Armstrong, ON

Historical Background

Canadian Forces Station Armstrong was built fourteen years ago as a unit in the Pinetree Line of Radar Sites manned by the United States Air Force. In November of 1962, the Royal Canadian Air Force officially took over and the unit became known as 38 Radar Squadron until the new integrated forces came into being. The Commanding Officer is presently 431 556 935 LCol. HA Rose Air/P who is operationally responsible to the Commander, 29 NORAD Division in Duluth, Minnesota and administratively responsible to the Commander, Air Defence Command, North Bay. The role of this station is to collect, discriminate and transmit to Duluth SAGE Centre, radar data appearing within the units area of radar coverage and to provide a back-up intercept control capability. To perform this role CFS Armstrong has a FPS-27 Search radar, a FPS-26 Height Finder radar, a FPS-6B Height Finder radar and a GATR (Ground Air Transmitter, Receiver) site. The station employs approximately 135 men in operational and support roles.

A major equipment change was in the process of installation from the start of the year. As of 1 Nov 68, CSN/Autovon circuits became operational. This circuit replaced the point to point circuits with BUIC II (a direct line from this station to Duluth DC and Calumet BNCC). The new system is routed through Fort William and Fargo switches and allows data and Air Ground Air (AS/G/A) radio circuits to be taken over by any DC/BNCC in the CSN/Autovon network. It also allows direct dialing to any other site in the same system. The equipment changes involved the installation of the Dial Restoration Panel (DRP) to be used for establishing and restoring A/G/A and data circuits. This system eliminates the individual operator but requires constant monitoring.

In December many hours were expended by the Supply section preparing their records for incorporation into the new computer accounting program known as the "Devil Program". Many visits were made by the program organizers coordinating this units input to "Devil". This innovation is expected to be operational in the spring of 1969. This month also saw the processing of an A for P to convert the Multi-Purpose building to a Junior Ranks Club. This project was started at the close of 1968.

Three major NPF improvement projects were completed this year. In the spring of 68 it was decided to construct a six hole golf course for the station. Permission to use an old emergency air strip was obtained from the Department of Transport and base personnel expended many off duty hours so that by June we had a reasonable six hole, sand, golf course.

June 1968 saw the improvement of the beach area and the building of a change hut at MacKenzie Lake. The beach and swimming areas were cleaned of rocks and the rear area was cleared of under brush for use as a parking area. A new crash boat was obtained from surplus DND stocks and a 35 HP motor was purchased to provide water skiing facility for those personnel interested. The efforts of those involved made our Lake a real campers and bathers paradise.

August saw the attention of the station personnel turn to the Ski Hill. It was decided to widen the hill which amounted to many hours of hard work cutting trees and dragging them off the hill. This project was completed by the end of August and resulted in an excellent ski facility for the winter months.

Authorization for Project (A for P) to construct a Curling Rink and Social Centre was submitted on 1 Aug and work started on 3 Oct 68. The project was made possible by the allocation of two Butler buildings and a CFCF loan from Canex. With the main steel components arriving 23 Oct 68, the Curling Rink section was completed by 12 Dec 68. The erection of this complex was accomplished by self help with technical know how provided by the CE section. The self help turnout was excellent and virtually all station personnel got involved in one way or another. The first bonspiel was held on 12 Dec 68. It is expected that the Social Centre side will be completed by June 1969.

The need for training on this station is high because of the influx of men right off course. The majority of this station’s training is done on the job. In the period 17 Jan to 21 Jun a course in Digital Techniques was run by the Ground Training section under the Unit Mutual Instructions program. Four personnel received qualifications in Digital Techniques as a result.

On 5 Aug to 9 Aug a brief course in guard duties, handling of weapons, and challenging techniques was held by the security section. In all a total of thirty-six people attended.

From 15 Oct to 30 Oct a two week course in Trade Advancement for Radar Techs writing the November trade board was given. Five people attended these lessons.

At the close of the year the Ground Training section began to introduce a more efficient system of training. It is expected that every section will run on the job training coordinating it through Ground Training and a better working relationship will evolve as a result.

Emergency Defence Plan (EDP) exercises were held periodically throughout the year. In April there was a Command Supervised EDP which pointed out some general faults in our plan. These were rectified and the Station EDP was rewritten incorporating these changes. In November 1968 another Command EDP was held and this proved to be satisfactory with some minor changes. The Station EDP was again reassessed and the changes were acted upon.

The unit supports a Ground Search and Rescue team consisting of approximately seventeen members of which there are two ground search leaders and one Parachute Rescue MedA. During the year there have been six formal exercises from Feb to Jun and a number of informal outings. These exercises proved to be very successful and educating. In December the search team was alerted but the missing person was found prior to the search actually taking place.

This station held two official parades during the last year. The first of July, was the handing over ceremony for the Commanding Officers. LCol. DL Turner was replaced by LCol. HA Rose in an impressive parade. The second parade was held November 11. The station personnel combined with the local Royal Canadian Legion for a Remembrance Day ceremony in the hamlet of Armstrong. Once again this station and the service were well represented.

Over the last few months of 1968, this station was fortunate to entertain several high ranking officers. Brigadier General CH Mussels, Director General Personnel Support Programs arrived on the 27^th August for a brief visit of our resale facilities. During his stay he explained what Canex was, what it is trying to do, and the benefits that would accrue to the servicemen as a result, all of which proved very helpful to the administration staff.

The month of September was very busy with Colonel LEC Schmidlin Regional Engineer 4 RCEO, arriving on the 10^th for his yearly visit and CE inspection.

The ADC’s Commander’s Inspection was conducted by Colonel WM Diggle, Deputy Chief of Staff Technical Services on 18 September. Colonel Pederson, Deputy Commander 29 Air Division accompanied Colonel Diggle during this inspection. This visit was well received and it was apparent that both Colonels were satisfied with the unit.

On 14 November, Colonel Kelly, USAF Commander, 29 NORAD Division, Duluth paid a familiarization visit to this station. Besides gaining information of the operation and personnel of this unit, the Colonel enjoyed the excellent hunting facilities offered in this area.

All of these visits sparked a better understanding of problem areas and also generated a better work output on the part of our personnel through the knowledge that their efforts do not go unnoticed.

In summary it is this stations pride that during the many operational exercises which are run on a weekly basis we have been successful and have maintained a high standard of efficiency. The many recreational facilities on this station have contributed to a high standard of morale which is instrumental in the good ratings we have achieved in the yearly command inspections by the various sections. It is felt that the upcoming year (1960) offers the officers and men of Armstrong an equal opportunity to contribute something of value to the service. The start of construction of the Junior Ranks Club at the close of 1968 and the expected completion of the new Social Centre in 1969 will ensure that their tour at Armstrong will be far from dull.

It is hoped that eventually the stigma attached to this "Isolated" posting will be lifted and personnel will recognize that this station has a lot to offer both on and off the job.