Information for Yuma AFS, AZ **

Latitude: 32-33-04 N, Longitude: 114-38-53 W

Perm ID	Sage ID	JSS ID	Unit	Location	Early Equip.	Final Equip.	Oper. Date	Inact. Date	Notes
RSM-162	(Z-162)		864	Yuma AFS, AZ **	FPS-27; other types planned (not installed)				** This ''Yuma AFS'' was being built to replace the original Yuma AFS that was located at Vincent AFB, which became Yuma MCAS. The Squadron was deactivated in 1963 before the new site was completed. Plans originally called for an AN/FPS-24 or -35_FD search radar, but were changed in favor of an AN/FPS-27 FD search radar. The AN/FPS-27 radar tower plus three other radar towers were built. Two radar towers appear to have been for FPS-6 variant height-finder radars.

Perm ID

Sage ID

JSS ID

Unit

Location

Early
Equip.

Final
Equip.

Oper.
Date

Inact.
Date

Notes

RSM-162

(Z-162)

864

Yuma AFS, AZ **

FPS-27; other types planned (not installed)

** This ''Yuma AFS'' was being built to replace the original Yuma AFS that was located at Vincent AFB, which became Yuma MCAS. The Squadron was deactivated in 1963 before the new site was completed. Plans originally called for an AN/FPS-24 or -35_FD search radar, but were changed in favor of an AN/FPS-27 FD search radar. The AN/FPS-27 radar tower plus three other radar towers were built. Two radar towers appear to have been for FPS-6 variant height-finder radars.

History of Yuma AFS, AZ **

The 864th AC&W Squadron began operations in 1956 using AN/MPS-7 and AN/MPS-14 radars. Vincent AFB was transferred to the US Navy on 1 Jan 1959, and the tenant radar site was renamed Yuma AFS. On 20 July 1962, the base designation was changed to Marine Corps Air Station. In this time frame, the Air Force began construction of a new Yuma AFS (RSM-162) about 13 miles south of Yuma. However, the replacement site was never completed, as, in March 1963, the Air Force ordered the 864th AC&W Squadron to deactivate. Operations ceased 1 August 1963. At this new site, an AN/FPS-24 or -35 FD search radar was first planned, but was subsequently changed to an AN/FPS-27 FD search radar (later cancelled due to site closure; its tower was built and still stands).

References: "Searching the Skies"; misc. ADC & ADCOM documents; US Army Corps of Engineers FUDS report; MCAS Yuma web site ("History" entry); 1963 USGS aerial imagery.

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