Civilian Defense. Radar was initially not sufficiently developed to be included in air defense systems, There were only eight radars under construction to guard the Atlantic coast, but the command worked "feverishly" to create a ground observer corps and coastal radar net as elements of its Aircraft Warning Service. However, it soon became apparent that having two commands responsible for air defense in the Eastern Theater of Operations was impractical, and in early 1942, the command took over responsibility for air defense of the East and part of the Gulf coast. Along the Atlantic coast, Eastern Defense Command established a "vital air defense zone", extending from the coast approximately inland and to sea, with long range bombers from 1st Bomber Command flying patrols over the ocean. However, 1st Bomber Command soon focused on antisubmarine warfare. Regional air defense wings were established in August 1942 at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk. The command's mission of fighter control later expanded to providing emergency flight services to other aircraft and assisting in air sea rescue. Unit and crew training In 1942, Air Force Combat Command had established an Operational Training Unit (OTU) system for 2nd and 3d Air Forces. The system was later extended to 1st Air Force. Although it was originally intended to confine the OTU system to 2d and 3rd Air Forces, too much of the AAF's aircrew and aircraft were assigned to 1st Air Force to permit the command to forego training responsibilities entirely. In May 1942, all pursuit groups assumed Operational Training Unit (OTU) responsibility. The command also trained fighter units and personnel. By the end of 1942, the command's training consisted almost entirely of OTUs. As units deployed overseas, the command's training mission shifted to training individuals in Replacement Training Units (RTU). Inactivation After the end of the war it was inactivated on 21 March 1946. After September 1947, all former Air Corps units were transferred to the United States Air Force, which disbanded the command in October 1948. Lineage Constituted as the 1st Interceptor Command on 26 May 1941 Activated on 5 June 1941 Redesignated 1st Fighter Command 15 May 1942 Redesignated I Fighter Command c. 18 September 1942 Inactivated on 21 March 1946 Disbanded on 8 October 1948 Assignments First Air Force, 26 May 1941 – 21 March 1946 Stations Mitchel Field, New York, 5 June 1941 New York City, New York, 27 December 1941