Sault Sainte Marie Air Defense Sector

The Sault Sainte Marie Air Defense Sector (SsmADS) was a part of the United States Air Force. It was an organization that helped keep the skies safe during a time when protecting against airplanes and other air threats was very important.

Its last job was with the 30th Air Division, and it was based at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. Like many other air defense groups, it played a role in making sure the air space over the United States was monitored and protected during its time of operation. Today, the Sault Sainte Marie Air Defense Sector is no longer active, but its history is remembered as part of the country's efforts to stay safe during a specific period in history.

History

The Sault Sainte Marie Air Defense Sector (SsmADS) was created in November 1958. It took over units from the Central Air Defense Force in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Its job was to command and control several aircraft and radar squadrons.

On June 15, 1960, a new Direction Center called SAGE became active. It used special computers to help keep jet interceptor aircraft ready for missions. The Sector stopped operating on April 1, 1966, and its units were moved to other air divisions.

Lineage

• Established as Sault Sainte Marie Air Defense Sector on 8 November 1958
• Inactivated on 15 December 1963

Assignments

• 37th Air Division, 8 November 1958
• 30th Air Division, 1 April 1959 – 15 December 1963

Stations

• K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, 8 November 1958 – 15 December 1963

Components

Wings

• 56th Fighter Wing (Air Defense)
  • K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, 1 February 1961 – 1 October 1963
• 507th Fighter Wing (Air Defense)
  • Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, 1 February 1961 – 1 October 1963

Groups

• 56th Fighter Group (Air Defense)
  • K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, 1 April 1960 – 1 February 1961
• 507th Fighter Group (Air Defense)
  • Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, 1 April 1960 – 1 February 1961

Interceptor squadron

• 445th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
  • Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, 1 April 1960 – 15 July 1963

Missile squadron

• 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC)
  • Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, 1 April 1960 – 1 October 1963

Radar squadrons