Defense): Duluth Airport, Minnesota, 15 November 1959 – 1 April 1966

Interceptor squadrons

• 18th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron: Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, 4 September 1963 – 1 April 1966
• 62d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron: K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, 16 December 1963 – 1 April 1966

Missile squadrons

• 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC): Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, 1 October 1963 – 1 April 1966
• 74th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC): Duluth AF Missile Site, Minnesota, 1 April 1960 – 1 April 1966

Radar squadrons