Mount Hebo Air Force Station

Former US Air Force radar station

Mount Hebo Air Force Station (ADC ID: M 100, NORAD ID: Z 100) is a closed United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar station. It is located 5.2 mile (8 km) east southeast of Hebo, Oregon, located at the top of 3154 feet (961 m) Mount Hebo. It was closed in 1980.

Mount Hebo 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. 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 McChord AFB. Higher headquarters included the Fourth Air Force and Air Defense Command. Later, Detachment 2 of the 14th Missile Warning Squadron was activated at Mount Hebo to operate missile warning radar.

Between 1954 and 1972, of land were acquired by the Air Force from private parties, the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the General Services Administration (GSA) for use as the Mount Hebo aircraft warning and control radar station. Between 1972 and 1987, the Air Force declared the property excess and the land was transferred to the GSA for disposal. The land is currently under the jurisdiction of the USFS (Siuslaw National Forest, Hebo Ranger District), U. S. Department of Energy, and private parties. Before its final disposal, the GSA contracted to demolish the Air Force buildings. The Air Force equipment and facilities at Mount Hebo have been removed and the site returned to its natural state, except for an access road. There is a memorial plaque for the organizations and personnel at the radar station. It reads "In Memory of Those Who Served at Mount Hebo AFS, Oregon. 689th Radar Sq., Oct. 1956 – June 1979. Det. 2 14th MWS July 1967 – Sep. 1980". In addition, the Siuslaw National Forest (US Forest Service) unveiled an Interpretive Sign atop Mt Hebo on 8 Aug 2014. Former personnel assigned to Mt Hebo AFS attended and made comments. This sign is entitled SEARCHING THE SKIES MT. HEBO AIR FORCE STATION. This sign has text, photos, and a timeline from 1953 to 2000. The sign is positioned to overlook the present meadow where the radar towers were once located. Further details about this sign are found at the External Links for the Tillamook Headlight Herald (14 Aug 2014), and on the Online Air Defense Radar Museum Radomes, Inc.