| K.I. Sawyer AFB |
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- A BRIEF HISTORY OF Kl SAWYER AFB
- In 1954 the government entered into
negotiations with Marquette County
for Sawyer's lease. After several months of
meetings and negotiations a
99 year lease was signed on January 24, 1955.
Construction started
almost immediately.
Approximately 850 people were employed during the construction and several local contractors were involved.
On January 24, 1956 Lt/Col Robert L. Blocklehurst became the first commander of Kl Sawyer AFB. The runway was completed in 1957 and in 1958 25 F-102 Aircraft were sent TDY from Kinross AFB at Sault St. Marie to operate out of Sawyer for several months, while the runways at Kinchelo were being repaired and extended.
The 62nd F1S from O'Hare airport Chicago was transferred to Sawyer and became an operational F-101 "Voodoo" squadron in 1959 after the runways at Sawyer were extended to 12,300 feet.
The Strategic Air Command became operational as a tenant unit with the assignment of a KC-135 Air Refueling Squadron first the 923 ARS and soon replaced by the 46th Air Refueling Squadron. The first B-52H arrived at Sawyer in August 1961 along with the 410 Bomb Wing.
The Sault St. Marie Air Defense Sector (SAGE) continued in operation until September 1963 and in January 1964 control of the base was passed from the Air Defense Command to the Strategic Air Command leaving the 410 Bomb Wing as the host unit to date.
The F-101 equipped 62 Fighter Interceptor Squadron remained at Sawyer as a tenant unit until April 1971 when it was deactivated and replaced by the 87th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and its F-106 Delta Dart Aircraft were transferred from Duluth Municipal Airport Minnesota. The 87th F1S was deactivated and the F-106 aircraft left in 1985.
Other aircraft assigned to Sawyer over the years included H-43B and HH-1H rescue helicopters leaving in 1977. FB-111 aircraft assigned to Pease AFB New Hampshire were on satellite alert at Sawyer in 1974 and 1975. The last aircraft assigned to Sawyer were six T-37 jet trainers of the 71 FTW assigned to "Accelerated Copilot Enrichment Program" in 1977 and are presently assigned to the "Companion Trainer Program" under the 410 BW and the Air Combat Command.
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Reviews / Comments by our visitors
| James Kirk Marquette, Michigan | I guess the site did show my e-mail address. It is jek027@aol.com Thanks! 07/20/2008 @ 00:37 [ref: 8255] |
| James Kirk Marquette, Michigan | I was with 410 SPS 74 - 76. I now live in Marquette and would love to chat with other SPs from KI. Drop me a line! Thanks! 07/20/2008 @ 00:35 [ref: 8254] |
| David Zdunski Chesterfield twp, Michigan |  Just a sad note: 410th SPS."C"flt. Flt. chief Smsgt.Larry Patterson passed away 7/10/2008 I believe he was flt. chief in 1976 - 78? Very fine man... one of the best we had. To all those that knew him, say a prayer and never forget. 07/19/2008 @ 05:30 [ref: 8252] |
| Ric Durant Ventura, California |  served 410th SPS D flight Jan 1972 to 1973 - what a bitch 07/14/2008 @ 19:36 [ref: 8226] |
| James Mathews Wilmington, North Carolina | T was assigned to the 410 Civil from 1971 to 1975 I was in the Fire Department and was there durining many aircraft emergencys including the aircraft crash just off main gate in about 1974. 02/23/2008 @ 22:13 [ref: 6842] |
| Red , | To James Stewart Re Col Roberts Yes, Col Roberts was wing commander in 1980 81 time frame. I was a lowley airman back then stationed under him. Cool about his jacket! 02/21/2008 @ 04:29 [ref: 6827] |
| James Stewart Huntsville, Alabama | Can anyone tell me if a Col. Lionel W. Roberts served at KI anytime between 78-82? I purchased his old bomber jacket from an antique dealer in Fayettvill TN, along with a commemorative closure plaque. Thanks Stew PS if any sky cop is ever in Huntsville Alabama you have a place to stay. Look me up I'm in the phone book. 02/09/2008 @ 14:02 [ref: 6756] |
| James Stewart Huntsville, Alabama | Glad to see a bunch of old Sky Cops sending messages. I served at KI from 78-82 started off on day shift then others and finally sensor nco with Mike Kato,before I PCSd to teach at the SP acadmey at Lackland. Served with guys like Kaltenbach who lives in TX and I still see from time to time. I also served with Campbell, (crazy ex-squid) and LArry Fowler who I served with at Fairchild until he retired and stay at Spokane to work. Does anyone know what happened to Maik Kato, he and Sylvia retired and I heard they returned to Gwinne. I'd like to link up with him so pass my address along if you see or hear from him. stew 02/09/2008 @ 13:41 [ref: 6755] |
| david zdunski , Michigan | found an sp i served with, Terry Boucher. Terry, this is Dave Zdunski,tried to e-mail you , but got no return. If you can , e-mail me at zdunski@att.net Hope to talk to you. "Z" 02/05/2008 @ 12:09 [ref: 6740] |
| Ray Kincaid San Antonio, Texas | Any 410SPS "D" Flight people out there? Stationed from 1977 - 1981, several years on flight line and the last two years in the Armory. Worked for SSgt Thorne II and Tsgt Campbell in the Armory. Have kept in touch with Tony Wolff who spent time as SP and LE, and Guy Seaton who remained in Marquette, MI. 01/16/2008 @ 13:06 [ref: 6679] |
Last updated: 02/14/00.
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