The Radar Base

Windrock

The Radar Base

Windrock

This ride visits the ruins of the historical Lake City Air Force Station, known commonly as "The Radar Base".
The Lake City Air Force Station, originally named Cross Mountain Air Force Station, is a decommissioned United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar station. It was situated approximately 4.4 miles west-southwest of Lake City, Tennessee, and was operational from 1952 until its closure in 1960.
The station was established as part of the second segment of the permanent Air Defense Command network during the Korean War. The 663d Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was activated in 1952 and initially operated from a temporary site before moving to the permanent location at Cross Mountain AFS, which was later renamed Lake City AFS. The squadron was responsible for guiding interceptor aircraft towards unidentified intruders detected by the radar.
Lake City AFS played a vital role as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station, equipped with a pair of AN/CPS-6B and AN/FPS-10 radars, and later an AN/FPS-6 height-finder radar. The facility also managed three unmanned AN/FPS-18 Gap Filler sites in North Carolina and Kentucky.
Despite its importance, the site was deactivated on 1 June 1961 due to budget cuts. Today, the former station's location houses radio transmitters and several towers, including those for television stations.
This historical site's legacy is a testament to the Cold War era's defensive strategies and technological advancements. The Lake City Air Force Station's role in the broader Aircraft Control and Warning network underscores the extensive efforts made to protect the United States during a time of heightened global tension.

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This ride visits the ruins of the historical Lake City Air Force Station, known commonly as "The Radar Base".
The Lake City Air Force Station, originally named Cross Mountain Air Force Station, is a decommissioned United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar station. It was situated approximately 4.4 miles west-southwest of Lake City, Tennessee, and was operational from 1952 until its closure in 1960.
The station was established as part of the second segment of the permanent Air Defense Command network during the Korean War. The 663d Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was activated in 1952 and initially operated from a temporary site before moving to the permanent location at Cross Mountain AFS, which was later renamed Lake City AFS. The squadron was responsible for guiding interceptor aircraft towards unidentified intruders detected by the radar.
Lake City AFS played a vital role as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station, equipped with a pair of AN/CPS-6B and AN/FPS-10 radars, and later an AN/FPS-6 height-finder radar. The facility also managed three unmanned AN/FPS-18 Gap Filler sites in North Carolina and Kentucky.
Despite its importance, the site was deactivated on 1 June 1961 due to budget cuts. Today, the former station's location houses radio transmitters and several towers, including those for television stations.
This historical site's legacy is a testament to the Cold War era's defensive strategies and technological advancements. The Lake City Air Force Station's role in the broader Aircraft Control and Warning network underscores the extensive efforts made to protect the United States during a time of heightened global tension.

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