Holberg, BC

The principal events and developments for this period are as follows:

The AFP have noted an evident change in the morale of the station through the summer months and as a result, the number of charges have decreased sharply. This is attributed to the many recreational activities available on the station proper. Camping equipment may be signed out for hiking or fishing trips. The AFP keep track of local conditions and brief each camper on trail and fishing conditions, etc before they set out.

Other than the routine work and constant security measures, the only significant happening was the search for four airmen who were lost in the Nahwitti Lake area on 21 Jul. A search and rescue team was sent in after an RCAF Otter spotted a smoke fire lit by the lost foursome.

A marked improvement facilities-wise has been brought about by the addition of an annex to the Central Heating Plant which houses two food coolers, a refrigerated garbage unit and a sanitation room. Along with these renovations, a walk-in deep freeze and a complete compressor unit have been installed.

These new facilities along with the original ones now provide all the refrigeration space that is required for the station.

The station hospital continues to be a section of prime importance due to the lack of urban medical facilities. It provides medical care for not only RCAF personnel and dependents but also for the residents of the local area. A total of 61 patients were admitted during the past six month period over and above those attending the regular sick parades, there were 5 births registers and 4 emergency flights out of this unit to Vancouver for cases that required obstetrical or surgical care.

With the strength of the station and the residents in the surrounding area on the increase, facilities are not adequate to cope with the additional work load.

More modern X-Ray equipment has been received and is awaiting approval of funds for the necessary installation. This will require raising of the ceiling and lining of the X-Ray room with lead sheeting. It is hoped that the necessary monies will be approved in the near future, since the use of the present equipment is generally restricted.

Due to the limited school facilities, it is necessary to have an arrangement with the school at Holberg village to accommodate all dependents of school age. Two four-bedroom PMQs are still being used as classrooms for personnel dependents at this station.

Grades I, II, V, VII and VIII, comprising a total of 66 students attend under the guidance of two teachers. The other grades, namely III and IV, attend classes at the Holberg Public School, a total of 35 students.

With the coming of autumn, personnel and dependents embarked upon a recreation program which promises to be both extensive and enjoyable. The diverted activities include the following:

1. Swimming – The pool is open 7 days a week and is under the excellent coaching and guidance of qualified instructors. Adults and children are given tests to Canadian Red Cross standards and, in addition, affords participants many pleasant hours spent in casual recreation.
2. Badminton – Participation in the badminton club is very enthusiastic and numbers in the vicinity of 75.
3. Bowling – This sport is, no doubt, the most popular. It is comprised of four different leagues and over 800 lines per week are bowled on the two alleys.
4. Volleyball – Volleyball also has a good following at present. Two leagues are in operation with four teams in each.

Other sports activities are basketball, broom ball, gymnastics and judo as well as hobbies, such as model making, painting, handicrafts and woodworking. School events also occupy the limelight in their turn in the form of dances, bingos, special parties being staged to mark special occasions such as Halloween, etc. All affairs have been self-supporting and the entire social and recreation program is tailored for mass participation and to cover the tastes of the entire community.

Since no club house was available for Scouts and Guides at this unit, a project was undertaken to construct a Scout House at the northeast end of the domestic site. Some material was donated by local agencies and NPF. All the labour is on a volunteer basis by station personnel. In addition, a small artificial lake was constructed to be used as a wading pool by the youngsters during the summer months. The actual construction of the Scout house itself is at present approximately 60% completed.

This is a resume of the work carried out in the construction field at this station. There are 3 organizations carrying out construction work at this unit. They are:

1. The CE section which looks after routine maintenance, maintenance projects and new construction projects.
2. # 2 CMU which carries out major new construction projects.
3. Outside contractors supervised by DCL carrying out one major new construction project.

The following is a breakdown of the projects carried out by each of these organizations.

The CE section has completed the following projects since 1 Jun 59:

1. Tiling of the dining room at #1 tower, completion date Oct 59.
2. Re-arrangement of Electrical Distribution System at the Ops Site, completion date Nov 59.
3. Decking of a float 30’ by 40’ at Holberg dock, completion date Nov 59.
4. Interior painting of 15 PMQs.
5. Cleaning and repairing of the water collection unit at the Power Plant.
6. Installation of screen doors for PMQs.
7. Installation of 60 lightning arrestors in the Domestic Site.
8. Installation of 500’ of Armco guard rail from the Upper Guard House to the Ops Site.

In addition to the decking of a float referred to in para (c), 4 docks have been constructed jointly with Rayonier Logging Company and boom logs have been placed for breakwater purposes. This, in conjunction with the new unloading docks previously constructed, has developed this area into a well protected and very adequate marine installation.

Further to this, an existing building on the main dock has been renovated and will shortly be available for use by the Marine section as a tool room, workshop and office. It is also planned to convert the present Marine building into a waiting room for passengers awaiting boarding of the boat or aircraft.

The CE section also has some outstanding projects:

1. Landscaping of domestic site. At present, all drainage and grassing is completed. Unit is preparing to pour concrete retaining walls, one behind the Rec. Hall and one in front of the Admin building.
2. Installation of 11 sets of panic hardware on barrack block doors, this project is awaiting materials.
3. Installation of 25,000 gallon MSE fuel tank and concrete block warehouse for storage of MSE pumps.
4. Three barrack blocks have been painted (exterior) through the course of the summer months.
5. Installation of numerous catch basins and large drainage culverts designed to prevent washing out of the mountain road to the Ops site.

An A for P has also been submitted to cover the supply and erection of a new steelox building to provide much required suitable space for an Airman’s canteen and additional working area for the Supply section.

#2 CMU has started four major new construction projects:

1. Construction of a warehouse at Holberg dock, started 1 Jun, completed 30 Nov 59.
2. Installation of new refrigeration units in the Combined Mess, completed Dec 59.
3. Installation of two new boilers at the Central Heating Plant started 1 Apr, target date 15 Jan 60. Completion 85%.
4. Construction of a 30 man Steelox barrack block, started 28 Jul, target date 31 Mar 60. Completion 65%.

Construction has been let to A&B Construction Ltd. Of Nanaimo BC for construction of a new PMQ site. This is situated at the north end of the present domestic site. This contract is supervised by Defence Construction (1951) Limited. The value of the project is approximately $2,000,000.00 and it consists of seven apartment blocks designed to house 67 families, plus a school accommodating approximately 150 students. Work started on 1 Oct and is 3% completed, target date is Jun 60.

Contract has also been awarded to the above mentioned contractor for the erection of a Steelox combined chapel to be located on the same site. Material is furnished by DND and is now on site. Estimated starting date is 4 Jan 60.

A number of projects of considerable importance that have been undertaken by the Supply section during the last six months are as follows:

A concept entitled "Forward Supply" has been introduced on the station. This idea presents a refinement in which the user sections telephone their requirements to Supply and they, in turn, not only prepare the necessary vouchers but also deliver the articles.

There has been a furniture improvement plan initiated by Supply for the Station. The SSupO, SWO and the Supply Sergeant have carried out a check in barrack blocks and DCL huts, searching for repairable furniture. In conjunction with this plan is the policy of proper identification. The marking of all furniture on the station (including PMQs) has been started and will be completed by 15 Dec 59.

The rebinning of materiel and a simplified location system have been started in the main warehouse in accordance with CAP 16 Vol. 1. The target date for the completion of this project is 30 Nov.

Thirty E 309 wooden lockers will have been built by 15 Dec. This project was initiated to act as a safeguard against the misplacing of loose equipment; wrenches, jacks, etc from vehicles. Nineteen have already been completed. In addition, all E 309 ledger sheets for vehicles are being reviewed, ensuring that each vehicle is held under its latest list and that the vehicles have no unauthorized surpluses on them. This policy is in accordance with CAP 16, Vol. 1, chapter 8.3, para 6(b).

Station Holberg is proud of the fact that their Fire Hall took third place in Group 3 of the Military section of the National Fire Prevention Association contest for 1958. The fire department has had no major calls in the last six months.

The accident record for the past six months was very commendable in that no accidents had been reported. That this is so is due to the quality of the drivers and to the intensive accident prevention program. It is also noteworthy that during the last quarter of the period under review, the mileage driven was the highest in the history of the unit, and that over 98,000 miles was driven on approximately 12 miles of road during the last 6 months.

Serviceability rate was considered to be exceptionally good considering the difficulties encountered by virtue of mountainous and hazardous terrain, gravel roads, inclement weather, lack of commercial repair facilities and the distance factor in obtaining spare parts.

Recently the RCAF motor vessel Nimpkish was dispatched to Esquimalt BC for annual refitting and as a replacement, it was requested that a harbour craft YFP type be loaned by the Navy to the RCAF to complete the necessary transportation and at the same time, to carry out an evaluation as to the suitability of such a vessel for the Holberg – Coal Harbour run.

The vessel YFP 306 was supplied by the Navy and it has been in use for this station since 13 Nov. It is proving satisfactory and with a few recommended modifications, it could be considered an excellent replacement.

Effective 1 Sep 59, F/O Battye assumed duties of RIP project officer. All construction work in Nos. 1, 2 and 3 towers was completed during the week of 9 Oct 59. The towers are locked and out of bounds pending acceptance by DND/IS.

The new rigid radome has been completed and following considerable caulking and painting, is proving reasonably satisfactory. It is felt that with the addition of the air circulating equipment, the high humidity encountered at present will be eliminated.

The new FPS-20 radar equipment arrived 23 Oct and was stored on the second and third floor of No 1 tower pending arrival of the installation contractor. Since then, the contractor has to a large extent completed the first phase of the installation and the final phase is scheduled to be completed by 20 Jan 60.

Since July, all six frequencies in REP NETS 51 and 53 are now available to Operations. The two new frequencies, 7500 kcs and 7841 kcs, were checked out to Vancouver with good results. Improvement in antenna re-orientation is planned and work orders submitted to CE section.

F/O JA Hopkins, STelSO Com 2-3, 5 Air Div, arrived on a technical inspection. Accompanied by the CommO, he visited the Operations room while an exercise was in progress. "Cross-Talk" was evident on several VHF channels, so particular note was taken of all circumstances.

F/O Hopkins made special inspections of URG 60 receivers and found them at peak efficiency; antennas were triggered and also found to be in good order. Transmitters were checked out and modulation, O/P etc found to be correct. GR17 receiver used as a "probe" detected strong "patches" of RF at the remote TX2. This was decreased materially by replacing glass tubes 6H6 (Detector) with metal ones, and further screening recommended. UCR to follow. Also recommended that the receivers be muted on "transmit".

Comparative statistics between the period under review and the preceding six months reveal a general, although slight increase, in all phases of unit operational efficiency.

A total of 10,432 tracks recorded for the period was 1,201 in excess of the number noted for the previous six months. Since this unit accepted the identification function in March of this year, the number of unknowns and remaining unknowns has dropped sharply. Between 1 Jun 59 and 30 Nov 59, 180 tracks were classified unknown, 10 of which remained unknown. During November, 56 tracks were classified unknown; this unprecedented number was mainly due to Exercise Playball, conducted 2 Nov 59, in which all exercise tracks were unknown until such time as they were declared Faker by 5 Air Division.

A total of 2,177 intercepts were conducted by controllers of this unit as compared with 2,103 during the previous period. Forty nine of the intercepts were against airborne objects classified as unknown.

Live Exercises

This unit participated in 39 live exercises during the review period with joint 5/25^th Air Division (Teamwork) exercises predominating. During these exercises, 424 intercept attempts were made and 241 MAs were claimed for an average of 56.8%. The foregoing exercises included 13 hours and 37 minutes of ECM, an amount which is not commensurate with unit ECM training requirements.

STP

This training device has been employed on 53 occasions during the past six months and included 21 category 1, 26 category 2 and 6 category 3 exercises. Since its installation at this unit, it has been observed that STP is a worthwhile training vehicle in all phases of AC&W operations.

In addition to the foregoing, the regular two week training period for Trade Board purposes was carried out with 21 FtrCops attending. Additionally, 20 lectures on weather reporting and 12 lectures on surveillance procedures were given.

Controller study stressed the Standard AW Procedures handbook, Surveillance, ECM and weather. Unit-set examinations on these subjects were given to all controllers and results were gratifying. As a result of the more favourable controller strength, it has been possible to arrange for considerably more cross-training to USAF units. To date, 11 controllers have completed the MBI course, have visited F-102 Squadrons and have received SAGE indoctrination.

Unit training has been supplemented by many excellent films which are viewed by both controller and FtrCop personnel.

Since the submission of the last historical narrative, a reallocation of Operations building space has been carried out. The 15J1D and associated equipment has been moved from the small room under the control cabin to the projection room, thus leaving space for a combined controller’s lounge and intelligence library. The COpsO and Orderly Room staff now occupy rooms 104, 106 and 107 and the Telecommunications Officer and wire communications section are located in room 111.

Work in connection with the RIP continued satisfactorily. Towers No 2 and 3 have now been completely modified and are ready for the installation of the FPS-6 height finder. Installation of the FPS-20 search gear has proceeded as planned and final completion is expected in January 1960.

As a result of the installation of the power panels and associated equipment on the first floor of No 1 tower, a reallocation of the floor space was necessary. This included enlarging the Operations dining hall and kitchen and moving the training room. The dining hall and training room floors have now been tiled and fluorescent lighting has been installed. Further improvements to these two areas have been planned and it is hoped that final action can be taken in this regard during early 1960.

Some improvement has been noted in air/ground/air VHF communications and 5 Air Division officers are confident that the problem of cross talk can be eliminated in the near future. The number of landlines to adjacent units is still inadequate and the HF backup is probably as good as any comparable unit.

In the past six months, no improvement has been noted in FtrCop strength, however, as observed in the previous report, the completion of the 30-man barrack block will aid in alleviating the situation. For some time now, the number of controllers has remained steady at 17 and as a result, little difficulty has been experienced in fulfilling course and cross training requirements.

It is felt that general unit capability has increased over the past six months. Toward the latter portion of the period, the joint 5/25^th Air Division exercises have become somewhat more realistic and interesting and STP problems have become very complex. The standard of controller and FtrCop personnel is considered good and most are sincere and well-motivated.

The absence of a good height finder and the lack of adequate landlines causes concern, but it is expected that some of these problems will be resolved in the new year.