10th Space Warning Squadron hosts open house

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Richard Swank
  • 10th Space Warning Squadron
CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. --  On June 11, Cavalier Air Force Station opened its doors to the public for the first time in three years. The 10th Space Warning Squadron hosted an Open House to highlight their operational mission and allow the local community to learn about CAFS and its capabilities; specifically, the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System.

More than 400 visitors traveled to the 278.41-acre site that sits just 20 minutes south of the Canadian border to tour the facilities and experience several other displays provided by 10th SWS and its mission partners.

The visitors were able to attend tours of the PARCS including the power plant, Missile Warning Operations Center, and the transmitter room. In addition, a mission brief was presented and historical data pertaining to the missile warning mission was streamed on a movie screen for those visitors waiting on the next tour to start, or for those who simply wanted to find out more about the history of the site.

Guests were also given the opportunity to observe demonstrations conducted by a variety of other units and organizations, to include Grand Forks Air Force Base Military Working Dogs, Minot Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and U.S. Border Patrol.

The Open House began at 8:30 a.m. when the gates opened to the general public. The official beginning of the Open House was represented by the presentation of the colors conducted by the 319th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, followed by remarks by Lt. Col. John M. Koehler, 10 SWS commander.

The PARCS tours ran about 45 minutes for each and the first tour began at 9 a.m. Tours continued every 20 minutes throughout the day until the gates closed at 4 p.m. In all, the facility conducted tours for just over 270 visitors.

The local communities surrounding CAFS have strong historical ties to the site. There are many members in the community who helped build the site facilities.

“It was an honor to be able to showcase the many technological improvements and facility upgrades, as well as afford a rare opportunity for family members of employees - both past and present - to see what happens here,” said Koehler.

 

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