Holberg, BC

The beginning of 1958 saw an increase in SAC activity in this area. With this came a long awaited opportunity to gain practice and experience in intercepts of the tactical type. However, early in February this opportunity ceased with the receipt of a message stating "all practice fighter attacks against SAC aircraft prohibited until further notice". The activity, however, has continued to be intensive and during the early part of May, SAC commenced in earnest to conduct evaluated ECM runs against GCI sites in this area. Unfortunately, electronic ECM runs against this site so far have proven to be relatively ineffective due to SAC attempting to jam "L" band radar with jammers designed for use against "S" band equipped radar sites. During the period 1 Jan to 3 May this unit has encountered SAC activity approximately 70 days out of a possible 151.

This period also saw an increased opportunity for RCAF Controllers to conduct intercepts using USAF fighters and interception methods. Control of the F-89 has proven valuable since it has given the controllers a better understanding of USAF aircraft capabilities and limitations along with fairly good knowledge of the MB1 and Genie type tactics employed by the USAF.

14 Jan to 20 Jan saw this unit shut down for the annual overhaul by CAE.

The period in question has seen an increased emphasis placed on ECM training with regular ECM missions programmed. Unfortunately many of the scheduled missions were cancelled because of weather and unserviceabilites.

However, approximately ten successful missions were accomplished using Lancaster, B-29, C-119 and CF-100 aircraft. This unit has experienced examples of communications, mechanical and electronic ECM.

This unit was visited by the ADC Air Staff Visiting Team and during this visit many problems experienced were discussed and resolved.

This period also saw the installation of the STP trainer and associated controls but to date the actual training program has not commenced. In addition two more PPI consoles have been installed to increase the control capability of the unit and also to allow for the installation of the Raid Marshall position.

An increased state of readiness was required in ten operational exercises during this period. Of particular interest is the maximum state of readiness which lasted over a period of three days. This state was the result of the Operational Readiness Inspection of 25^th Air Division by the USAF ADC.

The number of intercepts handled by this unit has very greatly increased in comparison to the previous reported period. In all cases, with the exception of unknowns, it has almost doubled. The total number of intercepts for this period has increased to 2,748 as compared with 1,540 for the previous period. The following is a breakdown of intercepts conducted by this unit from 1 Dec 57 to 31 May 58 inclusive:

The surveillance picture for the period compares favourably with the previous one; however, there has been a slight reduction in the total numbers of tracks carried which to some degree could be attributed to the overhaul period. The following are statistics for the period:

Two main problems still effect the operational efficiency of the unit. One is the difficulties still being encountered with the VHF reception. Much work has been carried out to remedy this problem but radio reception is still unsatisfactory. The second is the personnel shortage which is becoming even more critical with the increased work load. There is no simple remedy to this problem until additional accommodation is made available.