Following deactivation of the Mickelsen complex in 1976, the Perimeter Acquisition Radar (PAR) was transferred
to the U.S. Air Force in 1977 for operation as part of its early warning network. The USAF installation was
initially named the Concrete Missile Early Warning System (CMEWS), but this name was changed to
Cavalier Air Force Station in 1983.
The radar system proper is officialy designated AN/FPQ-16 by the
Air Force, but is usually refered to by the acronym "PARCS" (Perimeter Acquisition Radar (Attack) Characteristic
System). The installation is today operated by
the U.S. Air Force 10th Space Warning Squadron. The PARCS has also assumed an
important role in the Air Force's space track effort, which maintains information on all objects in Earth orbit.
The only externally visible change (other than signage) made by the Air Force is the addition of the
large radome housing a satellite dish on top of the PAR building.
