Frobisher Bay, NWT

History
of
926^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (N-31)
(Frobisher Bay, Baffin Island, Canada)

1 January 1955 - 31 March 1955
(RCS) AU-D5 (64-1)

Prepared for Officer of Information Services,
64^th Air Division (Defense),
by Captain John E Wildman (Historical Officer)
14 April 1955

64^th Air Division (Defense) Northeast Air Command

The 926^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was activated at Grenier Air Force Base, New Hampshire, on 13 June 1953, with an authorized strength of 10 officers and 120 airmen. The squadron was moved to Site Number 31, Frobisher Bay, Canada, between 19 August 1953 and 2 December 1953. As of 31 March 1955, no further changes in personnel authorization or location has been made.

The primary mission of the 926^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was to provide early warning surveillance of the assigned area of responsibility. The secondary mission was to provide navigational assistance to friendly aircraft.

The purpose of this squadron was to serve as a member of a group of similar organizations providing a system of early warning against the infiltration of enemy aircraft into the defense areas of the United States and Canada.

It was the responsibility of the Administration Section to maintain all records pertaining to assigned personnel and to perform the duties pertinent to the office of the Squadron Commander.

On 7 January 1955 a change in the hours per week schedule for the civilian workers assigned to this unit was received. This change guaranteed the civilians a forty-eight (48) hour week, with a fifty-six (56) hour maximum allowable week. This change was enthusiastically received by those concerned as it enabled them to work longer hours and as a result increase their income. It was anticipated that this change would further serve to stabilize civilian rotations.

On 25 January the rotation dates for forty-three (43) assigned airmen were changed to conform to a plan established by the 64^th Air Division (Defense). This change was instigated so that personnel rotations would be on a "spread-out" basis rather than on a mass rotation. This change moved some September 1955 returnees back to July 1955. This plan will make possible better job indoctrination for future personnel replacements.

During January a training outline was received, which was to be used in conjunction with the Airmen’s Information Program. This outline was turned over to Second Lieutenant Newman, Unit Internal Information Officer, for implementation. Lieutenant Newman initiated a bi-weekly training program which utilized other squadron officers as instructors on subjects pertinent to their assigned duties. This program proved to be successful and was enthusiastically attended by the airmen as it gave them deeper insight into the functions of their squadron and the military in general.

At 0430 hours on 26 January, a surprise practice evacuation of the site was made in accordance with the provisions of established standing operating procedures. This drill was carried out in a very efficient manner and in a minimum amount of time.

This organization was advised that a number of changes in its manning document could be expected during the month of April 1955. As of 31 March these changes had been received but were not yet authorized.

On 31 January 1955, Colonel Wallace R Jordan, Commander, 64^th Air Division (Defense), arrived with a party consisting of Lieutenant Colonel Harold W Webster, Major Paul Kepler, Major Harvey M Myers, and Major William H Sheppard. The party inspected the entire site and conferred with Major John S Foster, Squadron Commander, on their findings. During their visit, Colonel Jordan presented a First Lieutenant’s insignia to Second Lieutenant William A Nassif, Unit Supply Officer, in conjunction with Lt. Nassif’s promotion orders.

On 1 February, First Lieutenant Thomas A Reynolds, Squadron Adjutant, submitted the annual Unit Sub-Base Exchange requirements to the Branch Exchange at Goose Air Base. These requirements were based on a previous twelve months consumption level. It was anticipated that the items requested would be received during the next surface shipping season. Following the February inventory, Captain John E Wildman relieved Lt. Reynolds as Sub-Exchange Officer in Charge. Captain Wildman encountered difficulties in rectifying the March inventory and a request was submitted to the Base Exchange at Goose Air Base for accounting assistance. On 31 March information was received that Mr. LeRoy Miller, Site Sub-Exchange Manager would arrive in the near future to assist Captain Wildman.

Over twenty-seven thousand (27,000) cans of Dari-Shake Chocolate Drink were returned as surplus to the Goose Air Base Exchange.

On 9 February twenty (20) airmen were promoted; thirteen (13) to Airman First Class, five (5) to Airman Second Class, and two (2) to Airman Third Class.

During February six (6) airmen, members of Detachment 10, 6631^st Radio Relay Squadron, were attached to this unit for duty in connection with the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Tropospheric Scatter System (Pole Vault). Staff Sergeant Wayne A Sandquist was assigned Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of this group.

From 1 January through 31 March, two (2) officers and four (4) airmen had taken leaves.

During this period Second Lieutenant Jay R Joseph attended Arctic Survival School at Goose Air Base.

Several fire drills were successfully completed during this period. All of these drills were carried out in an efficient manner and in a minimum amount of time.

Major Foster attended a Commander’s Conference at Headquarters, 64^th Air Division (Defense), Pepperrell Air Force Base, on 25-26 February 1955. Comptrollers management policies and fire prevention procedures were on the agenda.

Protestant and Catholic Chaplains visited this site on four occasions during this period. Their religious services were well attended. Individual airmen were conducting devotional hours during interim periods, when a chaplain was not available.

Two Unit Fund Council meetings were held and funds were appropriated for the purchase of items to beautify the Recreation Halls and enlarge the facilities of the Photo Dark Room.

Lieutenant General Glen O Barcus, Commander-in-Chief, Northeast Air Command, visited the squadron on Sunday 27 March 1955. He was accompanied by Brigadier General Root, Deputy Commander Northeast Air Command, his staff Officers, and the base commanders of practically all the important bases located in the Northeast Air Command.

The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the new Base Commanders and other members of the party with the difficulties and problems encountered by the various units of NEAC.

Following a briefing by Major John S Foster, Squadron Commander, and Major RL Dent, Commander Detachment II Goose Air Base, the visiting officers were escorted on a tour of the representative and typical elements of the Squadron. Officer personnel attached to this Squadron served as guides on the tour. Main points of interest on the tour included the Dining Hall, Airmen’s Quarters, Post Exchange, Theater, Air Installations, Dry Storage, Refrigerated Storage, Motor Pool, Heating Plant, Power Plant, Operations and Supply. A brochure containing a detailed outline of the programmed tour, was distributed to each member of the visiting party prior to proceeding with the tour. The brochure contained a roster of key personnel attached to this squadron, the agenda programmed for the visit, a tour route of the 926^th AC&W Squadron, a tour route of Detachment II, an information booklet of the 926^th AC&W Squadron, and a photograph of the main buildings of the 926^th AC&W Squadron.

Much time and effort was placed on the preparation for this visit by all members of the Squadron and the results were very satisfactory. Each phase of the visit was conducted in an excellent manner.

It was the responsibility of the Operations section to make a record of, and report to the Air Defense Control Center, all images plotted on its radar scopes. Further, it was responsible for assisting friendly aircraft in matters relative to navigation, local weather, and airport conditions.

The period from 1 January through 31 March 1955 was the most active period for operations since the squadron was activated. The primary reason for the increased amount of traffic was due to the large number of aircraft participating in the DEW-Line project. These aircraft were airlifting supplies to the various site locations which will become a part of the DEW-Line. An even larger increase in traffic is expected in the near future.

During this period, a total of six hundred and nine (609) flight plans were received and seven hundred and eighty-nine (789) tracks were plotted. This was an increase of eighty-seven percent (87%) on flight plans received and eighty-four percent (84%) on tracks plotted over the previous three month period.

Because of the increased amount of traffic in the Frobisher area, the five assigned aircraft controllers were placed on shift work. Under the revised system a controller will be present in operations at all times.

First Lieutenant Donald H Miller, aircraft controller, arrived on 26 March and will assume the duties of operations officer in the near future replacing Second Lieutenant William A Rush.

Communications facilities were improved greatly in February and March when forward teller, overlap teller, and chief controller’s circuits to Goose Air Base and Resolution Island were installed through the Pole Vault System. These circuits provided the timely dissemination of reports on aircraft movements and proved to be approximately eighty-six (86) percent more effective than the previous teletype net system.

With the increase in the amount of traffic it was found necessary to utilize more air to ground radio frequencies. Communications previously conducted on Very High Frequency (121.5 mcs), Dog Channel, was diverted to Ultra High Frequency, Channel 10 (364.2 mcs). This was made possible by coordinating frequency utilization of aircraft participating in the DEW Line Project with the DEW Line Task Force Commander and Squadron Leader JC Lovelace, Frobisher Air Base, Royal Canadian Air Force Station Commander.

The proficiency of the Operations personnel has shown a marked increase through practice and training resulting from the abundance of traffic into the Frobisher area.

It was the responsibility of the Radar Maintenance Section to keep the radar equipment operating at maximum efficiency. Further, it was responsible for collecting and recording data pertinent to the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

During the period 1 January through 31 March 1955, the following radar equipment was being used by the Operations Section: (1) AN/FPS-3, Primary Search Radar; (2) AN/TPS-502, Primary Height Finder; and (3) AN/GPX-7, Identification Set. The AN/FPS-502, Back Up Search Radar has been received with the exception of six boxes. These boxes were evidently lost in shipment. An effort is being made to forward replacement boxes so that this equipment can be installed. When the entire set is on hand a Marconi Installation team will arrive to make the installation.

The installation of the Back-Up radar should increase the efficiency of the Squadron’s primary mission greatly by eliminating the need for completely ceasing the operation of the Primary Search Radar in order to meet scheduled preventative maintenance periods.

The Primary Search Radar was in operation 2008 hours and 34 minutes or ninety-three percent (93%) of the total time from 1 January through 31 March. 1.2 hours or six percent (6%) of the total time was spent on scheduled preventative maintenance, while 9 hours and 26 minutes or one percent (1%) of the total time was spent on emergency maintenance. The Primary Search Radar has thus far proved to be a very satisfactory piece of equipment in that there have been no serious maintenance problems encountered since the installation of this equipment.

Modifications to the 15-J-1C Target Simulator to facilitate the use of the UPA/37, Simulated Radar Jammer and Beacon, was installed and is operational. A great number of difficulties were encountered due to the fact that several errors were noted in the installation instructions.

It was the responsibility of the Communications Section to provide all administrative point to point communications and all tactical point to point air to ground communications required by the squadron.

The Communications Section was operating Ultra High Frequency and Very High Frequency, air to ground radio equipment; High and Low Frequency, ground to ground (point to point) radio equipment; the Message Center; Fixed Plant Telephone facilities; and was responsible for the utilization of the Tropospheric Scatter (Pole Vault) System.

The Ultra High Frequency equipment consisted of three each multi-channel and two each single channel transmitters and receivers. This equipment remained operative until February, at which time, two of the multi-channel transmitters went off the air for maintenance for approximately one (1) month. One of these two was being used for training purposes.

The Very High Frequency radio and teletype equipment remained operative throughout the entire reporting period with an average of fourteen percent (14%) perfect communications. Difficulties encountered in this system were due to atmospheric conditions and interference from other stations on our assigned frequency. Frequencies at both ends of the High Frequency band were utilized but neither was reliable. This system was considered inadequate for dependable communications.

The Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) Station was discontinued in March by order of the 64^th Air Division (Defense) pending revamping of the system to meet with specifications set up by the Canadian Government. As of 31 March, the MARS equipment was being utilized for amateur operation only, however, it was anticipated that the MARS system would be operative again in the near future.

The Tropospheric Scatter System or Pole Vault was completed during this period and a total of ten (10) official circuits were being used. These circuits included six (6) teletype and four (4) voice circuits. Official voice communications to Goose Air Base over this system was begun on 5 January and the first teletype circuit was operative on 25 March.

During this period there existed a shortage of Civilian Technical Representatives in the Communications Section. However, in March, Mr. Bernard A Lovett, Canadian Marconi Representative, was assigned and shortly afterwards he started a training program for the Radio Maintenance personnel on Ultra High Frequency equipment.

During March a Canadian Marconi Depot antenna rigging team arrived and rehabilitated the VHF antenna system.

On 12 February all communications, other than emergency frequencies, were inoperative due to power failure brought about by a severe storm. Maintenance was completed on 14 February and all equipment was again operative. It was concluded by this experience that auxiliary power should be installed at the receiver site.

On 22 February Major Haynes, Commander, 6631^st Radio Relay Squadron, arrived and defined the responsibilities of his personnel as to the installation, maintenance, and operation of the Pole Vault System. It was the responsibility of the 6631^st Radio Relay Squadron to maintain the Pole Vault System installed at the 926^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron.

On two different occasions receiver site personnel were evacuated from that site, due to severe storms. On these two occasions winds were recorded up to eighty (80) miles per hour velocity.

On 4 March, Mr. Ernest Wilkinson, Canadian Marconi Representative, devised a visual monitor system for the Operations Section so that they could quickly identify different incoming frequencies over a common speaker.

It was the responsibility of the Motor Pool to keep all vehicles operational and to keep the roads cleared in order to provide transportation for squadron personnel and equipment.

During the months between January through March the primary function of the Motor Pool was snow removal. Numerous difficulties were encountered because of the continuous drifting of snow on the roads as a result of severe winds which were common during this period. At one time during the month of February snow drifts exceeded the height of 20 feet. A shortage of heavy equipment operators and snow removal equipment added to the problems of road clearing. During this period the squadron had only one heavy equipment operator, a caterpillar tractor and a five ton truck equipped with a snow plow for snow removal. This shortage of personnel and equipment still exists. A badly needed Rotary Snow Plow has been deadlined since November 1954. Parts have been requisitioned but as yet have not been received.

The acute shortage of construction equipment operators, motor vehicle mechanics, and supervisory personnel in the Motor Pool greatly reduced the effectiveness of this section, causing delays in preventative maintenance and repairs, and placing a heavy burden on the men presently assigned to the section. At present there are only 2 Senior Vehicle Motorized Equipment Electricians, who are civilians and 1 Construction Equipment Operator for maintenance and operation of the Motor Pool. Besides operating the heavy equipment, the Construction Equipment Operator has had to act as NCOIC, dispatcher, prepare reports, and maintain records on all vehicles.

In February, Master Sergeant Hanlon, Motor Supply Sergeant from Pepperrell Air Force Base arrived to assist in requisitioning new vehicles, spare parts, and tools for the coming fiscal year.

In March, a complete inventory of all vehicles assigned to this squadron was accomplished. All records were brought up to date and the serial numbers and engine numbers were entered on the proper forms. Identification numbers and markings were painted on all vehicles in compliance with a new 64^th Air Division (Defense) Regulation.

The responsibilities of the Air Installations section included the maintenance of all installed building utilities and facilities, the fabrication of items essential to the operation of various squadron activities and items necessary for the health and welfare of all personnel.

During the months of January through March continued emphasis was placed on fire prevention and fire fighting procedures by the Air Installations Section. All carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers were weighed and tested. All fire hoses were measured to determine the exact coverage. Four hoses, seventy-five (75) feet in length, had extensions of an additional twenty-five (25) feet coupled to ensure adequate coverage. Five each, one hundred (100) foot hose sections were placed on reels at selected hose stations to permit availability of the hoses when needed to increase range in coverage. Fire axes were placed at key locations throughout the site. All fire extinguishers were inspected and recorded by serial number. Area Fire Marshals were appointed for each group of buildings. Two fire examinations were given to all personnel each month and a period of each AIP Program was devoted to fire prevention practices. A formal inspection was made by T/Sgt. Turkovsky of the Goose Air Base Fire Department. He rated the squadron as Excellent. Mr. John Murphy and Airman First Class Lawrence of the Goose Air Base Fire Department enroute to Resolution Island presented lectures to squadron personnel on fire fighting techniques and use of equipment.

Airman First Class Harold D Schooler attended the two weeks course at the NEAC Fire School.

Master Sergeant Leslie G Epperly attended the five day course at the Goose Air Base Fire School.

A major breakdown occurred on the power lines leading to the receiver site. Moisture leaked into a faulty weatherhead outside the diesel plant and caused a short and loss of power to the receiver site. The difficulty was corrected by changing the position of the weatherhead and sealing it with asphalt tar compound.

A storm which occurred 12-13 February disrupted power to the transmitter and receiver sites, and the water pump house. Automatic operation was resumed on 14 February after high winds and the storm had abated allowing the necessary repairs to be made. The same storm caused damage to the roofing of the Supply building and Air Installations building. Repairs of three hundred (300) feet and four hundred (400) feet were made on these buildings, respectively. New paper, nailed and tarred, was placed on the Supply roof. Temporary repairs, using lathing, were made on the Air Installations roof until weather permits the proper repairing.

Screens were made for the theater to permit movies and Airman’s Information Programs to continue without being interrupted by persons passing through the area.

The site’s new sewage and water systems were inspected and put into operation on 5 January. The new system eliminates the hauling of sewage from each latrine sump and provides fresh water for flushing toilets.

To control the heat in the buildings, all cabinet heaters were turned off. They will remain off until needed. Operation of the heaters will be limited to periods when radiators cannot reach the desired temperature.

The Boiler Plant underwent a major breakdown on the Number Two (#2) Boiler. It was determined that the cause was due to the fact that timer relays were out of adjustment. Weak tubes were replaced and the electronic eye grounding circuits was corrected. The boiler was out of operation from 15 January to 17 January.

It was the responsibility of the Supply Section to acquire, issue, and store supplies and maintain records on Unit Authorization List Property and spares required by the various activities of the squadron.

During this quarter, two personnel changes were effected. Airman First Class Jerry G Johnson replaced Technical Sergeant Edgar H Neibert Jr. As Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Unit Supply. Sergeant Neibert returned to his duties in the Operations Section. Airman First Class Billy N Tucker, AFSC 64151 arrived from the United States on 11 March and assumed the duties of Unit Authorization List Custodian.

During this period Air Force Forms 1120 were received and prepared for all UAL items on hand. New Custody Receipts were prepared for all sections. Individual Custody Receipts were re-accomplished.

A physical inventory and identification of all hand tools was accomplished during this period.

A new UAL was received adding numerous items to the squadron authorization.

A complete inventory of all Electronic, Vehicle, and Utilities spares was completed. Separate filing systems and storage for Canadian and American Classifications of parts was set up.

The master packing list on the AN/FPS-3, primary Search Radar, was received and stocks not on hand or in short supply were replenished.

A concentrated effort to properly store and account for supplies in the Dockside Warehouse was approximately fifty percent (50%) completed during this period. An estimated quantity of some two hundred fifty thousand pounds of supplies were stored in this warehouse with no records or identification. These stocks are being reworked as road conditions and weather permit. It has been possible to work in the warehouse for only short periods of time due to the extremely cold weather. Stocks located in this warehouse are being identified and inventoried. Stocks not needed or in excess to the requirements of this squadron are being returned to Goose Air Base on an aircraft space available basis.

The publications problem existing within the organization is still a major problem to the proper support and maintenance departments. Some civilian vendors have been asked for their catalogs. Military publications have been ordered.

Capabilities of assigned personnel have improved considerably during this period due to added training and experience.

Support by Base Supply at Goose Air Base has greatly improved and has contributed considerably to an improved supply situation within this squadron.

Preparation for the coming surface shipping season is being initiated to help effect a satisfactory supply situation at the close of the shipping season.

It was the responsibility of the Medical Department to provide clinical medical assistance to the sick or injured, up to that degree requiring professional medical treatment. Further, they were responsible for the general sanitation standards of the unit.

Squadron health remained satisfactory during the period of January through March with all treatments being minor in nature. A total of one hundred eighty-three persons were treated for minor ailments during this period. One hundred sixty-one military personnel and twenty-two civilians were treated.

New first aid kits were placed in the various sections and all kits were checked and replenished. Electric shock posters were distributed to the various sections handling high voltage.

Water samples, to test percent of chlorination, obtained daily from various sources were satisfactory.

Preventative medicine inspections were conducted twice weekly as suggested by a representative of the Goose Air Base Preventative Medicine Officer. Nine cases of dry yeast were inspected and found unfit for human consumption. Butter which had turned rancid was disposed of as well as a small amount of ice cream mix.

One problem was encountered with the method of removing human excreta from the storage tank. The tank is drained by the force of gravity. After securing the valve, excreta remaining in the hose was deposited on the terrain. This problem was discussed with Air Installations personnel and the necessary procedures were adopted to remedy the situation.

Lectures on electrical shock were given at Airmen’s Information Program and the new Air Force approved method of artificial respiration was demonstrated.

The Squadron Basketball Team participated in the 64^th Air Division (Defense) Basketball Tournament held at Pepperrell Air Force Base, St. John’s, Newfoundland. The club was defeated in two successive games.

Ping Pong and Pool Tournaments were held during this period with a five dollar ($5.00) prize given to the winners, Airman Second Class Byrne H Johnston of Transmitters and Airman First Class James K Allen of Operations, respectively.

Valences and drapes were placed in all Day Rooms. The valences, Grey in color, and the drapes, light Grey, were made by this section.

A record rack for the Armed Forces Radio Service records received by the Squadron Radio Station, SKIMO, was constructed by this section. SKIMO receives popular, classical and western recordings for the permanent file weekly, in addition to AFRS program recordings, which, when used, are shipped to Resolution Island. SKIMO has proven to be a very important factor in the high morale of this squadron.

Movies were shown regularly throughout this period. There has been a vast improvement in the shipment of weekly movies to this section, which allows for preplanning of our schedule of activities for the airmen. A new RCA 400 movie projector was also received in February.

Fourteen (14) news releases of announcers, basketball players participating in the NEAC Basketball Tournament and "Operation Mail Sack" have been sent to the 64^th Air Division (Defense) for publication in hometown newspapers and the Northeast Guardian during this period. As yet, none have appeared in hometown newspapers, from reports received, or the Northeast Guardian.

For the first time since this squadron was formed, skiing was enjoyed by the personnel on the slopes of Baffin Island. The 12 pairs of skis were in constant use throughout this period by the majority of the men. The Ski run is located between the north and the south wings and is approximately 200 feet long.

On Saturday evening, 26 February, a Squadron Party was held in the "Pinetree Dinette". A tasty and appetizing Smorgasbord was prepared by the Food Service Section. Beer and cold drinks were furnished by money from the Squadron Fund. A skit entitled "Romeo and Juliet" was staged by 1^st Lt. Joseph R Potvin and 2^nd Lt. John C Newman, Airmen First Class Fred Feldstein, Richard L Bryant and Airman Second Class Donald T Phelps. This party was very popular and plans have been made to have another party in the future.

During January the Food Service Section was given a hand by the Squadron Commander in the preparation of Chili, Texas style. This chili supper was really a treat for the personnel.

The AIO constructed a trellis for each flower box placed in the dinette. Different types of vines and flowers are growing in the boxes.

Airman Second Class Ray L Thomas, the Squadron Artist, painted a large green pinetree on the door leading to the dinette, hence, the name "Pinetree Dinette". His painting was complimented by all.

Second Lieutenant John C Newman, for the first two weeks of February, was temporary Food Service Officer, while the Food Service Officer Second Lieutenant John S Nigro traveled and played with the Squadron Basketball team at the 64^th Air Division (Defense) Basketball Tournament at Pepperrell Air Force Base, St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The veterinarian from Goose Air Base, Technical Sergeant William L Copley inspected the Food Service Section and passed on several comments and criticisms, which were greatly appreciated.

Airman First Class Kenneth L Tubman, Jr., ration breakdown man, made plans for the new condiment rack constructed by the AIO and placed in dry storage. The rack, painted white and nine feet high, displays all condiments.

When Colonel Wallace R Jordan, 64^th Air Division (Defense) Commander, visited this organization, Baker, Airman First Class Al J Spencer, baked a tasty cake for the Commander and his party. The 64^th Air Division (Defense) patch was pictured on the frosting and drew many favorable comments from the personnel.

New curtains were placed in the dining hall during this period replacing the colored towels. The material was purchased by the Squadron Commander, and was hemmed by Mrs. Arthur S Thomas, wife of the First Sergeant, Master Sergeant Arthur S Thomas.

Improvements continued to be made in the dinette when a large pot and pan rack was constructed by AIO and placed next to the pot and pan sink. This rack alleviated the cluttering of shelves under the tables.

When movies are not shown, the Special Services Section and the Food Service Section collaborate for bingo and ice cream parties and special coffee and cookie hours. This section is meeting with great success on the home made ice cream, serving chocolate, vanilla, banana, strawberry and chocolate fudge.

During the period January through March, the overall manning of the squadron was ninety-two percent (92%), while the effective manning was seventy-seven percent (77%).

During the earlier part of this period several sections were under-manned to such an extent that it was necessary to remove personnel from the sections that were satisfactorily manned and place them on a temporary status in those sections in dire need of personnel. The personnel who were placed in these sections were in most cases unskilled in the jobs they were filling, however, these men became familiar with the fundamentals of their new job in a minimum amount of time and as a result the transfer was very effective.

Both the Command Section and the Unit Administration Section were one hundred percent (100%) manned during this period, however, the remaining sections were considerably under strength.

During this period the Ground Radar Operations Section was eighty-eight percent (88%) manned, while the Food Service Section was eighty-three (83%) manned. The Air Installations Section was seventy-two percent (72%) manned, and Supply, Ground Radar Maintenance, and Communications Sections were sixty-two (62), sixty-four (64), and sixty-one (61) percent manned, respectively.

During the period of January through March, the morale of the Squadron was exceptionally high despite the fact that outside activity was very limited due to severe weather. The fact that mail and movies regularly played an important part in keeping the overall morale of the Squadron at a high level. Everyone awaited the scheduled arrival of the mail planes with eager anticipation.

Keeping the men occupied after working hours was considered a major factor in maintaining the high level of morale and this was accomplished by providing all personnel with an excellent selection of arts and hobbies. Among these selections, were a complete set of leathercraft tools and an adequate supply of leather to work with, plastic model kits, a well stocked library, an excellent selection of magazines, and a well equipped photography laboratory.

Church services were held regularly for both Catholic and Protestant faiths. Occasionally religious services were conducted by visiting Chaplains, however, when a Chaplain was not present, individuals took it upon themselves to conduct services.