As reported in the preceding historical report of this organization, a comprehensive program was developed by the Commander and RCAF/ADC representatives for the high level ceremony transferring the eleventh Group III AC&W Squadron to the RCAF.
The ceremony was held at the 639th AC&W Squadron site at Lowther, Ontario on 26 June 1963 culminating US-Canadian transfer of Pinetree Line Radar Site responsibilities which began almost two years ago. The Air Force manned installation, a unit of the famous Canadian "Pinetree" Air Defence Radar Line, is the last of such sites which have been turned over for operation by the Royal Canadian Air Force since October 1961.
Major General BJ Webster, Chief of Staff, Air Defense Command, representing the United States Air Force handed the station over to Air Vice Marshal MM Hendrick, Air Officer Commanding, RCAF Air Defence Command.
The Pinetree units were under the direction of the 4602nd Support Wing at Ottawa, which is a unit of the 64th Air Division.
For the past three years, the 4602nd has been commanded by Colonel Salvadore J Veneziano. Transfer of the Pinetree Stations is part of a contract known as the Triangular Agreement entered into by Canada and the United States in 1961 which provides that Canada receives 66 F-101 Voodoo fighter interceptors from the United States. Canada, in turn, assumes responsibility for manning, operation, maintenance and financing of the 11 Radar Stations included in the Pinetree System stretching from coast to coast along the Canadian side of the US-Canadian border.
(Pinetree line web site note: The eleven radar stations which were transferred from USAF to RCAF command were located at: Puntzi Mountain, BC; Baldy Hughes, BC; Kamloops, BC; Saskatoon Mountain (Beaverlodge) AB; Beausejour, MB; Sioux Lookout, ON; Armstrong, ON; Pagwa, ON; Lowther, ON; Ramore, ON; and Barrington, NS)
Additionally, the two nations share the cost of procurement and production of F-104 Starfighter interceptor aircraft in Canada to fulfill Canadian NATO commitments.
The string of Pinetree Radar installations became operational in early 1953.
The ceremony was an exceptionally fine military tribute featuring appropriate remarks by the two senior officers. Other distinguished military guests present were Major General FR Terrell, Commander 30th Air Division; Brigadier General FB James, Chief, Central Coordinating Staff - Canada; Colonel FA Hill, Commander, 64th Air Division; Colonel RW Davania, Commander, Sioux Sector; and Colonel SJ Veneziano, Commander 4062nd Support Wing; Group Captain CL Olsson, SPSO/ADC; and Wing Commander Tenove, new commander of RCAF Station Lowther. In addition some 44 local civilian dignitaries were at the event. General Webster and AVM Hendrick received the VIP guests, station officers and their wives at a reception following the ceremony.