Hopedale, Labrador

The morning report reflects the following changes of personnel for this reporting period; In January gains; two airmen and one officer with no losses. In February; two airmen losses, airmen reassigned to 6631^st Radio Relay Squadron, Detachment #7 attached to this Squadron for administrative and logistical purposes. In March; gained ten airmen; losses; three airmen and one officer. There was one promotion in this section, and A/2C to A/1C. The Squadron promotions were; one master sergeant (the only one in the 64^th Air Division), one technical sergeant, three staff sergeants, nine airmen first class and five airmen second class.

The filing system for 1955 as prescribed in AFM 181-4, Maintenance of Current Records, was established 1 January 1955 and is now being maintained.

There were no records retired at the end of the year due to time elements as set forth in AFM 181-5, Records Disposition Manual.

The drafting section now occupies a space in the orderly room for better coordination of all sections in their request for work to be accomplished by the draftsman.

The new Unit Manning Document was received in mid-March. The effective date is 1 April 1955.

The Inspector General team accomplished their annual inspection tour during the week of 4 March 1955 to 9 March 1955. All discrepancies have been corrected or noted and forwarded to appropriate headquarters. The Inspector General team commented on the excellent condition of the Squadron service records and Form 20’s.

This section is now in receipt of AFM 35-12, Implementation of the New Airmen Military Personnel Records System. However, AF Forms 7, AF Forms 4, and AF Forms 1226 have not been received. Upon receipt of these forms the First Sergeant contemplates conducting a formal class for the orderly room personnel to familiarize them as to the proper entries to be made, etc. He also plans to introduce the new service records to all personnel by means of I & E Hour lectures.

S/Sgt. Healy, Airman of the Month for the month of February for this Squadron was selected as Airman of the Month for all N-Sites by the Goose Air Base Character Guidance Council.

Both airmen and officers are taking advantage of the Morale Leave program. Several have already taken leave and there are several more leave requests pending for the ensuing summer months.

Severe weather conditions during the period 4 January 1955 to 22 January 1955 prevented the normal flow of correspondence to arrive at this site or to be forwarded to appropriate destinations. Electrical means of transmission was also very poor during this period. Therefore, the proper submission of monthly reports and routine correspondence was somewhat hampered. This is the second time that such a long interval of time has lapsed between arrival of aircraft since the activation of this site.

The numbered Squadron Policies are being constantly screened and any change of status quo at this site or directives from higher headquarters that are in conflict or might alter the present policies are incorporated with present policies by revision, superseding or if necessary, revocation.

At the beginning of this reporting period, 1 January 1955, this section was maintaining maximum capabilities in accordance with our GCI status. On 22 January, at 1315 Zebra, our Tropospheric Scatter line to Goose was opened for forward telling. This increased our telling capabilities by approximately fifty per cent (50%) over past standards and the plot telling time lag delay between this station and the 641^st AC&W Squadron was reduced by more than fifty per cent (50%). For the greater part of this reporting period this line had to be a hot line, that is, kept open and monitored at both ends due to a lack of proper ringing apparatus, and this necessitated keeping a permanent monitor on the line. Even this situation was considered superior to our past methods of telling plots by RTTY due to its frequent outages due to the weather propagation.

On 25 January Captain Theodore Stewart, a 1644, replaced 2^nd Lt. Orman Barkdoll as Operations Officer. This was a definite asset to the Operations section, since Captain Stewart brought with him a broad knowledge of Controller-Director functions, and overall Operational knowledge. Up to this time all Operations Officer personnel were one levels in the 1600 career field with a maximum of 10 months experience in the field, all of this having been gained at this station. With Captain Stewart assuming the duties of Operations Officer, the other four (4) Directors were assigned individual crews. The shift schedule was changed so that each crew worked four (4) days on each shift, and this present schedule is considered more practical as it allows the men to better orient their sleeping habits.

On 8 February, at 1808 Zebra we were hit by excessively high winds, attaining gusts of One Hundred Knots, which necessitated turning off all radar equipment. Communications with the 641^st AC&W Squadron continued normally throughout this period of high winds and finally at 0710 Zebra on 9 February we were able to resume normal operations. Operations continued along a normal course until 28 February when, at 1500 Zebra, our primary Height Finder, AN/TPS-502, went off the air on breakdown. After investigation it was determined that the HRI was on ROCP status, and as a result it remained inoperative for the rest of this reporting period. However, due to the lack of Active Air Defense intercepts, we have not been seriously hindered by this outage.

During the first week of March 2^nd Lt. Orman Barkdoll, one of the Directors, was rotated back to the Zone of Interior, leaving three (3) Directors to pull shift work. No visible detriment was observed operationally speaking since this site has not been busy with Active Air Intercepts during this reporting period. A definite absence has been noted since 1 January which tends to decrease the efficiency of the Directors, being, as they are, of limited experience.

In January this site carried eight hundred and sixty five (865) tracks of which eight one (81) per cent were forward told to the ADCC at Goose Air Base. Six hundred and eighty eight (688) tracks were carried during the month of February,

Ninety four (94) per cent of which were forward told to the 641^st ADCC, while in March seven hundred and sixty four (764) were carried and the forward telling percentage was brought to the maximum of one hundred per cent. The increase in efficiency to a maximum of one hundred (100) per cent is due to the inception of Tropospheric Scatter as our primary means of communications.

A total number of forty eight (48) aircraft arrived at this station during this quarter, thirty (30) of which were helicopter type aircraft, and the remaining were L-20 or C-47 type aircraft, which made use of the ice in the bay as a strip. The only difficulty encountered as far as availability of aircraft to and from this station was during the month of January when we were without an aircraft between 4 and 23 January. This was due to an extended period of bad weather and high winds, following which we began to receive our normal share of aircraft. Due to the unstable weather conditions prevalent in this area it is difficult to follow our aircraft schedule so that all aircraft to this station are on what might be called a "whenever possible" status.

The AN/FPS-502, our Back-up Search Radar is expected to be operational sometime during the month of April and then we will be able to fill our status as a full GCI station.

During the months of January, February and March communications facilities of this section were considerably increased and improved by the addition of Tropospheric Scatter circuits.

At the present time all twelve programmed circuits are available for use, however the termination instructions for these circuits have not been received, but point to point communications is being accomplished by these Tropospheric Scatter circuits.

We now have six Tropospheric Scatter lines to 641^st AC&W Squadron, and three each to the 922^nd (Cartwright) and 924^th (Saglek) AC&W Squadrons. Of these twelve, nine are presently in use. It is now possible to call Pepperrell Air Force Base on the Tropospheric Scatter system. MARS operations have ceased. The assignment of HF frequencies has been reduced from two transmitters and one receiver to one transmitter and one receiver. These frequencies are now acting as standbys, while the teletype traffic is carried over Tropospheric Scatter circuits.

On 16 February, tests were run with the 641^st AC&W Squadron on the LF circuit. These tests were unsatisfactory since the 641^st AC&W Squadron could not receive our signal. The trouble was corrected on 17 February 1955 when, upon investigation, the receiver lead at the 641^st AC&W Squadron was found to be disconnected. Since this time the LF communications is the primary back-up circuit and has proven to be very satisfactory. It has been almost one hundred per cent effective, being off the air only for maintenance. Atmospheric interference has been very slight on this circuit.

During the month of January heavy icing caused some danger to the antennas. The UHF, VHF and HF antennas have no de-icing system, consequently they were subject to heavy loading of ice. This ice was very hard and from 4 to 10 inches thick. It was found that by pounding on the guy wires of antenna poles, much of the ice could be shaken off. On those poles where this was impossible airmen went up the poles and cleared the ice. If it would happen that high winds and heavy icing would coincide, loss of antenna would result.

The LF antenna was also subject to heavy ice loads. The de-icing system on this antenna has proven to be unsatisfactory in temperatures lower than 20 degrees F. However, temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees F prevail when icing is the worst. In this temperature range the antenna, if subject to ice loading, may be saved by prompt de-icing action. In the event of severe icing, the antenna may be let down by the hand winches provided for this purpose.

There is still a serious shortage of personnel in the communications specialist, radio maintenance and teletype fields. In order to help this situation the receiver site was remoted. The radio operators who were standing watch there are now being utilized in the Communications Center. Each day Radio Maintenance performs inspections at the receiver site, otherwise the site is unmanned.

The switchboard and teletype machines have been moved into a common room so that during the slow shifts the teletype operators work in a dual capacity as teletype operators and switchboard operators.

These changes and an increase in manning have combined to make the section operate as efficiently as possible under the circumstances. There is still no teletype mechanic assigned. The mechanic from the 641^st AC&W Squadron was here on five days TDY to overhaul the machines, which were in poor condition. At the present time the machines are holding up although they can’t be expected to last indefinitely without proper maintenance.

The supply situation has improved a little; however, it is still difficult to keep stock levels. Special and emergency requisitions are still common. Action on these requisitions is very slow and unsatisfactory. Until stock levels are established and maintained there will continue to be many of this type of requisition.

In the beginning of this reporting period, M/Sgt. Beltz, NCOIC of Installations went to a three day conference on Fire Prevention at Goose Air Base. Shortly after this M/Sgt. Beltz was sent to Pepperrell Air Force Base for one month for the purpose of attending a Fire Inspection School. Sgt. Beltz, on his return, briefed all personnel on the proper use of fire extinguishers and correct measures for fire prevention. Area Fire Marshals were instructed on how to make proper inspection of buildings to insure against fire. Shortly afterward a work bench in the Motor Pool area was remodeled as a fire station. It is used by the Fire Chief for the repair and recharging of all types of extinguishers except CO2. These latter type extinguishers are sent to Goose Air Base for all recharging.

The heating plant has undergone an extensive cleaning process during this three month period. The boilers were cleaned both inside and out, and along with the floor and pipes, have all been repainted in accordance with current Division directives.

In January a serious power failure was encountered on the overhead power lines as a result of faulty splices. Snow and rain caused the splices to short out and in one section of line as many as six (6) shorts were found. Civilian engineers were here between 1 and 4 January to repair these lines with the help of our Squadron electricians.

During the latter part of February and the early part of March we experienced a rise in temperature which resulted in thaw. As a result of the thaw leaks in the roofs in the majority of the barracks and hallways and in a few of the warehouses created a serious problem. The leaks in the roofs not only damaged the roofs but caused considerable damage to walls and floors. A Roofing Inspection team from the Corps of Engineers arrived in March to check the entire site. After inspection and consultation data was compiled to be brought back to Goose in preparation for repairs.

Extensive housekeeping was undertaken in the water and oil pump houses and each of the above were thoroughly cleaned and repainted. Along with this housekeeping, extensive preventative maintenance was done throughout the site in relation to repairing of doors, door handles, windows and repairing floor tile, plus general preparations for the coming spring and summer seasons.

With extensive inspections in connection with fire prevention two (2) CO2 15 pound fire extinguishers were placed on the three-quarter ton cargo truck which is used for refueling aircraft. With the breakdown on the power lines it was necessary to haul water by truck around the clock which caused extra wear on the water truck. As a result, we had to replace the front end assembly and cylinder head on this 2 ½ ton 6x6, water tank truck.

With the reduced snowfall we were able to haul a three month supply of aircraft fuel from the POL area to the helicopter pad. In order that the roads could be kept clear for this and other operations an angle type snow plow blade was mounted on a 2 ½ ton, 6x6 cargo truck to assist the D-8 Caterpillar in plowing the roads. Due to excessive use of the D-8 it was necessary to replace its clutch and turn its cutting edge on the dozer blade.

The two thousand gallon automotive gasoline tank at the Motor Pool was refilled in February. Early in March it was discovered that the water pump on the water truck was faulty and it was removed and sent to Goose for repairs. While the water shortage was acute a pump was borrowed from the visiting Ice Survey Team to pump the water.

The following vehicle repairs were performed other than those mentioned above, during this quarter: valve grinding job on ¾ ton, 4x4, cargo truck; replaced oil seal on right front wheel assembly of 2 ½ ton, 6x6, cargo truck; repaired lift cylinder on fork lift; and repaired sheave block assembly on D-8 Caterpillar Tractor. In addition two emergency power generators at the transmitter site were restored to operating condition.

The fire prevention program was carried on forcefully during this period, starting with a new fire fighting SOP that established definite fire fighting teams and procedures in the event of a fire. The new system made it possible for the fire fighting teams to be trained, something that previously had been impossible.

A complete inventory was taken of all first aid fire extinguishers, and a record of each extinguisher was established. This made it possible to determine the most reliable extinguishers and to place them in the area most likely to need them. The receipt of new hand water pumps made our protection against fire a little better, but much needed other types of extinguishers have been delayed in their arrival.

The protecto-wire automatic alarm system was found to be inoperative, so until installation of a new system, a fire check has to be made during the night. This is accomplished by personnel from the Operations section, who make hourly fire checks of the entire site from midnight to 6 AM.

A fire station was established in the Motor Pool, which serves as a repair center and storage area for excess equipment. Three assembly points were equipped with rain coats and hats for the fire teams, making protection gear available at all times.

Classes for the instruction of fire fighting and protection measures were held for all personnel. During these inspection periods, exams were administered covering fire regulations and procedure to be followed.

The Fire Chief attended two fire fighting and protection schools during this period. In January, a 5 day school was conducted at Goose Air Base and a 14 day school in February at Pepperrell Air Force Base. In addition, the Assistant Fire Marshal attended a 5 day fire school at Pepperrell Air Force Base during March.

Despite instructions and repeated efforts to educate all personnel to the dangers of fire, a civilian employee fell asleep while smoking in bed and burned his linen and mattress. The fire did not spread beyond the bed, but it caused damages of $40.00. The employee paid for the damages and was dismissed from his job.

Due to the inadequacy of the existing fire alarm system, a system including claxon, siren, bells and a public address unit was installed. This gives complete coverage of alarms to every section of the site and has reduced the confusion of fire drills.

To facilitate closer control over recurring fire hazards, an Area Fire Marshal and two Fire Wardens were appointed for each building. The Fire Wardens are required to make a daily check of the area, while the Area Fire Marshals must make a thorough inspection weekly.

The NEAC fire prevention program has resulted in a strong promotional program at this site. Fortunately, we have not had to use our fire extinguishing apparatus to date except during drills.

During the period of 1 January to 31 March 1955 this section had twenty five (25) hours and forty five (45) minutes of red time, thirteen (13) hours of which was due to high winds during the month of February. Breakdowns were of a minor nature during this period. Installation of our back-up search radar, AN/FPS-502 was begun on the 25^th of March. Completion is due on or about the 15^th of April.

The OJT Program, taught by our Philco Technical Representative, Mr. Joseph Zelinski, has been progressing steadily. Completion of the AN/FPS-3C program is contemplated by the 30^th of April. A/2C Castaneda and A/2C Kosteniak are progressing excellently in the OJT Program and show a high skill level. A/2C Fennell arrived during the month of March and is in the familiarization stage of training. To date the Squadron has been unsuccessful in attempts to obtain aptitude proficiency tests and thus upgrading A/2C Castaneda and A/2C Kosteniak. This is a serious situation, as both men are definitely five level material and excellent radar mechanics. Mr. Fred Jackson took over the duties as Marconi Technical Representative upon the departure of Mr. Jean Dryer. Captain Christian, former OIC was transferred to the 6630^th Radar Evaluation Squadron during the month of March and was replaced by 2^nd Lt. Rembert R Stokes, the former Assistant Radar Maintenance Officer.

The supply situation continues to be critical with a continual shortage of various tubes. To list a few; a very critical tube, which is needed to keep the primary search radar operative, is the 2C40. Other tubes on the critical list are the 5687, of which we have none, the 5814, 2C39 and 1B27. All of these tubes have been on order for three to five months and have not been received in needed amounts. If this situation continues it will result in a serious drawback to the completion of the mission of the Squadron.

During this reporting period a greater emphasis was placed on the information section. A new bulletin board was constructed and is now in use. Current events are posted regularly. Also, a large number of men turn in their hometown newspapers to the library for the enjoyment of other personnel.

The local minister is scheduled to visit the site in the near future and present a talk concerning his 35 years of service in Labrador. Additionally, efforts are being made to have the Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman stationed in the nearby village present an information talk at the earliest possible date.

All material forwarded to this organization by Goose Air Base is immediately made available to all assigned personnel. This includes such items as newspapers, magazines, Armed Forces Talks, Information Sheets and Clip Sheets.

It is the desire of this office to present more information films concerning religion, marriage and re-enlistment. Movies concerning these subjects have been ordered and should be received in the near future.

With the moving of the base library, conditions for administering the various General Education Development tests were greatly improved. The present location of the library now affords a suitable place for taking tests, as it is quiet, has adequate light and sufficient room.

Since 1 January 1955 a total of ten High School General Education Development tests have been administered by this section. Five men successfully passed subject test during this period. Five College level General Education Development tests were taken with three being successfully completed.

Courses offered by the Armed Forces Institute remained the most popular means of off-duty education. Eleven men were enrolled in various USAFI courses during this reporting period. As of 31 March 1955 the total enrollment in the United States Armed Forces Institute was thirty eight.

Every effort is made to encourage all personnel to take advantage of the various educational opportunities available. All incoming personnel are briefed regarding the function of this office in regards to the program offered by USAFI.

At the conclusion of this historical period the University of Maryland Extension Courses were still not available at this site. However, we were informed that action is being initiated by higher headquarters regarding the obtainment of such courses.

Audio facilities at this installation have greatly improved since the initiation of this historical period. All broadcasting is accomplished in a room separate from the library. It is planned to further partition this room in an effort to afford absolute silence while broadcasting.

Since the first of the year, approximately 1000 Armed Forces Radio Service transcriptions have been received by this Squadron. A definite program schedule was established and has proven to be satisfactory. Additionally, several religious records have been received and are in use at the present time. A total of 66 music library record transcriptions have been received and are in use.

Also accomplished during this period was the installation of the audio transmitter. It is now possible for personnel to "tune-in" all radio broadcasts over their individual radios.

Preventative maintenance is performed weekly on all audio equipment, and the transmitter is checked daily. This equipment has proved to be a very important morale factor at this site and affords all personnel a great deal of enjoyment. It is hoped that a steady incoming supply of Armed Forces Radio transcriptions can be maintained.

In February of this year the library was moved to a much larger location, doubling in available space. Concurrently, a shipment of approximately 500 books was received. As a result of this large shipment of books, over 1000 bound volumes are now available to all personnel.

All books are housed in two large bookcases, each capable of holding approximately 500 books. Books are filed alphabetically by author and subject for convenient access.

A card-catalog system is now in effect and individual library cards for all personnel are being prepared. The Unit Fund Council at this site has approved subscriptions to eighteen magazines for the squadron library. This addition to the magazines received from Goose Air Base will ensure a plentiful supply of current reading material.

A great deal of new Special Services equipment has been received by this installation since the first of the year. Also, storage of all equipment has been consolidated into one area and is now easily obtainable to all personnel.

New fishing equipment has been purchased and will be available to members of this organization when the fishing season opens.

A base hobby shop is undergoing development at the present time and will afford a location for light hobby work including wood, metal and leather working. A considerable number of necessary tools has been ordered and should arrive shortly.

More emphasis has been placed on Base Defense during this interim. A base defense plan has been established and a series of lectures are scheduled to be presented in an effort to inform all personnel of their personal responsibilities regarding the defense of this site in case of enemy attack. Intensive work in all phases of base defense has been planned.

A great deal of time has been expanded in relation to fire fighting and prevention. All assigned personnel have been made aware of the proper means of controlling fires as well as the necessary precautions to prevent them.

A squadron training hour is conducted once a week, with each program being presented twice. By doing this all personnel are able to attend. Attendance at these programs is mandatory.

A three month training schedule has been prepared by this office and forwarded to higher headquarters. Individual training records are maintained in an up-to-date manner on all personnel.

The Commander’s Hour is held approximately four times a month. A variety of subjects, including fire prevention, personal conduct, Air Force policies and Military Courtesy have been presented in the past.

It is planned by this office to make every effort to arrange for all men of this squadron to fire their weapons at least once during the coming months. Plans for carrying out this policy are now being formulated.

During this reporting period there was a definite increase in the number of respiratory infections. Most common of all was sore throats. However, all were treated successfully with different types of gargle and anti biotic. The reason for this condition was probably because of the dryness in the air during the colder months, for when the heat is turned on the air is very dry. This seemed to dry out the mucus membrane thus making the men more apt to be infected by respiratory ailments. One treatment, which was tried by a few of the airmen and was found to be successful, was to place a cup of water on the radiator. As a result, airmen didn’t wake up with a dry feeling in their throats. No cases of sore throats have been reported among those trying this practice since it was initiated.

There were no fatal accidents during this period. However, a civilian lost the last joint of his index finger while utilizing the power saw. He was treated with no complications. Two work days were lost due to the accident. There was one ski mishap resulting from an airman falling and breaking his nose. He was evacuated to Goose Air Base where the nose was reset. He returned to duty with no complications.

The ratio of treatment for military and civilian personnel is about the same as it has been in past months. Sanitation measures were carried out during this period according to existing regulations. A lecture was presented during the weekly information and education hour on personal hygiene. In addition considerable work was accomplished with the assigned food service personnel in relation to the importance of sanitation in the food service section.

Medical supply has been prompt in most cases; however, not as prompt as we desire or feel that it is possible. Difficulty has been encountered in receiving certain items such as alcohol.

With the installation of the Tropospheric Scatter equipment it has become possible to call Goose Air Base to seek professional advice in time of need, and to expedite the shipment of needed medical supplies.

The opening month of this first quarter of 1955 was occupied mainly with a continuation of the overall inventory and re-cataloging of all items. Airman Second Class Lowell Canada, from the Power Plant, was assigned to this section on a temporary basis to assist in the inventory and cataloging of diesel and automotive parts. With the reduction of Airman Goodwin to Airman Third Class, Airman Second Class John H Harbour assumed the duties of Airman in Charge Supply.

Airman Canada completed his assignment in this section by the 22^nd of February and was returned to the Power Plant. The inventory, on the whole, was nearing completion and then on 25 February we received the new Squadron UAL, which was dated September 1954. As a result of the delay in receiving this UAL the checking of it has not been accomplished. On the 26^th of February M/Sgt. Keever and T/Sgt. Hanlon arrived at this station on a TDY basis to assist in establishing the correct procedure for the accounting and dispersal of automotive and electronic spares.

On the first day of March, Captain Bolesta, of the 64^th Air Division, (Defense), arrived at this site to assist the Supply Officer in inventorying and accounting for excess Contractor’s property. While here, Captain Bolesta assisted this section in checking the UAL and submitted a change request for a Bell and Howell 16mm projector, due to a definite need for this item. Beginning this month T/Sgt. Frank O Hall assumed the duties of NCOIC and a noticeable increase in efficiency was seen within a short period of time.

On 4 March, Lt. Colonel Weaver, Air Inspector of the 64^th Air Division, (Defense), and his staff arrived for our annual inspection. The inspection was completed on 7 March and a copy of the Inspection Report was retained in the section to enable us to answer all deficiencies listed. During this inspection visit Airman Third Class Charles J Denmon was transferred to the Food Service Section to serve as the warehouse supply man. There were four new airmen reporting to this section during the rest of the month, but the skill level is still approximately at the three zero level. This lack of proper skill level within the section is still a big drawback to the solution of the many supply problems that do exist, but with the continual work being done here, the supply problems are slowly but surely being resolved.