Armstrong, ON

The role of RCAF Station Armstrong (38 Radar Squadron) is to collect, disseminate and transmit to Duluth SAGE Centre radar data appearing within the units area of radar coverage; to provide services and a backup intercept capability.

By the end of October, the BUIC staff was at full strength with 7 controllers; however, their operational role was still limited because of the shortcomings of the FPS-3. Although a great deal of time and energy was spent in improving the FPS-3 video, the controllers did not fulfill their quarterly commitments.

With the installation of the FPS-27 in December, future commitments will be met, however, SAGE peaking and integration have priority and may hinder commitments for the present quarter.

During the period of operational inactivity the emphasis was placed on FtrCop training. Beside the training received in BUIC Operations, the FtrCops were exposed to ECM and ECCM through the DMCC.

During the period covered by this report, training can be broken down into two broad areas – formal and OJT.

Formal training consisted of two major courses, one to Fighter Control Operators on BUIC Operations; the other, to Radar Technicians on the FPS-27 Search Radar. A one-day Indoctrination Course which is given to all personnel on arrival includes first-aid, fire fighting, security and weapons handling.

On the job training was carried out to varying degrees by all sections and particularly in the technical trades this was in conjunction with the installation of new equipment.

Between mid July and mid August, the Telecom Section went through a complete change over in personnel, including Technicians, Sr. NCO’s and Officers.

Considerable "off-air" time was experienced in the Height Finder section because of the lack of parts; this problem was aggravated by the lack of experienced personnel. Within a few months however, this unit’s FPS-26 Radar had accumulated a respectable record of "on air" time.

In early December, plans were originated to relocate the Comm Centre in the Administrative Building, plans were drawn up and submitted to the CE Section.

On 19 Dec 63, the FPS-27 Search Radar was handed over to ADC at a meeting held at this Unit.

On 31 Dec 63, an RCA representative arrived on the site to commence the single line GKA-5 modification to the GATR; it is expected that this modification will take about three months to complete.

The complete turnover of personnel occurring in July, August and September 1963 created a considerable workload on the administrative, supply and accounting services, but the rotation was completed without an major delays. The administration of civilian personnel has been greatly hampered following the unexpected sudden departure of the Civilian Personnel Officer on 16 Nov 63. To this date, a replacement has not been nominated and only through temporary assistance obtained from other stations has this section been in a position to continue operating. Weather permitting, a Medical Doctor from Winnipeg has visited the unit every Saturday or Sunday, and between these visits, our medical assistants have provided the necessary first aid and emergency treatments. On a number of occasions, they have been called upon to provide their service to civilians from the Hamlet of Armstrong who are completely without medical help. During the month of December 63, our Cpl. MedA successfully assisted in delivering a baby. A dental officer from the Canadian Army Dental Corps, Winnipeg, Manitoba has also visited the unit at monthly intervals.

Religious services were provided to station personnel by Father PJ Brown, Officiating Clergyman (RC) who replaced Father WP Maurice, SJ in Sep 63 by Reverend J Tomlinson. Mass was celebrated in the Station Theatre twice weekly and Special Services were held in the Town of Armstrong every Sunday. A special non-denominational service was conducted by Father Brown on the occasion of the assassination of President Kennedy. The service was especially appreciated by the US civilian workers who were employed building the FPS-27 radar at the time.