Hopedale, Labrador

1 April 1955 - 30 June 1955

Historical data contained herein reflects activities of this section for the interim period of 1 April 1955 to 30 June 1955.

The arrival in May of one AFSC 73231 brought the total strength of this section up to six. This section received one promotion for the May-June cycle, an A/1C to S/Sgt. The Squadron Commander was TDY to Pepperrell Air Force Base approximately 21 days attending conferences and obtaining flying requirements. The Adjutant was absent 19 days on morale leave. Four airmen forecast return to the zone of interior in September and October with two replacements to arrive in the same period.

Reports from Headquarters 64^th Air Division (Defense) indicates this squadron is second in submitting of RCS reports for all N-Sites in this command. A new publication library system is being initiated by the orderly room for the convenience of personnel of this squadron. As new publications such as regulations, manuals, letters, etc., are received at this section, a disposition form listing these publications is distributed to each section in the event such matter may pertain to their section of personnel, thereby enabling personnel to keep abreast of new directives or changes. Twenty one personnel were placed on TDY to Goose Air Base in the last week of June for the purpose of being administered APT’s in their respective career fields, however, this should not be necessary in the future, in that, through the trial and error method and the recent receipt of proper directives on requisitioning and administering of the APT’s, the Unit Personnel Officer can now accomplish the entire function at this site.

During this reporting period three new personnel were assigned to this section. One 1644, one 70250 and one 27350 all arrived this station 13 April. A total of three personnel were reassigned to the Zone of Interior. One 1641 departed the station 29 May, one 27350 on 20 June and one 27350 on 25 June. During this reporting period a total of fourteen airmen were TDY at Goose Air Base for the purpose of being administered APT’s in their career field. This section received a total of three promotions for the May-June cycle including two A/1C to S/Sgt. And one A/3C to A/2C.

During the month of April the following number of aircraft arrived and departed this station: H-19’s, 5; C-47’s, 5 and L-20’s, 2. In May we had an increase in aircraft arrival as follows: H-19’s, 13; H-21’s, 6 and L-20’s, 2. We witnessed the first SA-16 water landing on 9 June. Aircraft arrival for the month of June is as follows: SA-16’s, 5; H-19’s, 8 and H-21’s, 2.

On the 15^th of April this section rendered assistance to AF15009, an SA-16 enroute to Frobisher from Goose Air Base during an in-flight emergency. The aircraft had a fuel leak in the forward cockpit. The aircraft was vectored to Saglek for landing, remaining under our control for thirty minutes.

In the month of April this section experienced its first radar jamming missions, which enabled the crews to familiarize themselves with two types of jamming; Spot Noise and Window. The mission was successful and a lot of training is anticipated in the coming months.

Total tracks carried during the month of April were 964, of which 100% were forward told and 75% of the moves told. A total of seven steers and 164 position reports were given.

Directors ran two actual intercepts against unknown tracks which were successfully accomplished. Also during April, one hundred eleven simulated intercepts were run on the 15-J-1C Simulator.

The following equipment status changes were noted during the month of April: 4 April, Primary Height went on ROCP status 1800 hours zebra; 16 April, AN/FPS-502 phased in at 1830 hours zebra; 22 April, Channel 12 went on REF status effective 1140 hours zebra; 26 April, Primary Height became normal at 1204 hours zebra.

During the month of May, 1299 tracks were carried of which 100% were forward told and 67% of the moves told. A total of five steers and 202 position reports were given.

Directors accomplished 113 practice intercepts with three actual intercepts against unknown tracks. A total of 120 simulated intercepts were accomplished on the 15-J-1C Simulator during the month of May.

On the 5^th of May, this station received an Air Defence Readiness. All key personnel were notified and the base defense plan was put into effect. The alert lasted approximately 40 minutes.

The following major equipment status changes were noted during the month of May: 2 May, Channel 12 became normal at 0742 hours zebra; 4 May, Low Frequency went on REF status at 100 hours zebra, becoming operative on 5 May at 2000 hours zebra; 17 May, Pole Vault circuits were phased in at 1945 hours zebra; 31 May, the Upper Beam went on REF status effective 1512 hours zebra.

Total tracks carried during the month of June were 1361 of which 100% were forward told and 65% of the moves told. A total of 10 steers and 140 position reports were given.

During the month of June, Directors accomplished 264 practice intercepts with 2 actual intercepts against unknown tracks. A total of 225 simulated tracks were accomplished on the 15-J-1C Simulator.

During the month we participated in several ECM training missions with Ruffian #1. We received chaff and noise jamming during these missions.

On the 26^th of June we were notified by Capable that the ship Jango Victor had declared an emergency. They had a patient on board who needed immediate medical attention not available there. We were able to contact the ship and relay a message to them from Capable and vice versa. Approximately 15 hours later an SA-16 arrived at the Jango Victor, picked up the patient, thus ending the emergency.

The following major equipment status changes were noted for the month of June: 10 June, Primary Height went on REF status effective 0315 hours zebra; 13 June, Primary Height became operative at 1800 hours zebra; 16 June, the upper beam became normal effective 1130 hours zebra; 22 June, Primary Height went on REF status effective 1030 hours zebra; 26 June, Channels 7, 8 and 13 went on REF status effective 0120 hours zebra, and became operational at 1235 hours zebra, 27 June.

A new Communications Officer, Captain John W Randell arrived at this station 13 April. 1^st Lt. Richard W Rice departed this station in May on rotation to the zone of interior. Also, a total of eight airmen were assigned to this section during this reporting period; 3 - 29130’s, 3 - 30452B’s, 1 - 30450 and 1 - 29230. Two airmen were rotated to the zone of interior, 1 - 29250 and 1 - 29350. Four airmen were absent from this station during this reporting period on TDY at Goose Bay for the purpose of being administered APT’s in their respective career fields. This section has only two NCO’s assigned of an authorized eleven, and this shortage of experienced personnel, although not serious, causes extra work and problems. The radio maintenance problem was decreased by the arrival of four mechanics and a Philco Technical Instructor, Mr. James E Gamble. Since most of the equipment is new to the mechanics, all of whom are recent school graduates, the training program has been stepped up considerably. It is evident that these airmen did not receive enough radio fundamentals and this has caused training requirements to conflict somewhat with routine maintenance. With five more mechanics forecast for the next quarter, we expect no problems of a serious nature.

Point to point communications has improved considerably with Tropospheric Scatter circuits now operating as follows: three each to the 922^nd and 924^th ACWRONS, four to the 641^st ACWRON and one to Goose Air Base. Back-up teletype circuits are provided for with HF radio and back-up for other circuits by LF radio. Both back-up systems have been tested and are operational.

The shortage of communication center specialists has been alleviated and radio operators are again standing watch at the receiver site. The only serious shortage is in the wire maintenance field.

MARS operation throughout NEAC has been suspended, but amateur radio operation has been extensive during the reporting period with numerous phone patches stateside, improving the morale of many personnel.

Ship-to-shore radio is operating and being monitored 24 hours a day at the receiver site. The transmitter is remoted so that there will be no delay in answering calls.

VHF and UHF transmitters and receivers have been installed in the projection room in the operations building for emergency use. Completion of remoting to operations and testing has been delayed pending arrival of parts for the radio sets.

Leaky roofs at the receiver building and frame room caused the maintenance personnel some concern, but constant watch, draping canvas under leaks and mopping floors and cable trenches has kept us out of trouble so far.

During this reporting period this section gained two airmen, AFSC’s53250 and 56650. One airman was reassigned to the zone of interior, AFSC 56150.

The carpenters built a tool room in supply, tightened all guy wires on all buildings and water supply lines, varnished steps throughout the site, repaired broken doors and steps and replaced door handles. They also repaired the tressel on the water line. Lumber was moved from the dock site warehouse to a tent for storage. All storm windows were repaired and replaced with screens. Tile was tacked down throughout the site. The barge and row boat were repaired and painted. In addition to the above, preventative maintenance was performed on all tools and buildings.

The electricians repaired ground cable from the bay to the site area, tightened and repaired guy wires on electrical line poles, checked and repaired heaters in the Receiver and Transmitter sites, repaired and installed a new switch at the dock site, laid new control line and auxiliary supply to the camp site pump house with 450 feet of 3 ½ inch conduit. They also repaired loose wire from transformer pole to water pump house, checked all junction boxes in site buildings for loose or frayed wire that would present a fire hazard, and accomplished preventative maintenance on all electrical circuits.

The plumber tightened all connections in the heating plant, checked all condensate pumps daily and changed pumps every other week, repaired broken water line at water pump house, installed water discharge line from Base Exchange warehouse to water supply tank for use in case of power failure, repaired leak in Power Plant and connected diesel fuel discharge line to storage tanks.

Heating plant personnel cleaned all the tubes in both boilers, painted floor and boilers. Due to a shortage of personnel in the heating plant the personnel are pulling eight hour shift work and doing daily maintenance in the plant while on duty.

During this reporting period this section received an airman with a Fire Fighters AFSC 57150. This airman assumed the duties of Squadron Fire Chief.

During this reporting period, all fire extinguishers were inspected once monthly. Also during each month, two fire drills were held. The site is checked daily for fire hazards. All fire extinguishers were refilled, except the CO2 type. Placed signs directing "No Smoking while unloading ships" on the dock, also signs (No Smoking) at the dock site oil pump house, gas house, helicopter pad and refuelling truck. The fire chief meets all aircraft and stands by, with CO2 bottle, while refuelling and warming up for take-off.

Due to the rotation of many Motor Pool personnel this reporting period, this section lost an airman who assumed duties of Motor Sergeant AFSC 56150.

On the 21^st of April a partial power failure occurred on the base power at 0955 hours, caused by number seven unit kicking off the board. Switches for immediate power were thrown. Number seven was put back on the line, number four engine was started and put on the line at 1000 hours. At 1220 hours, fault reported in the POL line and was switched off immediately. The fault was noticed when a loud popping noise appeared in POL oil bath switch and simultaneous blinking of lights was seen. It was switched off immediately before a complete power failure could occur. Upon investigation it was found that improper splices in the outside lines were the cause. On the third of April, a partial power failure occurred on Tech Power at 1500 hours. Number two was taken off base power and put on Tech power. The cause of this failure was found to be a loose mercury switch was badly burnt. The switch was replaced and the blowers were automatically switched to Base Power. The Receiver and Transmitter sites went on emergency power and the de-icers were shut off. On the sixth of May 1955 a complete power failure occurred on Tech Power at 2115 hours. Number one engine on Tech Power overheated and caused number eight engine to be switched over. At this time though, we immediately went into emergency power. The thermostat control caused engine number one to shut off at 167 degrees because of faulty adjustments. Very little maintenance was performed because of the previous monthly preventative maintenance check. Minor adjustments were taken care of during the daily checks. On 19 June, valves and injectors were set and brushes were replaced in number one engine. 4 June, number two engine was cleaned out and flushed. Valves and injectors were set, new injector cups were installed, brushes and belts of exciter were checked and tightened. On 10 June, number three was cleaned and flushed. New injector cups were installed, valves and injectors were set, and brushes and belts checked. On May 31^st, number four engine was flushed out, new injector cups were installed, and brushes and belts were checked and found to be all right. 29 June, number four engine valves were set, and the fuel system and governor were bled. 3 June, number five engine was flushed out, new injector cups were installed, valves and injectors were set, and a new governor installed. 17 June, number five engine valves and injectors were set. 27 June, put new injector cups on number two engine and adjusted governor. 27 May, number eight engine was flushed inside, new injector cups were installed and valves set, oil in the governor was changed, two brushes were replaced in exciter and the valves were reset.

Four motor pool personnel rotated the latter part of May and June as July returnees, AFSC’s 47151, 47155, 55131 and 60370. An airman was reassigned from the power plant as motor sergeant. Also, this section received two new airmen, AFSC’s 56751 and 56650.

A total of 37 aircraft arrived at this site during this reporting period, using a total of 3325 gallons of fuel and 44 gallons of oil. Motor Pool personnel were utilized in the loading and unloading of these aircraft, which also included the special mission on 20 June through 23 June. This sections personnel fabricated a rack to install two outboard motors on the barge, constructed a tire inflation rack in compliance with instructions fro Headquarters Northeast Air Command, and improvised an oil and outboard motor fuel rack.

A large hole in the large fuel oil tank at the POL area was welded. A safe from the orderly room was welded and repaired, in addition to several office chairs.

Replacement maintenance personnel arrived sufficiently in advance of the expected date of departure of the rotating personnel to allow for adequate familiarization training. During this reporting period, we received three new personnel, AFSC’s 30352 - 1, and 30332 - 2.

Formal OJT is progressing under the supervision of Mr. Joseph E Zelinski, Philco Technical Instructor. Having completed their OJT and been unable to acquire AP tests, two airmen were granted waivers for the test and awarded the AFSC 30352. One of the two airmen was sited as Airman of the Month for his excellence as a radar technician.

Mr. Peter J Brishar, Technical Representative with the Canadian Marconi Company, arrived to supplement the services of Mr. Fred J Jackson.

An extensive Electric Countermeasures program has been carried with relative success. Unit training has been supplemented with practical indoctrination jamming flights by the 6630^th REV/ECM Squadron.

During the period 1 April through 30 June 1955 this section had nine hours and twenty one minutes of red time on Primary Search. The installation of the back-up search radar, AN/FPS-502, was completed on the 16^th of April, giving continuous search capabilities. Normal maintenance was encountered in general during this period on the primary and back-up search equipment. The motor alternator on the primary height-finder was deadlined for considerable time, reducing height capabilities appreciably. To insure peak performance, quality control was initiated and has been continued successfully. Justification for the addition of the test oscilloscope AN/TS-239A to the UAL was submitted. A temporary loan of said scopes was made through 641^st AC&W Squadron with the approval of the 64^th Air Division (Defense). A complete absence of manuals has prevented the installation of the beacon and jamming simulator, AN/UPA-37.

The supply situation has improved with the implemented tube requisition procedure. Excellent cooperation has been received from Major Clark and his personnel at the 64^th Air Division Liaison Office. High priority items have been handled without delay; all requests are given immediate attention. This, coupled with the improved weather conditions, has given to increased supply availability’s.

During this reporting period emphasis was placed on the information section. Two bulletin boards were in use throughout the period, with current events posted regularly. Also, several men turned in their hometown newspapers for the enjoyment of all personnel.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Policemen from the near-by village presented a talk on the various laws of Canada which apply to the men of this unit while stationed in Labrador. His talk was well received by all personnel and proved to be both entertaining and enlightening.

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

During this historical period the squadron re-enlistment program was in the process of being established. All available material on the advantages of Air Force life was made available to interested parties. Several lectures were presented at the weekly Commander’s Hour, movies were shown, and arrangements made for men with less than six months remaining on their current enlistment to have personal conferences with the Commander.

This office was also responsible for the publishing of the squadron newspaper, "The Outcast". The "Outcast" was published every two weeks and all interested persons were encouraged to submit articles for publication. "The Outcast" usually consisted of ten pages and was enjoyed by the majority of assigned personnel. The airmen assigned this office acted as editor and was also responsible for cutting of stencils and printing.

Since the Information and Education office was located in the base library, excellent surroundings were available to personnel participating in the many educational opportunities afforded by the Air Force.

Since 1 April, a total of fifteen United States Armed Forces Institute General Education Development tests have been administered by this section. Courses offered by USAFI remained the most popular means of off duty education. Nine men were enrolled in a variety of USAFI courses, and by 30 June a total of 47 men were participating in the education program at this site.

Due to the lack of necessary application forms, participation in the United States Air Force Extension Course Institute was lax. However, necessary forms have been requisitioned direct from Maxwell Air Force Base. At the conclusion of this historical report a total of 12 men were active in various ECI courses.

Every effort was made to encourage all personnel to take advantage of the various educational opportunities available. All incoming airmen were briefed in regards to the programs offered by the I&E office.

Additionally, a total of eight personal letters were prepared and sent out by this section for airmen regarding personal education problems.

Library facilities at this site were in excellent condition at the conclusion of this historical period. During the period, over 1,000 bound volumes were available for checking-out by personnel of this unit. An average of 130 or more books were checked out at all times and a variety of magazines were also available. Since 1 April, this squadron has subscribed to a total of 18 magazines.

All books are housed in two large bookcases, each capable of maintaining approximately 500 books. Volumes were files alphabetically by author and subject for convenient access.

As of the last day of each month, a book kit was prepared at this site and returned to the main library at Goose Air Base. Additionally, all books were checked for accountability prior to being put on the shelves. The book turn-over to Goose is estimated to be approximately 35 books per month.

A card catalog system was put into effect during this period and individual library cards were also prepared. In this manner, a better control was maintained over the books. A complete inventory of all accountable books was accomplished each month and results forwarded to Goose Air Base.

Since the library at this site also serves as a day room, considerable time was expended "dressing up" the interior. New end tables were obtained as well as drapes and stand ashtrays. The library operated on a 24 hour basis and every effort was expended to make it a cheerful place for personnel to spend their off duty hours.

All broadcasting was accomplished from a room separate from the library proper. A steady turn over of AFRS program transcriptions was achieved in conjunction with a definite program schedule. Current record libraries were received each month consisting of approximately 30 records. These records were immediately arranged in alphabetical order and filed for easy access. Various members of this organization participated in the operation of the audio system, and all types of music were presented at regular intervals.

All AFRS records, after being played, were forwarded to the appropriate station after being properly manifested. Additionally, a monthly program report is submitted to the AFRS office. On an average, a audio system at this site was operated approximately 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Preventative maintenance checks were performed weekly on all audio equipment. This equipment proved to be a very important morale factor at this site and afforded personnel a great deal of enjoyment.

A great deal of new special services equipment was received by this squadron since the last historical period. For example, such equipment as baseball gloves, baseball bats, ping pong equipment, fishing equipment, dark room equipment, hobby shop tools, electric drink mixers, pop corn poppers, and squadron stationary was obtained by this section.

During this period the special services office sponsored a squadron party and squadron fishing derby. Both events were highly successful and prizes were awarded to winners of the fishing derby. Also, trophies were awarded to the winning basketball team and the squadron party, bringing to a close a highly successful tournament.

At the present time a volleyball court is being constructed and upon completion, a squadron volleyball tournament will be conducted. Additionally, a fishing boat was secured by this office and is now being repaired for use in the near future.

In addition to the above, the special services office was also responsible for operating the pool room, dark room and hobby shop. All three establishments were operated on a 24 hour basis and all necessary equipment was obtained through this section.

The special services office was responsible for the ordering and utilization of equipment obtained through funds allotted by the Unit Fund Council. It was the responsibility of this section to determine which company to purchase approved equipment from in order to extend allotted funds in the wisest manner. All purchase orders were forwarded from this office, as well as certified invoices for payment. Approximately $1,300 has been expended by this organization on unit fund property since the first of the year. A permanent record was maintained on all unit fund meetings as well as an up to date figure for receipts and expenditures. In addition to purchases made through the unit fund, this office was also successful in obtaining approval for two special welfare grants, one in the amount of $500.00 for the purchase of a new piano, and the other in the amount of $1,900.00 for the purchase of new squadron day room furniture.

Since this section also served as the personnel services section, it was often called upon to render assistance to visiting chaplains. Arrangements were made for the conducting of church services, notification of personnel, and a record of all assigned personnel and their religious preferences. Also, all religious material forwarded this office by Goose Air Base was placed at the disposal of all personnel. It was also the responsibility of this section to keep religious records forwarded by the chaplains office flowing in an even cycle, so as to assure that a proper number of religious records were on hand at all times.

More emphasis was placed on base defense during this historical period than ever before. Definite base defense teams were organized and each man made aware of his exact duties in event of a base alert.

Considerable time was taken in relation to fire fighting and fire prevention. All airmen were made aware of the proper means to prevent them. A monthly test was given all personnel to make certain they were familiar with the proper fire control measures.

This office is also responsible for individual training of assigned personnel. A general military training schedule was prepared for a three month period and every effort was made to make certain that all necessary subjects were covered. Preparation for the weekly Commander’s Hour was also the responsibility of this section and such topics as fire prevention, advantages of the Air Force as a career, personal conduct, military bearing and Air Force policies were presented. Perhaps the most important media for training during this period was the training films. Besides obtaining films for the squadron training hour, films were also obtained for the various individual sections. Approximately 15 films were ordered monthly by this organization.

Individual training records were maintained on all personnel during this period. This records any individuals training and accompanies them upon leaving this organization for further assignment to the zone of interior.

The squadron on the job training program was also the function of this office during this period. All necessary OJT package programs, study reference guides and progress charts were requisitioned and should arrive in the near future. Additionally, an OJT material library was established by this office and records maintained on all material possessed by individual section. A record log was also kept on all personnel participating in the OJT program and is checked for accuracy each week.

Airman Hazley moved from the barracks to the infirmary to be on a 24 hour emergency call.

A sign in and out board was placed on the front door of the infirmary so the whereabouts of the medical personnel is known at all times.

There has been an average daily sick call of two and one half patients per day. Additionally, the following injuries were treated during this reporting period: An airman broke his foot, and was evacuated to the hospital at Goose Air Base for further treatment; An airman wrenched his shoulder and was also sent to Goose Air Base for observation and X-Rays. Seven pairs of glasses were fitted by the EENT Clinic of Goose Air Base for officers and airmen of this organization. One case of appendicitis was immediately evacuated to the hospital at Goose Air Base for emergency surgery. A large number of personnel were treated for upper respiratory infections, possibly caused from dampness in the living quarters due to the leaky roofs.

This section received one airman, AFSC 62250 during this reporting period. The Food Service Supervisor returned to the zone of interior, being replaced by the senior cook of the section, who was awarded AFSC 62270 by classification board action during the same week. Two airmen were TDY to Goose Air Base for the purpose of taking APT’s for the AFSC 62250. This section is short one airman now, and is anticipating a shortage of three, due to two more persons rotating in the month of August with no replacements due until September.

Food service operation continued normally throughout this reporting period.

Four hundred and twenty pounds of surplus butter was destroyed 23 June as directed by the Medical Service Supervisor.

During this reporting period, this section experienced the following changes of personnel: the supply clerk typist, AFSC 70230, was rotated to the zone of interior. We received a AFSC 64173, who assumed duties of Supply Supervisor.

At the start of this historical period, 1 April, a complete inventory of all UAL and expendable type property began. On 5 April a complete re-warehousing of the dockside warehouse was started. The office section was rearranged so that office would could be standardized and to allow personnel wanting to draw supplies to be served more efficiently. Stock record cards of both USAF and 16PT property classes were re-accomplished to reflect inventory count of all expendables on 25 April. On 9 May, a team of 1 officer and 5 airmen arrived at the site to assist in warehousing and the inventory. This warehousing and inventory was started on 10 May to include inventorying of 16PT tubes, resistors and related items. On 16 May, all publications were brought up to date. A new tool crib was constructed 1 June so that all tools could be identified and inventoried. This was believed to be the best method of controlling and issuing tools in this organization.

On 6 June, Captain John W Randell assumed duty as Assistant Supply Officer, relieving Captain Theodore W Stewart.

A strong room was built on 7 June in order to properly store all weapons and weapon parts.

On 16 June, all Arctic clothing was called in. A squadron shakedown was conducted on 30 June in an effort to locate shortages in Arctic clothing.