Gander, NF

Appendix A to
Historical Report 1966

1. On 1 Nov 66 the role of the station was reduced to a NORAD surveillance station, however, a secondary role or providing radar data to DOT ATC Centre is continuing.
2. During the past year 226 AC&W Squadron Gander provided support services, material, accounting, and unit liaison to Newfoundland’s 14 Air Cadet Squadrons, 727 Comm Squadron, 114 University Squadron and CFRC St. John’s.
3. 226 AC&W Squadron Gander provided electronic spares support for DOT radio stations at Gander, Buchans, St. Andrews and St. John’s.
4. In addition 226 AC&W Squadron took over the logistic support of 15 additional Navy furnished PMQs in Gander.

Operations

1. During the year the squadron took part in 12 live exercises and 30 system training exercises. A total of 774 intercepts were attempted by squadron controllers, of these 201 intercepts were attempted by squadron controllers on TD for the purpose of obtaining their minimum quarterly intercept requirements. The number of squadron intercepts decreased this year due to the closing down of the F-102 detachment at Harmon AFB. The squadron took part in a NNR evaluation of 37 NORAD Division and a visit by the RCAF ADC Tac Eval Team. In Oct the station was advised that the unit role would be changed from a NORAD Ground Control Intercept Station to a NORAD Surveillance Station effective 1 Nov 66. In December, the Commander, 37 NORAD Division advised that the station would no longer be responsible in the role of NCC ALCOP Southern Complex and secondary ALCOP for 37 NORAD Division.
2. Training – The operations training program has been maintaining an average of 78% or better during the past year. One controller was posted in during the summer but due to lack of interceptors never obtained combat ready status prior to his posting out in Dec 66. The A/COpsO attended a 37 NORAD Division Operations Officer’s Conference on 16 Aug 66 at Goose Bay.
3. Administration – The following officers received their postings out or release during the summer: F/L Cunningham, F/L Starks, F/L Andrew, F/O Dyke posted and F/L Ferguson released. In November the station was advised that the operations personnel would be reduced to one AS/FtrC and 30 Air Defence Techs. In December F/L Andrews, F/O King, F/O Shoults, F/O Dewling and 13 Air Defence Techs received their postings effective early in the new year. F/O Dallimore was advised he would remain until his release date early in the spring. F/L KR Gatz was advised that he would be the one remaining controller and would assume the duties of COpsO upon the departure of F/L Andrews.

1. Ground Training – Air Defence Techs and controllers continued cross training with 640^th AC&W Squadron. Controllers received proficiency training at Station St. Margarets. Three personnel from the Search and Rescue Team received Ground Search and Search Leader’s Course at Edmonton. ECCM lectures were attended by 33 personnel, mostly Air Defence Techs with two Flight Lieutenants from EWU conducting proceedings. A team of two arrived to instruct nuclear defence team in use of instruments and new techniques. One Flight Sergeant and one Corporal attended the NBCW course at Camp Borden. A First Aid course (CFM24) was attended by one Corporal at Camp Borden. One Corporal AFP attended a small arms range safety course at Station Chatham while the same course was received by another Corporal AFP at St. Hubert. A R&PESpec attended a swimming supervisor’s course at Borden and the SIT course at Clinton. Six personnel were enrolled in the Vocational School at Gander with three obtaining diplomas in welding. The April trade exams resulted in a 33% pass rate while October showed a 56% pass. Two Senior NCOs attempted group 4 exams, with one pass and one failure. In the ROTP programme, three Officer Cadets were employed in Telecom, Admin and CE respectively.
2. Security Force Training – A 25 yard firing range was constructed during the summer of 1966 and was first used in September. Cpl. LR Gelinas attended a small arm instructor course and range safety officer course at Chatham from 22 – 31 Aug 66. Cpl. EP Bradley attended the same courses at St. Hubert from 26 Sep to 5 Oct 66. These qualified instructors soon organized a training programme for our augmentation security force and 20 security guards were qualified on challenging procedures, guarding and firing the 9 mm sten gun. In addition, a number of RCN personnel were given instructions and fired the 7.62 mm FN rifle and 9 mm pistol. The military policemen of this unit used the 25 yard range monthly.

(a) Telecommunications

Modification E0-35BA-15FPS-93A-6A/35 completed visual indication of HV failure.

Air traffic control began receiving an official list of scheduled maintenance.

Modification E0-35BA-15FPS-6B-6A-589 completed

Modification E0-35BA-15FPA-20-6A/29 completed

CF31 reporting initiated at this unit. Sgt. Dubrule was selected as unit co-ordinator and he also gave a two day CF31 course to the section personnel.

15-J1D removed from service.

UPX-6 removed from service. F/L RS McDonell assumed the duties of STelO.

STelO instituted regular Telecom maintenance meetings (section NCOs). FS WT Green appointed Telecom Warrant Officer replacing WO2 G Dodd who was transferred.

F/L Chitra, EWU St. Hubert, conducted a one day ECM training session at unit for Telecom and Operations personnel.

Unit received GLH-501 azimuth tracking recorder, installation except for the telephone circuit to the plotting centre carried out.

Mr. J Hayes replaced Mr. J Kendall as the CNT telephone maintenance man at the unit.

Extensive long line circuit reconfiguration involving changes to the operational telephone plant took place. This project was not completed in 1966 due to lack of four wire equipment for installation at the Canadian Marconi operated USAF Pole Vault site.

The STelO, along with the unit SAO, attended a one day telephone administration briefing at 72 Comm Group, Halifax.

Crypto inspection by ADC carried out.

Hours of operation in the Comm Centre was changed from 0800-2000 hours to 0800-1700 hours daily. A pony circuit in the operations room is used after normal working hours. The unit classified documents distributing authority was changed from ADA St. Hubert to NDA Halifax.

Discontinued teletype circuit Q367 from Gander to Melville.

The proposed KW-7 crypto installation to replace the SSM-7 Gander to Melville cct was cancelled. Unit awaiting disposal instructions for the crypto equipment.

Last day of operation before coming the Gander Detachment of 727 Comm Squadron St. John’s.

The technical library, maintenance control centre, and training sections were combined to form the Telecom Maintenance Support Section due to a lack of manpower. Cpl. RW Wellspring was appointed as NCO i/c of this section.

2. Supply

F/L CA Campbell, SSupO, was transferred to MCHQ and promoted to S/L Apr 66.

F/L AR Hermanson was transferred from Ramore as a replacement for F/L CA Campbell in May 66.

FS JH Darche was transferred in and assumed the position of NCO i/c Supply as a replacement for Sgt. Porelle who was transferred to Trenton.

The biennial DM audit took place in May resulting in no significant observations.

Station Gander assumed logistic responsibility for fifteen Navy PMQs and two newly formed air cadet squadrons.

A visit by the SSOSup, ADC, W/C Liss took place in Dec 66.

(c) Construction Engineering

CE operations during 1966 consisted of routine maintenance and minor new construction. There were no major maintenance or construction projects. Minor new construction involved the building of a new outdoor 25 yards range which is located on DND property near the Naval Radio Station. Construction was completed in Aug at a cost of $850.00.

The radars, power plant, and heating plant operated without serious difficulties and maintenance was confined to routine repairs and overhauls.

(d) Mobile Support Equipment

In Feb the MSE dispatch office was renovated and repainted. New overhead doors were installed and a pedestrian door was fitted.

Vehicle 347B15-CR66 was received from 12 TSU for use in St. John’s by 727 Comm Squadron.

Vehicle 29A6-1929 was transferred to CFB Chatham. Vehicle 438B15-FD66 was received in Nov for MSE use. Vehicle 71A30-1040, 28 passenger bus from Winnipeg replaced our old bus which was returning to Winnipeg for overhaul.

1. During the year the Management by Results Programme was introduced by the Commanding Officer with the following five objectives:

To raise the serviceability rate on the search and height radars and the IFF equipment to a combined effectiveness percentage of 98%.

To reduce the voluntary release rate amongst enlisted personnel to 9%.

To raise the percentage obtained by the operations personnel in monthly effectiveness examinations from 75% to 78%.

To gain a 100% pass rate by personnel attempting trade exams; and

To increase the revenue to Station Fund by 15% to allow for NPF projects planned for 1967.

Results from this program have been most encouraging and progress has been noted in all five objectives.

2. The following changes in administrative positions took place during the year.

CAdO 16298 F/L WR Hamilton replaced 32971 F/L JM Campbell

CTSO 13321 F/L LC Brasseur replaced 26342 F/L GR Shaw

STelO 37557 F/L RS McDonell replaced 201128 F/L B Abbott

Message notification was received in Nov 66 that it was intended to reduce our establishment by 3 F/Ls, 6 F/Os AS/FtrC, 1 Sgt., 3 Cpls. and 20 Acs ADTechs in conjunction with the change of role from an NGCI to an WSS. Formal establishment reduction has not yet been completed. The Telecom establishment was reduced by a WO2 TelMSupt (G), an AC and Cpl. ComOp and in the Radar Tech G trade by 2 Sgts., 2 Cpls., and 2 Acs. The messing staff lost two civilian cooks, and two AC FSAs. An increase of 1 Sgt. and 1 AC RMTech took place in the CE section establishment.

Recreation

Normal station recreational activities were carried out over the year with considerable emphasis being placed on the Physical Fitness Program. The station is very active in inter-section sports and water safety training.

F/L LC Brasseur was appointed PRO vice F/L JR Raymond. As may be seen from the monthly events, there were several conducted tours of the unit. Full support in publicity continues to be given by the local paper, radio, and television. One special event of the year was an RCAF East West Little Grey Cup flag football game. Fifty dollars proceeds were realized from the sale of donated mooseburgers and was presented to the Vera Perlin School for retarded children.

With authority for increased quotas in Newfoundland, two new air cadet squadrons were organized during the year – one at Happy Valley in Labrador and one at Port Blanford. Both squadrons are sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion.

Highlight of the cadet year’s activities was the annual inspection of all squadrons by A/C WK Carr, DFC, CD who is a native Newfoundlander and was especially appointed for Newfoundland’s Come Home Year Celebrations.

Total enrolment as at 31 Dec 66 was 946 air cadets and recruiting was still continuing.

A total of 297 cadets were involved in summer training activities as follows:

The annual RCAirC Commanding Officers Conference was held at Gander 1 Oct 66. The conference concluded with a mess dinner. The new provincial minister for Labrador Affairs, Hon. CR Granger, was guest speaker.

Appendix B to
Historical Report 1966

2 Jan 66

F/L Ferguson TD to Military Management Course in Centralia.

CE commenced work on renovating the operations ready room.

Exercise Chippewa Feather XI cancelled due to weather.

Command Food Services Inspection – F/O Bustin.

MCC teletype multi point cct installed and operating (A277).

Squadron took part in exercise Chippewa Magic XV STM.

Exercise Cree Brave III cancelled due to weather.

AC1 Ingram reported to the station.

Unit EDP carried out.

Command armament inspection completed.

Visit by G/C Barclay (Atlantic Regional Surgeon).

RCAF Gander Club co-host to EPA Bonspiel.

CO inspected all St. John’s cadet squadrons. Recreation center gymnasium floor refinished.

Squadron took part in Exercise Apache Hunt I STM.

Squadron took part in Exercise Chippewa Knife VII STM.

MCC training on ESRs and TELFACs (1330-1530 hours) each day – 9 people trained.

F/L Smith and Sgt. Nadeau performed an SOAF inspection.

Visit by Brigadier General AM Burke, GADS Commander.

567 RCAC Squadron Clarenville visited Gander.

CO inspected air cadets at Gloverton and Gander. Total of 77 practice intercepts completed during the month. Average of 78.4% was obtained by FtrCops in the Jan exam.

LAC JL Davidson and LAC MR Luxon promoted to Corporal. CO inspected Lewsiport air cadets. Squadron took part in exercise Chippewa Feather XII.

FS WT Green on two weeks TD at Station North Bay (ECCMO Course).

CO inspected Bishop Falls air cadets.

SAO on TD trip to Clarenville, Carbonear, St. John’s visiting air cadet squadrons. POL inspection by Mr. Burchway – 11 TSU Montreal. CO inspected Clarenville air cadets.

CO inspected Carbonear air cadets. Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Magic XVI – 4 intercepts completed.

Inspection by WO McIvor – assistant command fire marshall.

Exercise Cree Brave IV cancelled due to weather.

Five intercepts completed.

F/O Shoults departed on TD to Mont Apica for two weeks controllers course.

CO inspected Stephenville air cadets.

Command Vulnerability Test.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Desk Top VIII and unit EDP. F/L Andrews departed for Goose Bay at attend operations officers conference.

There was no detail available for the period 16 Feb 28 Feb 1966.

Mr. Jerry Lynch, Newfoundland Director of Canadian Red Cross, visited the station.

Twenty air cadets from Carbonear toured the operations building.

AVM and Mrs. Lister visited the station on a farewell tour accompanied by G/C Hovey and S/L Flynn.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Magic XVII – five intercepts completed. F/L Gatz on TD to North Bay for nine days.

Five intercepts completed. F/L Andrew on TD to North Bay for seven days.

Sgt. Mallette proceeded on TD to CFHQ for six weeks.

Sgt. Dubrule on TD to Station Moisie for CF-31 familiarization training.

Four intercepts completes.

Squadron took part in exercise Cree Brave V.

Five intercepts completed.

F/L Andrews and F/O King on TD to Mont Apica on controllers proficiency course.

Annual visit by W/C Poirier SORA/RC and W/C NF Bracher SORA/P.

Four intercepts completed.

Three intercepts completed. Cash count and M&I Audit Board check by F/L D Kelly.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Desk Top VIII part 3. Fifteen Kinsmen toured the operations building.

Six intercepts completed. F/L Starks on TD to Mont Apica on controllers proficiency course.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Knife IX.

Eight intercepts completed.

Sgt. F Gorman TOS this unit to replace Sgt. J Mallette, NCO i/c Accounts, on transfer.

ADC Tac Evaluation Team consisting of S/L Smith, F/L Cline, and F/L Bullock arrived. Exercise Chippewa Magic XIX STM completed. Four intercepts completed.

F/L Andrews returned from TD at Mont Apica (completed 47 intercepts).

Exercise Cree Hunt I completed. Ten live intercepts conducted.

Rewiring of Navy buildings completed. F/L Starks returned from TD at Mont Apica (completed 20 intercepts).

Four intercepts completed.

Red Cross Water Safety Instructors course held. Forty-four candidates from all over Newfoundland attended and twenty were awarded the instructors badge.

ECM demo carried out by EWU. Exercise Chippewa Feather XIV (live) completed.

New integrated service procedures adopted by CE Administration and PM concept introduced.

Sixteen Army cadets tested for morse proficiency by Sgt. F Roach.

Captain J Boston, dentist and Cpl. James, dental assistant, from Greenwood arrived for semi-annual visit to Station Gander.

CADIN-PINETREE inventory check carried out by Mr. Woods, USA, in co-operation with LAC K Young (Supply), Cpl. M Donnelly (Comm) and Cpl. B Donovan (Radar).

Six intercepts completed.

15J1D returned to supply.

Exercise Chippewa Knife X STM completed. Mod 617 changes FPS-6B RX 0A-2325A to 0A-7340.

Annual visit by F/L R Stewart of ADC SOCE Branch.

F/O Shoults departed on TD to Hopedale.

F/O King proceeded on TD to Hopedale duration approximately one week.

Squadron took part in live exercise Chippewa Feather XV.

F/O Dallimore proceeded on TD to Hopedale duration approximately one week.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Knife XI.

Cpl. MH Donnelly on TD to Namao (search and rescue ground training).

DM auditors in for inspection.

O/C WJ Beazley reported to Station Gander.

Eleven intercepts completed.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Magic XXI. Cpls. qualifying examinations written.

Squadron took part in live exercise Big Blast Lima. Four intercepts completed.

F/L Gatz proceeded on TD to Station St. Margarets for one week. Six intercepts completed.

Group four examinations written.

F/O HG Andrew proceeded on TD to Station St. Margarets for one week. A/C Carr on annual inspection of 12 Newfoundland Air Cadet Squadrons. MSEO provided transportation.

226 AC&W Squadron took part in live exercise Chippewa Feather XII.

Annual inspections of Newfoundland Air Cadets by A/C Carr accompanied by Provincial Chairman, Mr. E Gosse, ACLO at Maritime Command, Commanding Officer and SULO of 226 AC&W Squadron Gander.

Annual sports banquet – guest of honour Mr. Ralph Backstrom.

Visit by A/C Hull, Chief of Staff, ADC. 226 AC&W Squadron took part in STM exercise Cree Hunt II.

Armed Forces Day Open House held at 226 AC&W Squadron.

226 AC&W Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Knife XII. Visit by G/C Markley, Regional Surgeon retiring and his successor, Colonel Cullan.

F/L JM Campbell, CAdO, transferred to Trenton.

F/O B Abbott, STelO, departed on transfer to CFB Clinton and promoted to F/L effective 1 Jul 66.

226 AC&W Squadron took part in live exercise Cree Brave VII.

Boy Scouts Rally held on RCAF sports field.

F/L G Shaw, CTSO, transferred to CFB Clinton. Cpl. RE Mills promoted to Sgt.

Squadron took part in live exercise Chippewa Feather I.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Knife I.

Royal Canadian Dragoons Band visited the station.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Chippewa Knife II.

Squadron took part in STM exercise Magic I.

SULO visited air cadet summer camp.

RNZAF transient crew visited the station.

F/L Andrews proceeded on TD to Station St. Margarets for intercept training.

General Burke, Goose NORAD Sector Commander, visited Gander.

The squadron took part in exercise Top Rung XIII (live).

The squadron took part in exercise Chippewa Feather II (STM).

Colonel Fuss, Commander 640^th AC&W Squadron visited Gander, 15 to 17 Aug.

Thirty-six air cadets on summer drill course at Gander.

Approximately 40 air cadets visited the operations section. F/L Gatz proceeded on TD to Goose Bay for the purpose of Operations Officers Conference.

Royal Canadian Dragoons visited Gander.

The squadron took part in exercise Desk Top VIII (STM) and station EDP.

The squadron took part in live exercise Chippewa Feather III.

All available personnel attended ECCM lectures given by a visiting team from EWU. Sgt. Burns of Distributing Authority on crypto documents at Halifax visited the unit.

The squadron took part in EDP and live exercise Cree Chief I NNR evaluation of 37^th NORAD Division.

Colonel Cullan, Regional Surgeon Atlantic, visited the unit during his liaison visit to RCAMC Militia units on the island.

STM exercise.

Mandan Hunt II was carried out.

Forty-eight LACs promoted to Corporal.

The squadron took part in exercise Chippewa Knife IV.

Operation Chippewa Knife V.

ACLO of Maritime Command made his annual tour to all RCAC Squadrons in Newfoundland.

The squadron took part in exercise STM High Heels Desk Top VIII.

F/L Gatz on TD to Charleston, Maine as part of a Tac Evaluation Team.

Operation High Heels Desk Top VIII.

The squadron took part in live exercise Big Blast.

The squadron role changed to a NORAD surveillance station. Survey for CID/610 installation carried out.

Major Brogan, dentist, from CFS Greenwood visited the unit.

Visit and tour by 151 Sir Eric Bowater Wing RCAFA Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

Colonel Klemovitch visited the unit.

589 RCAC Squadron from Carbonear visited Gander.

The station took part in STM Chippewa Knife VI.

Abascas team visited the unit. First mixed RCAF bonspiel for 1966/1967 took place.

Annual armament inspection – WO Cooper, Cpl. Taylor from CFB Chatham.

Squadron took part in STM Apache Hunt II.

Cpl. Poley proceeded on TD to North Bay for Trusted Agents Briefing.

Centennial Regional Planning Committee Meeting.

226 AC&W Squadron took part in STM Chippewa Magic IV A.

Windsor Sea Cadets visited the unit.

Command visit by:

13 Dec 66

The squadron took part in STM Chippewa Magic IV B

The squadron took part in STM Chippewa Magic V.