England AFB, LA

August 2008 photos & notes by Tom Page

I visited the still-active (now FAA) radar station at the former England AFB on Wednesday, 6 August 2008. The former Air Force AN/FPS-20A search radar is still in use; however, virtually all other parts of this old AF radar station have been removed. A golf course now occupies part of the old M-125 site.


This photo was taken from the other side of the runways/tarmac (east end), and shows the AN/FPS-20A search radar tower. [looking southeast]


This photo shows the radar site up close. The only noticeable change in appearance from the radar tower`s Air Force days is the newer radome. [looking just west of due south]


This photo is a close-up of the radar tower itself. [looking just west of due south]


This photo is another close-up of the radar tower. The photo was made from a nearby point off to the west close to about where the AN/MPS-14 height-finder radar tower once stood. The paved road closest to the fence appears to be an original road from the site`s Air Force days; the other paved surface closer to the observer is the cart path for the golf course. The fence itself is not original -- it surrounds only the modern-day FAA compound, not the original, larger AF radar station. [looking east-southeast]


This final photo shows four foundations/footings for an unknown tower; my best guess is these might have supported the earlier AN/MPS-7 search radar (which probably was on a temperate-style tower). Other explanations are possible. These foundations/footings are located just north of the AN/FPS-20A search radar tower, and just south of where the LRR Operations building once stood. [looking west-southwest]



Looking North


Looking North


Looking East


Looking East


Looking South


Looking South


Looking West


Looking West


1995 photo contributed by Scott Murdock


The radar tower in this photo is currently in use by FAA.