11th Air Force Public Affairs
5/1/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- More than 200 people filled the Bureau of Land Management Campbell Creek Science Center April 17 for a free history lesson on Alaska's historic radar sites.
Karlene Leeper, an Air Force archaeologist with the 611th Air Support Group, spoke for more than an hour about the role Alaska played in protecting the skies of North America during the Cold War.
This speaking engagement was part of a robust effort to bring more attention to these historic sites, many of which have been decommissioned and are in the process of being demolished.
"Since the end of the Cold War and because of advances in technology, the Air Force has down-sized and demolished many obsolete facilities, some of which are significant because of their functions during the Cold War," Leeper said. "These sites are an important part of our heritage and our past."
The outreach effort serves two purposes: to educate Alaskans about an important part of the state's history and to allow the Air Force to move forward with environmental remediation and demolition projects.
"Many of the radar sites are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places so in order to move forward on demolishing them, agreements with the Alaska State Historic Preservation Office and other interested parties require that we take pictures, create drawings, and conduct public education in lieu of continuing to maintain the sites," she added.
The outreach efforts included an informational poster, provided to schools throughout the state.
The posters feature text, photos, and a map highlighting the sites and what life was like for the servicemembers and civilians who operated the sites, many of which were in remote locations. Additionally, the 611th ASG is designing an educational booklet to provide additional details to people interested in these sites.
"The Cold War's effects on Alaska's culture, economy and landscape are things that we live with today," Leeper said. "Outreach projects help people understand that our security, technology, living standards and society have roots in our past history."
According to Leeper, the National Historic Preservation Act requires the Air Force to consider the effects of its projects on historic properties, which includes buildings, districts, archaeological sites, and landscapes deemed important to history.
Many sites are still operational; the Air Force continues to operate and maintain 14 long-range radar sites throughout Alaska.
Due to the remote locations, posters and booklets are the only way most people will see the sites and get a glimpse of what life was like during the height of the Cold War.
"People are excited to learn about the history of these sites," she added. "We've received a lot of positive feedback regarding the posters we've sent to the schools.
"Lots of veterans and former employees of the radars and communications sites attended the presentation and there was some great discussion."
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