Gander, NF

1990 - Additional Details - Ren L'Ecuyer

Construction began in 1951. The station was supposed to be a self-contained, self-supporting unit that would operate on a continuous basis. One of the first installations built was at Gander airport. This AC&W was a part of the Pinetree Line which was a back-up for the Arctic DEW Line Project - which was built after the war years as an early warning system of attack on North America.

Radar operators in the AC&W squadron tracked the movements of aircraft sighted and passed speed, height and direction information to "Direction Centres" (DC's) and fighter interceptor squadrons. Fighter aircraft were airborne in minutes after an alarm was given, and closed in on unidentified planes by means of radar detection equipment in the fighters. Another of their functions was furnishing navigational aid to friendly aircraft operating in the area. Their detection of "May-Day" calls contributed to quick search and rescue efforts.

--Ren L'Ecuyer