Mount Hebo Air Force Station
Mt Hebo Air Force Station (AFS) was a US Air Force long range radar station located at the top of 3154 foot Mt Hebo in Oregon. Mt Hebo is part of the Cascade Range and is located in the Siuslaw National Forest overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The nearest large town is Tillamook, OR. An 8.5 mile Mt Hebo access road from US Hwy 101 in the town of Hebo, OR rises 3000 feet from the valley up a steep and winding road to the top. From there the view is spectacular. Mt Rainer, WA and the mountains south to the Three Sisters in Oregon are easily visible. Dominating the eastern skyline was Mt Hood east of Portland, OR. Mt Saint Helens is also visible. The weather at Mt Hebo is often wet, windy, cold, and snowing. Three giant Air Force radomes, about 140 feet in diameter and 100 feet high, were destroyed by the elements. Winter snow accumulations often total more than 300 inches.
Mt Hebo AFS was the home of the 689th Radar Squadron. Squadron responsibilities included operation and maintenance of the installed radar and communications equipment , and various support activities including food service, supply, power production, civil engineering, administration, transportation, and personnel services. Available facilities included buildings for the radar and communications, barracks for personnel, family housing, a power plant, Dining Hall, Gym, Motor pool, and support activities. The radar station was like a small town.
Mt Hebo AFS was a vital part of the Air Force Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) computer supported system for air defense. Available electronic equipment was able to support the detection, identification, and destruction of enemy aircraft. This was accomplished by communications between the SAGE computer at McCord AFB, the radars and communications systems at Mt Hebo, and airborne interceptor aircraft such as the supersonic F-106 Delta Dart.
The 689th Radar Squadron was originally assigned to the SAGE Portland Air Defense Sector. Later it was realigned with the 25th Air Division SAGE at McCord AFB, WA. Higher headquarters included 4th Air Force, and Air Defense Command. Later Detachment 2 of the 14th Missile Warning Squadron was activated at Mt Hebo to operate a missile warning radar. The Air Force equipment and facilities at Mt Hebo have been removed and the site returned to its natural state. A plaque is virtually all that remains of the radar station. It is dedicated "In Memory Of Those Who Served At Mt.Hebo AFS, Oregon. 689th Radar Sq., Oct.1956-June 1979. Det.2 14th MWS July 1967 - Sep.1980".