Hopedale, Labrador

1 July 1955 - 30 September 1955

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

Captain Hickman reported for duty as Operations Officer on 25 July vice Captain Stewart. 2^nd Lt. Lamanna reported for duty as Installations Officer on 23 July 1955 vice Captain Simon who rotated to the ZI on 30 July. 2^nd Lt. Ziegenfuss of the Corps of Engineers, Eastern Ocean District, was attached to this organization for the purpose of supervising the re-roofing of the site and the building of two additional bays of living quarters, plus other additional construction. Captain Runge reported for duty as Radar Maintenance Officer vice 1^st Lt. Stokes who rotated to the ZI on 1 September. Major Haines, Commander of the 6631^st Radio Relay Squadron visited the site for the purpose of conducting an inspection of Detachment #7. His stay lasted two days. Captain Stewart, Assistant Operations Officer, was assigned primary duty as Unit Supply Officer vice Captain Hill who rotated to the ZI on 6 September. Major Green returned with Major Ford from the Commander’s Conference at Pepperrell Air Force Base and assumed command upon Major Ford’s departure for the ZI on 19 September. An inspection visit was made by General Barcus in August. General Root visited our Unit Supply in September. 2^nd Lt. Faberman reported for duty as Adjutant on 24 September vice Captain Hale who departed for the ZI the same date.

The morning report reflects the following changes in personnel for this reporting period: July gains - Airmen, 4; and Officers, 1. July Losses - Airmen, 3. August gains - Airmen, 7; and Officers, 1. August losses - Airmen, 2; and Officers, 8. September gains - Airmen, 10; and Officers, 2. September losses - Airmen, 3; and Officers, 3. 2^nd Lt. Goldner was promoted to 1^st Lt. During this reporting period. Also promoted to 1^st Lt. Were Lt. Stokes and Lt. Mitchell. This organization received one promotion to T/Sgt. And one to S/Sgt. This reporting period. Also promoted this period were one to A/1C and one to A/2C.

Implementation of the New Airmen Military Personnel Records system has not been effected by this organization due to the non-receipt of the necessary forms.

Three boats delivered supplies for Food Service, the Base Exchange and POL.

During this reporting period, the Operations Section continued to operate efficiently as an Early Warning station with limited GCI capabilities. Two directors were returned to the ZI in the month of September. Captain Stewart was assigned primary duties as Unit Supply Officer and Captain Hickman, who joined the squadron on 25 July, was appointed as Operations Officer. No other directors were assigned during this quarter and none were forecasted. On 1 September, the four crew system was reduced to a three crew system due to the shortage of personnel within the section. Two Technical Sergeants and one Staff Sergeant were assigned which raised the experienced personnel level and improved the OJT program. Eleven airmen were returned to the ZI with five replacements arriving during this period.

During this quarter, a total of 2403 tracks were plotted for an average of 26 tracks per day. All tracks were forward told to the 641^st AC&W Squadron. Sixteen unknown tracks were intercepted with fighters of the 59^th Fighter-Intercept Squadron. Five of these were identified friendly just prior to intercept. A total of 334 practice intercepts were made with the 59^th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. The 15-J-1C was used to complete 429 synthetic intercepts. Three hundred and eleven navigational assists were given plus one emergency assist. The 6630^th REV/ECM Flight ran a total of 8 ECM Missions with this station and two jamming missions were made with the USS NEAC.

Follow-up requisitions were made for the necessary supplies needed to convert the plotting board to florescent lighting and for supplies to paint the plotting board in accordance with CADS recommendations.

Aircraft continue to be scheduled from Goose Air Base to this station on Wednesdays and Saturdays of each week, weather permitting.

The personnel shortage problem is being gradually alleviated. The only serious shortage at present is in the 29330 and 29350 AFSC’s, radio operators.

The tropospheric scatter system continues to be almost 100% effective. LF CW is in back-up status and HF RADTTY is fully operational if ever needed. Air to Ground communications has been supplemented by the addition of a back-up UHF and VHF set located at the main site. Ship to shore communication has been remoted to the transmitter site and is operating satisfactorily. MARS operations continue to be suspended with amateur radio filling in the void. The receivers have been remoted due to lack of radio operators and CW is operated from the message center. Preventative maintenance is accomplished once a week at the RX. Major maintenance was accomplished on one UHF transmitter (T-217). The transmitter site is operating on standby power at present, using a 40 kw generator, due to line trouble between the main site and the transmitter site. Operation of the emergency unit has proven satisfactory. An extensive preventative maintenance program has been put into effect and is producing good results. Two UHF co-axial cables were replaced in September because of excessive transmission losses due to water logging and spiking.

The supply situation continues to improve leaving but a few tubes on the critical list. Among these are the 4X150A, 6J4, 12AT7 and 355A. Constant follow-up seems to be the best solution.

During this reporting period one Installations Officer, AFSC 5521, was assigned to replace the former Installations Officer who returned to the ZI in August. Two airmen were assigned, AFSC’s 55250 and 56650.

Three carpenters arrived from Goose Air Base to accomplish major maintenance problems. All interior and exterior bolts were tightened on the buildings plus guy wires on the buildings and water supply line. The water supply line was braced and the proper slope was established. All screens were replaced with storm windows in view of the coming winter months. Drake-Merritt Construction Company has completed the re-roofing of the site. The loop in the POL Line was completed, also the drain line from the Motor Pool is completed and working satisfactorily. The Bell Telephone Company of Canada is working on the construction of the two twenty-personnel barracks and equipment buildings. Construction is expected to be completed in December.

The plumber checked all condensate pumps daily and changed pumps every week, repaired all space heaters and radiators, repaired fuel leaks in the Power Plant and installed a new washing machine in the airmen’s quarters. The POL line between the bulk storage tank and the main valve was leaking at the threads where the pipe and valve are connected. Hot lead was poured into the strands and packed around the threads.

There was no change in the personnel of this section during this reporting period.

During this reporting period, all fire extinguishers were inspected once monthly. At least two fire drills were held each month, and a daily inspection is made for fire hazards. Fire regulations have been placed in each room throughout the site and "No Smoking in Bed" signs are painted above each persons bed. The fire chief meets all aircraft and stands by with a CO2 bottle, while refueling and warming up for takeoff.

During this reporting period a civilian repairmen was assigned to this section and one airman rotated to the ZI.

On 27 July, a complete power failure on technical power was experienced at 1910 hours, causing number six to be tripped off the line. The reason for this power failure was a faulty mercury switch adjustment. Number nine was put on the line to replace number six, and no damages were experienced to any of the units.

During this period, all ten units had been inspected and have all had minor maintenance performed on them. The maintenance consisted of injector changes, valve settings, exciter brushes and belts changed and tightened, greasing the radiator fan motors and tightening of panel boards.

A very critical shortage of personnel exists in this section at the present time.

This section refuels all aircraft that arrive at this site. Motor Pool personnel were utilized in the unloading of the two supply ships. Two large cables were run from the shore to the tie posts on the dock to enable large ships to tie up from the stern and bow.

A broken axle and two broken springs were welded temporarily until new parts could be obtained for a weapons carrier. An axle blade was received for our caterpillar, but did not fit properly, so was modified as to allow us to use it for the forthcoming snow.

Captain William C Runge arrived on 28 August, from the ZI to replace 1^st Lt. Stokes as Radar Maintenance Officer. Mr. Joseph W Zelinski, Philco Technical Instructor, departed this station 17 August for the ZI. No replacement has been received to date.

Two airmen took the 30352 proficiency test and were awarded that AFSC. Personnel assigned this section includes one 30372, three 30352s and three 30332s. The three level airmen are training for upgrading, although the lack of a Technical Instructor is slowing down the formal OJT program. Lack of properly trained personnel necessitates three two-man crews for twenty four hours of duty each day. Three five level airmen were rotated to the ZI during this reporting period.

During the month of July the Canadian Marconi Company overhaul team arrived to overhaul the FPS-3 and the TPS-502. Work was started immediately. The TPS-502 generator, which was sent to depot, was received during this period and was installed by the overhaul team. Due to the team having very few spare parts, not all of the work was accomplished. Most tubes were replaced and alignments made. The overhaul was completed on 19 July. The FPS-502 was in operation during the overhaul. No trouble was encountered.

Several minor troubles developed after the overhaul, due to replacement of parts and minor adjustments had to be made to keep the FPS-3 aligned.

The last part of this period, the Radar Evaluation Team arrived. Not too much difficulty was encountered during their stay, and information gained from them was satisfactory.

The radome painting team arrived 21 August. Painting was slowed down somewhat due to inclement weather, otherwise, work progressed rapidly. The FPS-502 was on the air while the FPS-3 dome was receiving its face lifting. No trouble was encountered with this set. Painting was completed on 27 August.

During this period, an intense study was made of tube consumption and number of tubes in use. All available information on hand was put to use. From this a relatively accurate stock level was determined for a ninety (90) day period. This project took five days, and results received were excellent.

During the month of September, the FPS-3 performed exceptionally well. The only trouble encountered with the FPS-3 was the T/R cavities, which are going bad. UB wave guides were taken off and steam cleaned. This helped the quality control quite a bit. Five sections of wave guide have been requisitioned to place UB on the air.

The TPS-502 was off the air for seventy six (76) hours due to a shorted pulse transformer. Otherwise, the operation of the height-finder equipment was normal.

The FPS-502 had two modifications added to it. The antenna safety switch and hatch key switches, and the IFF reflector braces.

All of the Sheldon pressurizing equipment is operating normally.

During this reporting period attempts were made to increase the information available to personnel at this site. Information on subjects such as: OCS, the GI Bill (Korean), older GI Bills, cadets, Air Force Academy, etc., was requested from OIS at Goose Air Base. The information obtained provided material for an information hour. The material was also posted on the OIS bulletin board.

The Goose Air Base librarian continued to forward newspapers and magazines. These, combined with those received with this sites subscriptions, provided an ample supply of reading material for this unit. Armed Forces Talks, Information Sheets and Clip Sheets were received and utilized during this reporting period.

Reverend Grubb, the local minister, delivered a talk on the habits, customs, history, general characteristics and lives of the local inhabitants. The personnel enjoyed the presentation of the often unusual information, as shown by the large amount of time the Reverend spent in answering questions.

Attempts were made to re-accomplish the squadron newspaper, but the attempts failed due to the warm, pleasant outdoor weather and the fact that no Information Specialist replaced S/Sgt. Lloyd L Healy when he rotated.

With the arrival of application forms from the United States Air Force Extension Course Institute enrollment in ECI courses resumed. GED tests were administered and applications for United States Armed Forces Institute Courses submitted.

The main educational problem is keeping the personnel working at the courses until they finish them. To maintain their interest, individual interviews were held along with Educational Information Hours and announcements. The ECI letter, USAFI and ECI Catalogs, plus other available education announcements were posted on the OIS bulletin board.

During this historical interim an average of approximately 150 of the slightly more than 1,000 books available were signed out and read by personnel at all times.

Shipments of pocket books continued to arrive and were read with interest by the personnel. The program of shipping non-accountable pocket books to the sites has been received with much enthusiasm and appreciation.

At present, the library books are housed in two large bookcases, each with approximately 500 books in capacity, and two smaller bookcases, each with approximately 50 books capacity.

A shipment of technical and educational books was also received from Goose Air Base along with periodical publications and newspapers. The Squadron subscriptions to 18 magazines are now arriving regularly. At present the library is open daily, including week-ends, from 1230 hours to 2330 hours.

Heavy emphasis was placed on Base Defense Training. It has been decided to conduct training regularly on Saturdays, except in the event something more urgent arises. A master flight training schedule was set up defining each teams monthly requirements. A policy of cleaning weapons each week was also initiated.

At meetings during the quarter, fire prevention and control was presented to all personnel.

This section also conducted General Military Training, helped in the preparation of Commander’s Call, and presented information hours on topics such as customs, habits, history and general life of the local people, Air Force Academy, Education, the GI Bill (Korean), USAFI, ECI and many miscellaneous topics such as the new Air Force Uniform, manpower and personnel.

During this reporting period, more OJT materials were placed on order as they became available. OJT records, reports and training were monitored by this office. During the next quarter an OJT reference material library for all AFSC’s authorized will be set up. A large number of films were also ordered in order to facilitate OJT.

Assistance to religious activities at the site continued. Reverend Grubb gave a talk to all personnel, and as a result, a weekly church service will be conducted with Reverend Grubb officiating.

Religious films were ordered in a manner designed to provide 25 minutes of film showing every Sunday. It is anticipated that with the aid of the religious films, recordings, Reverend Grubb and the aid of the personnel, a more active program of religion and religious activities will result.

At present there is only one medical technician (90270) on duty with this organization. He carries out the duties of: Medical Technician, Medical administration and supply, and preventative medicine technician.

The mission of this squadron is radar coverage for early warning in this area. Medical support includes both Arctic and passive type medicine.

There are no hospital funds. The infirmary is a five room building with connecting corridors and latrines.

The Air-Sea Rescue Squadron at Goose Air Base is relied upon for air evacuation of emergency cases.

There are no professional services personnel at this organization. Preventative medicine is carried out by the medical technician in cooperation with the commander. Routine out-patient care is afforded all personnel.

A monthly training hour has been set up for lectures and demonstrations in accordance with 64^th Air Division (Defense) directives.

Very little dental care is afforded except when a dental officer arrives on TDY to accomplish the work.

With an understaffed medical service section, along with low effective manning in the critical area of food service, it becomes increasingly difficult to conduct an effective preventative medicine program.

Captain Theodore W Stewart was assigned primary duty as Supply Officer, replacing Captain Luther E Hill, who departed for the ZI. Two airmen were assigned to this section during this reporting period, one AFSC 70230 and one AFSC 64151. Three airmen rotated to the ZI during this reporting period.

The first quarter of fiscal year 1956 began with a physical inventory of all UAL property on the site. The Bendix Phase five radome equipment and WWII vehicles were prepared for water shipment. All Arctic clothing and equipment was inventoried and placed in newly provided storage spaces prior to issuing. Backlog of publications were filed, and conversion to Federal Stock numbers was initiated. A complete inventory of all non-expendable type property was effected.

Major Chesley K Clark visited this organization during this reporting period, lending much support to this section.

In conjunction with the base defense plan, weapons were reassigned to personnel and a definite procedure for cleaning them was set up.