Kamloops, BC
1959 - Historical Record - Anonymous
HISTORICAL RECORD
of the
825th AC&W Squadron
for the period ending
30 June 1959
1 Unit and Location
825th AC&W Squadron, Kamloops, BC, Canada
2 Name and grade of Commander
John H. Farrar, Major
3 Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)
825th AC&W Squadron, Kamloops, BC, Canada
25th Air Division (SAGE), McChord Air Force Base, Washington
Western Air Defense Force, Hamilton Air Force Base, California
Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Headquarters, United States Air Force, Washington 25, DC
4 Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons)
Not Applicable
5 Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)
5 Air Division Early Warning Training Status, authority 5 Air Division.
6 Personnel
|
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Officers
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Airmen
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Civilians
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Total
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Assigned
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17
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161
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18
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196
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Attached
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0
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0
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0
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0
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7 Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
Not applicable
The squadron, now fully operational, made tremendous strides during this historical period. It is now a smoothly-run, closely-knit organization dedicated toward one endeavor; that of ever-constant defense.
Operations:
The Systems Training Program (STP), initiated in mid-January was further enhanced by the arrival and subsequent installation of a T-2 and 15 J-1-C trainer. The initial program was set up with 5th Air Division (Canadian) but has now been changed to 25th Air Division (SAGE). The program is now in operation on a full scale and many benefits are derived from this phase of training.
This was in keeping with the complete realignment of these four Western Canadian ACW sites. Our operational responsibility toward 5 Air Division was changed to 25th Air Division. We are responsible for receiving and consolidating information from the 917th, 918th, and 919th Squadrons, and in turn, forwarding this information along with our own air surveillance data to the 823rd ACWRON at Geiger Field. This added responsibility has created a requirement for additional leased lines and PPI scopes.
The erection of a new plotting board in operations has facilitated tracking and telling. During this period, this squadron was very active in both STPs and exercises. We participated in a total of seven division exercises (April 2; May 4; June 1): fifty-one STPs, ten of which were either partial or full battle staff: and the Western Norad Region Tactical Evaluation April Rain. The results of the latter were particularly successful at this station.
During June, a new Combat Team was instigated, including two directors, an air surveillance officer, and seven airmen.
Radar Maintenance:
The intensive classroom and OJT Program for this section warrants particular attention. The RCA Technical Representative, Mr. Norman Haagenson, along with RMO, Captain Lents, are responsible for this program on the maintenance of the AN/FPS-6.
The squadron, placed on an operational status on 2 March 1959, assumed responsibility for the recently installed AN/GPS-T2 and AN/UPS-T5.
Continued difficulties have been encountered in getting components for the AN/FPS-6 height finder and the AN/UPA-35 universal indicator in ROCP situations. Equipment has been off the air for as long as 6 7 days awaiting replacement parts. Every effort is being made to expedite procurement; however, distance from source of supply and the requirement of customs clearance has proven to be the basis for a majority of the delays. This includes some of the tools necessary for proper maintenance.
During the period 1 through 8 April, the Test Equipment Calibration Team from Canadian Aviation Electronics, Winnipeg Depot, accomplished calibration of all section test equipment. Another maintenance team from CAE performed emergency maintenance on the Power Distribution Panel during the period 15 18 May.
During the month of June, a crew incentive program was initiated. This unique competition was designed to increase over-all maintenance skill and activity. This program has resulted in an increased number of suggestions which have increased the morale and leadership of the section.
Communications:
In wire maintenance, a serious problem was located in the cable leading from the lower area to the frame; this problem being solved by a modification on the GTA-6A switchboard. At the request of the Operations section for a relocation of several T272/As and a new termination of several of the leased lines a complete re-wiring of frame #2 was required and completed. The public address systems were installed with some troubles which were removed and the systems placed into operation. The trouble experienced with frozen cable in the telephone company system of this stations leased line system was corrected by the commercial company. A hot line from the Commander direct to the Senior Director was installed and readied for operations. Upon the arrival of an AN/GRC-26, one AN/FGC-20 teletype machine was installed in the orderly room and the additional equipment installed in the Communications Center, also a facsimile weather net was installed in this section.
The cryptographic account, activated on 18 March 1959, was visited by an inspection team from the 25th Air Division on 21 April 1959, the purpose of the visit being a scheduled thirty (30) day crypto activation inspection.
Radio maintenance turned in two GRC-26As to the salvage officer as these sets were found to be unrepairable. Another GRC-26A was received and installed and is in operating order. Further, two antennas were installed, one UHF and one HF. The installation of the HF antenna enabled this station to be operational on the HF network, which is used for back-up of leased lines. Losses of personnel assigned to the Communications Center necessitated utilizing two airmen from the 325th Operations Squadron on a TDY basis.
Supply:
In anticipation of the DEROS of Captain Corning, Captain Jones was appointed the squadron cash purchasing officer. Captain Jerome J Eichhorn arrived on station and after inventory completion, assumed the supply account.
Two additional airmen were assigned to the section, one trainee from radar maintenance under AFR 39-8 and one airman, AFSC 60231, transportation clerk.
The supply records were audited be personnel from the comptroller, 25th Air Division, and no major discrepancies found.
Administration:
A total of seventeen (17) extensions for overseas tours were processed during this period. It has been noted that these extensions are increasing monthly.
There have been several promotions of significance. Lt. Jones made Captain, MSgts. Frank Gates and Harold Johnson received their E-8 stripes; TSgt. Crandall being promoted to MSgt. This unit promoted two airmen to SSgt., three to A/1C, five to A/2C, and two to A/3C.
Office equipment, now being serviced every three months, seems to be operating satisfactory. The ditto machine is our biggest headache, having been repaired twice during the period, and is still not producing the quality of work desired by the section.
Summary courts and article 15s are not excessive.
Motor Pool:
Gasoline consumption showed a marked decrease with warmer weather. This is credited to the fact that use of the heavy equipment for road repair and snow removal was not utilized. The 6x6 cargo, 52K9527, suffered an engine loss through lack of oil. A thorough investigation revealed engine deficiency rather than personal error. The transmission on 57B6636, S/W, was lost through heavy vibration of the drive shaft. This was replaced. Vibrator Dampers for all 6x6 cargos were procured and installed.
Captain Eichhorn assumed motor pool duties from Lt. Uno.
Again there were no accidents involving government vehicles during the reporting period.
Food Service:
The arrival of M/Sgt. Hamm as food service supervisor saw a great improvement in the administration and food quality of the dining hall. The squadron requested to be considered for competition of the Hennessey Trophy. The inspection was made by qualified food service personnel from 25th Air Division with the results being most gratifying. No decision as to the Division winner has yet been released. Both upper and lower messes are functioning smoothly; with food costs within their desired ranges.
Provost Marshal:
Restricted area badges are now being utilized for all visitors arriving on the installation. The 45 cal. Ammunition, disapproved last quarter because of lack of funds, were received and training is being conducted. This includes both Air Police and Cryptographic personnel. All alert procedures, to include base security, are being re-written and corrected. An active vehicle inspection program is still being conducted.
Installations:
Installation of the dental chair in anticipation of the visiting dental team received first priority. Minor construction and repair reached its peak with the advent of warm weather.
Personal Services:
Received almost all of the equipment contained in the initial activation grant. Personnel of the squadron are utilizing this equipment at every opportunity and this is accredited to having greatly raised the morale of the section. Also, the squadron softball team, entered in the near-by city league, has made creditable showing and has received excellent support.
Everything accomplished during this period has been in direct support of the operational requirement of the squadron. The squadron has achieved a homogenous air, as compared to the many sections of not too long ago.