Once a major piece of U.S. nuclear defenses during the Cold War, Cavalier Air Force Station continues to be a significant link in the nation’s missile warning and space defense scheme.
The 10th Space Warning Squadron is a geographically separated unit of the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D. is about 15 miles south of the Canadian border. The installation initially provided the first and only ballistic missile defense of ICBM fields in the northern U.S. Following the Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty II that mission was terminated. Soon after, new dual missions of providing missile warning and supporting space surveillance began. The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System at Cavalier AFS is the only Safeguard component that was not deactivated.
more…