Western Air Defense Sector News

Jan. 17, 2018
U.S. Coast Guard and WADS discuss search and rescue lessons learned

Senior leadership and search and rescue (SAR) experts from the U.S. Coast Guard 13th District received an orientation visit at the Western Air Defense Sector today. The U.S. Coast Guard SAR experts conducted a cross-talk where lessons learned from the Western Air Defense Sector’s involvement in
Nov. 16, 2017
Operation Turkey Drop

Community partners and Airmen from the Western Air Defense Sector participate in the 8th annual Operation Turkey Drop Nov. 16, 2017. Operation Turkey Drop helps ease financial burdens of holiday expenses for Airmen and Soldiers on Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray. The event is made
Nov. 14, 2017
WADS Canadian Detachment honor veterans at Tahoma National Cemetery

The Canadian Detachment of the Western Air Defense Sector participated in the 20th Veterans Day program at the Tahoma National Cemetery Nov. 11 in Kent, Wash.
Nov. 9, 2017
WADS able to scramble jets faster after lean improvement process

When an unidentified aircraft comes up on the screens at the Western Air Defense Sector, it took 18 distinct steps and a whole host of people to decide whether to scramble jets and determine if the aircraft posed a threat.
Nov. 8, 2017
WADS Airman supports Hurricane Maria recovery efforts in Puerto Rico

A Washington Air National Guardsman assigned to the Western Air Defense Sector deployed in his civilian job capacity using his military training expertise to support Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico during the first two weeks of October.
Oct. 18, 2017
U.S. wins WADS Softball Challenge Cup 25-10

The Canadian Detachment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord had a very successful first inning of the JBLM Can-Am Challenge Cup softball game Oct. 6 at Baker Field on McChord Field. After five runs scored, Keith Spilley suggested loudly from Canada’s dugout that the game be called due to weather.
Oct. 18, 2017
WADS provides air defense expertise to Guatemalan Air Force

Three members of the Western Air Defense Sector’s 225th Air Defense Squadron travelled to Guatemala in August to provide air defense expertise to the Guatemalan Air Force.
Oct. 10, 2017
Boone named American Red Cross Hometown Hero

Aaron Boone, a finance specialist for the Western Air Defense Sector, was recognized as an American Red Cross Hometown Hero Sept. 28 by the American Red Cross Association Northwest Region for his donation of blood platelets 26 times over a 15-month period.
Sept. 8, 2017
WADS remotely saves over 800 Hurricane Harvey victims

The Western Air Defense Sector on Joint Base Lewis-McChord diligently worked with dozens of agencies and first responders in direct support of search and rescue operations in the Houston area following the wake of destruction left by Hurricane Harvey since Aug 30.
April 19, 2017
23rd Annual Canada vs U.S.A. Hockey Challenge

The Canadian Detachment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has never lost the hockey portion of the Can-Am Challenge Cup series with McChord Fields’ Western Air Defense Sector.