Stead SAGE Direction Center DC-16

 (1959-1966) - A Cold War SAGE System Direction Center first established in 1959 on Stead Air Force Base near Reno in Washoe County, Nevada. Named Stead SAGE Direction Center after the location. Assigned a Sage ID of DC-16. Deactivated as a SAGE Direction Center in 1966.

History
The Reno Air Defense Sector (ADS) was activated and assigned to 25th Air Division on 15 Feb 1959. Construction of the SAGE direction center building was completed on or about 1 Sep 1959 and accepted for occupancy. Computer and communications equipment installation and testing followed. The FSQ-7 computer components were arriving in January 1960. Cost of the direction center included some $4 million for the building and $26 million for the electronic equipment. The adjacent administration headquarters building for the SAGE organization was completed by February 1960 and cost an additional $294,800. By July 1960 the direction center was preparing to enter testing and training phase of the installation. The public announcement of the Stead SAGE Direction Center DC-16 becoming operational was issued on 31 Jan 1961 as recorded in the local Reno Gazette-Journal on that date.

Stead SAGE Direction Center DC-16 and Reno Air Defense Sector (ReADS) were deactivated on 25 Jun 1966.

Current Status
Sage Direction Center blockhouse repurposed for civilian use on Reno Stead Airport near Reno, Washoe County, Nevada. Initially housed the Desert Research Institute (DRI), weather station. Now houses the Nevada Terawatt Facility (Zebra).

See Also:
 * Permanent System Radar Sites
 * SAGE System

Sources:
 * , page 135.
 * , page 59.

Links:
 * Radomes - Stead SAGE Direction Center
 * Wikipedia - Stead SAGE Direction Center