Texas Tower 2 (ADC ID: TT-2) was a United States Air Force offshore radar installation that served as part of the Air Defense Command's early-warning network during the Cold War. It was one of a small series of "Texas Towers," so named because they resembled the oil-drilling platforms found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Location and Construction
Texas Tower 2 was located on Georges Bank, approximately 110 miles (180 km) east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 56 feet (17 m) of water. Construction began in 1955 at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. In June 1955, the structure was floated and towed to its designated site. By December 1955, enough of the structure was complete to allow installation of one AN/FPS-3 search radar and two AN/FPS-6 height finder radars, developed by the Air Force Rome Air Development Center in Rome, New York.
Operational History
Texas Tower 2 was the first of the Texas Towers to become operational, beginning limited service in May 1956 and becoming fully operational in 1958. It was staffed by a crew of 6 officers and 48 airmen from the 762d Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, based at North Truro Air Force Station, Massachusetts. Logistical support was provided by the 4604th Support Squadron (Texas Towers) at Otis AFB (now Otis Air National Guard Base).
The tower was intended to extend contiguous East Coast radar coverage approximately 300 to 500 miles (480 to 800 km) seaward, providing the United States with an estimated extra 30 minutes of warning time in the event of a Soviet bomber attack.
Living Conditions and Challenges
Life aboard Texas Tower 2 was described as difficult. The structure and its crew endured near-constant vibration from rotating radar antennas and diesel generators. The surrounding ocean and tower footings transmitted distant sounds along the steel legs, amplifying them throughout the entire structure.
Decommissioning and Demolition
With the advent of Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and the reduced threat of manned bombers, the tower was decommissioned in 1963 and demolished shortly thereafter. During demolition, the remains of the tower sank to the sea floor, where they remain and have since become a site for scuba diving.
Assignments
- 4704th Defense Wing, May 1956
- 4622d Air Defense Wing, 18 October 1956
- Boston Air Defense Sector, 8 January 1957 – 15 January 1963
