Pagwa, ON

913^th AC&W Squadron (ADC)
Pagwa Air Station
Pagwa River, Ontario, Canada

William W Scroggins, Jr., Major, USAF

Radar and Communications Equipment:
AN/FPS-20A; AN/GPX-7A; AN/FPS-6 2ea; AN/GRC-27 5ea; AN/FRT-501 4ea; AN/FRT-502 2ea; AN/GRR-7 2ea; AN/GRT-3 2ea; URG-60 5ea; AN/FST-2 1ea; AN/GKA-5 1ea; AN/FRT-49 2ea; AN/GRT-3 7ea; R993 7ea.

Personnel:

During the period 1 October 1962 through 31 December 1962, the squadron personnel rotation resulted in the following UMD vs. Assigned relationship:

UMD Authorization – Officers, 25; Airmen, 204; Assigned as of 31 December – Officers, 19; Airmen, 157.

UMD Authorization did not change during the period, however assignment of personnel reflects the following:

1 October – 16 Officers; 49 NCOs; 91 Airmen
31 December – 19 Officers; 73 NCOs; 84 Airmen
Changes – +3 Officers; +24 NCOs; -7 Airmen
Total increase of personnel = +20

Due to the projected phase out of this unit on 1 June 1963, a decrease in personnel is expected and required.

Operations:

Personnel gains and losses were: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 28; Losses – Officers, 1; Airmen, 20.

During the Cuban Crisis, the Operations section was one-hundred percent manned at all times. This was accomplished by forming two (2) crews, twelve (12) hour shifts. Training outlines have been finalized for training Operations personnel in SAGE operation. Actual training will start in the near future to allow sufficient time to fully train all personnel prior to becoming operational as a Long Range Radar site. An intensified Director training program during this quarter resulted in the following upgrading actions for Directors: Two from training to Combat Ready; one from training to Combat Ready Skilled; one from Combat Ready to Combat Ready Skilled; one from Combat Ready to Combat Ready Expert and one from Combat Ready Skilled to Combat Ready Expert. During the report period, this unit controlled 413 live intercepts and 355 simulated intercepts. Only one live exercise was conducted. Thinkahead V, and participation in SSTM’s was limited due to ROCP status of the GPS-T2 during November and December. Limited training was due to increase in readiness during the Cuban Crisis.

Communications and Electronics:

Personnel changes were as follows:: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 28; Losses – Officers, 0; Airmen, 22.

Radar Maintenance: This section requested and received technical assistance from CAE Depot in Winnipeg to resolve height error on the AN/FPS-6B Height Finders and low video on the Wex-Val modification to the AN/FPS-20. AN/FPS-6: Difficulty in obtaining correct height readings has plagued this site for some time. Extensive study, research and alignment were made on this equipment without positive results. A technical assist was requested, and a CAE team arrived on site 24 October 1962. The CAE team determined that the stampings on the hub of the elevation selsyns were incorrect. The DLM team also checked this item and found these findings to be correct. The technical orders presently on hand are published for US built AN/FPS-6’s. This is Canadian General Electric built equipment. There are variations in the antenna alignment between the Canadian and US built sets. This equipment (AN/FPS-6B) had not been flight checked by Sun Strobes for orientation to True North. The Sun Strobe has been accomplished by the DLM team. There is too much voltage drop on cables from the CGAs to HRIs due to an excessive length of cables (approximately 350 feet each).Thus, a resistance drop equivalent to a drop through 700 feet of cable. The modification to correct this difficulty is presently on site and is to be installed by Burrough’s Corporation. Cabling: An inspection of the cabling by USAF personnel revealed many extra feet of video and power cabling lying in the cable troughs. Cable was found rolled up under the walk ways, and cables not in use, from previous radars, were still in the cable troughs. All cabling between the AN/FPS-20 and AN/FPS-6B’s was tailored, approximately 2,500 feet of cable was removed.

The Radar, AN/FPS-20, was not operating at optimum performance; scope presentation was marginal. An investigation into the problem revealed all videos from the AN/FPS-20 ran through the Wex-Val modification to Operations. An extensive study was made of the Wex-Val with the schematics and technical description we have on site. It was determined this equipment was cabled incorrectly. Site personnel attempted to cable as specified in publication on hand. It was then determined these publications were incorrect and that an additional modification named "Tank Top" to the Wex-Val had not been installed. A technical assist was requested and CAE personnel arrived on or about 10 October 1962 and corrected the difficulties.

A CAE DLM team of 13 men arrived on 8 November 1962 to overhaul all primed radar and associated equipment. The overhaul was completed on 15 November 1962. The DLM team encountered the following problems during the overhaul of the AN/FPS-20: (a) - High voltage alarm system was not wired correctly. Prior to the DLM overhaul a difficulty occurred with antenna rotation and target presentation phasing. A local modification wired to the high voltage alarm system was discovered to be the cause of this difficulty. The purpose of the local modification was to provide a warning bell in the event the antenna stopped rotating. The modification was not listed on schematics and on-site radar maintenance personnel were not aware it had been installed. (b) - The bearing assembly tilt motor was installed upside down. This prevented zeroing the antenna (mechanical and electrical) tilt. The actual tilt of the antenna was thought to be 5.4 degrees Mechanical Tilt. It is not known what the actual tilt was prior to correcting this incorrect installation. This set was moved from the old AN/FPS-20 Tower to the new tower during March or April 1961, and the bearing was incorrectly installed at that time. (c) -

This equipment has not been evaluated by flight check. The antenna had not been oriented by Sun Stroke. This was accomplished by the DLM team and True North marker plates installed on the antenna deck.

GATR Site – Site Clearance Lights and UHF Rigid Coax line pressurization accomplished 9 October 1962. AFTO Form 88 was signed on 3 November 1962. The following discrepancies were noted: (1) – Install and test according to specifications on Transmitter (T217). (2) - Install two (2) Lateral Braces cat #2-8-945 for 6 1/8 coax transmission lines. (3) – Verify polarity on VHF Mechanical remote switches when cross connections are made. (4) – Prime contractor to provide one set of installed, make-up drawings to site. (5) – Outside grading and clean-up still unsatisfactory. (6) – No Ontario Hydroelectric Inspection Certificate. (7) – Switches and fuses on pole #9 have been installed, tie in to high level lines not yet completed. (8) – Verification of the fact that potheads did not have to be compound poured has not been received. (9) – Verification, not received, that a key interlock for the transformer vault is necessary. (10) – Thermostat on one AN/FTR-49 coolant system inoperative.

During this period several problems occurred in the building. The furnace in the equipment room proved to be inadequate for the purpose for which it was installed. Several fuel pumps for the burner compartment were replaced. It was discovered the burner compartment was severely overheating for two reasons. The smokestack was improperly installed, and there was insufficient ventilation for the burner compartment. While the RCAF was taking action to redesign the burner compartment to provide proper ventilation, the DCL representative was initiating action to have contractor return to this site and re-accomplish the installation of the smokestack. An aircraft heater is being utilized for heating while the furnace is inoperative.

In November 1962, Marconi completed the Phase I portion of the electronics equipment installation. SAGE testing for this portion was initiated in December. Test results on the Data Link equipment during the month were positive, and at the end of the month we were awaiting a flight check of that equipment. The UHF "voice" radio equipment was in final stages of testing, with most results positive. During the month of December it was discovered that the voltage regulator for the building was operating erratically. General Electric, through the installer, McCormick Electric Company was asked to repair it. The highly irregular voltage supply caused an abnormal consumption of tubes and spare parts, and thus, to some extent, caused delay of the SAGE testing schedule.

Sage Annex – SAGE Systems testing started 1 December 1962, and is now 50% complete. The projected completion date is 31 January 1963. Projected systems testing date is 1 February 1963. Modification X5 was completed on 2 December 1962 by Burrough’s personnel. This modification was installed to correct RHI primary voltage drop. Three Message Consoles (0A-2140/FST-2) received and installed, 26 December 1962. Two indicator Relative Target Position (IP-370/FST-2) received and installed, 27 December 1962. The following AN/FST-2B discrepancies noted on AFTO Form 88 still exist: (1) – One scope dolly short, to be supplied by Burrough’s. (2) – One test set, TS-1288/FST, short. (3) – One Decade Resistance Box, S/N 6625-553-4689, short. (4) – One multimeter VTVM, S/N 6625-670-6366, short.

TELCO Building – SAGE circuits became operational and were made available for Air Force use on 1 December 1962. The telephone company had very nearly completed the SAGE TELCO installation by the end of December. TELCO Carrier, Ringing, and associated equipment were transferred from Pagwa River, Department of Transportation to TELCO Building, 14 December 1962. At the Commander’s request Northern Telephone installed pay phones in two locations on the base.

Power House – Form DCL 51 signed on Power House and Vivian Diesels on 31 October 1962. Deficiencies still existing are listed below: (a) – No test data report for fuel oil storage tank. (b) – No Ontario Hydroelectric Certificate provided. (c) – Complete the electrical primary distribution. (d) – Seal opening in roof and flashing where asphalt is penetrating. (e) – Adjust waste heat boilers water level controls. (f) – No openings for drainage on crib around man holes on Ops tank. (g) – Fuel oil meter not operating. (h) – Waste heat exchange #2 cannot be isolated. Either feed valve or equalizing valve leaks. (i) – Boilers motorized feed water, on oil fired boiler not electronically connected. (j) – Repair needed on canvas covering of waste heat boilers. (k) – Repair power distribution panel, lower front panel. (l) – Complete capping of floor conduit where high voltage switch gear was removed.

Supply:

Personnel gains and losses were: Gains – Officers, 1; Airmen, 3; Losses – Officers, 1; Airmen, 2.

On 1 October 1962, we established and maintained accountability on Arctic Clothing. Incoming personnel are no longer required to process through Selfridge AFB for Arctic Clothing. Initial stocks were delivered via air by the 507^th BEMO, Kinchloe AFB, Michigan except parkas, which were airlifted through the efforts of the 4602^nd Support Wing.

Joint inventory was conducted by Lt. McWilliams and CWO Davey for the purpose of transferring the supply account to CWO Davey.

Purification of Stocks at Technical Supply has been a continuing process. (1) – Balances on records are being verified against actual stocks on hand. (2) – Locations are being verified and relocated when necessary. (3) – Excess spare parts amounting to $3,536.45 were disposed through Marketing and Redistribution.

CWO Davey assumed duties of Unit Supply Officer vice Lt. McWilliams effective 17 December 1962.

Redistribution and Marketing Actions: (1) – During subject period a total of $16,025.04, estimated dollar value was received by Redistribution and Marketing section. In addition an estimated 9919 pounds of scrap material was received. (2) – The largest dollar value turn in consisted of a ¼ ton utility truck, for a dollar value of $3,029.49.

Civil Engineering:

Personnel gains and losses were: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 3; Losses – Officers, 0; Airmen, 2.

Extension of one civilian overhire authorized against loss of two NCOs. (a) – All outstanding contracts have been completed, but one year warranty still stands on some. (b) – Problems encountered: (1) – Heaters at GATR sites became inoperative due to poor installation and design deficiency. Negotiations with Defence Construction Limited, and the contractors is underway to solve the problem. (2) – Failure in the water pumping system necessitated ordering of replacement, coils and relays for the main control panel. The pump motor also burned out and has been shipped for replacement or repair. Water is presently being provided by the stand-by auxiliary unit.

Transportation:

Personnel gains and losses were: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 3; Losses – Officers, 0; Airmen, 1.

Projects: (1) – Engines were replaced in one dump truck and one jeep. Winch was replaced on one jeep. Transmission on a dump truck was rebuilt. (2) – Wrecker, refueler, asphalt kettle, and cement mixer were repainted. (3) – Credit cards were turned in. This unit is now under "Emergency Roadside Repair" (Petty Cash) concept, as directed by 4602^nd Support Wing. (4) – Requirements for phase-out stock has been initiated and supply has received 80% of the stock.

Food Service

Personnel gains and losses were: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 1; Losses – Officers, 0; Airmen, 1.

One of the major highlights of this period was the award of the runner-up trophy in the Pinetree Line Food Service Competition for 1962. A letter dated 18 December 1962, from 4602^nd Support Wing (ADC), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, which accompanied the trophy stated as follows: "The evaluation of the Food Service Facilities on the Pinetree Line during the past year reveals that your unit came from an unsatisfactory condition to place second in the overall food service program. Accomplishments of this nature reflect the highest credit to your unit, this Headquarters and the United States Air Force".

During this period the interior and much of the equipment was painted, in an effort to improve the overall appearance of the Dining Hall. Also, a new clipper was installed and much of the tile on the floor was replaced.

Administrative:

Personnel gains and losses were: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 1; Losses – Officers, 0; Airmen, 3.

Social Activities – The Officers of the 913^th AC&W Squadron held a formal Dining-In on 27 November 1962. The Guest Speaker was Major General Frederick R Terrell, Commander of the 30^th Air Division. Other distinguished guests were Colonel RW Davania, Commander Sault Ste. Marie Air Defense Sector, Colonel John Konosky, Vice Commander SMADS, Group Captain AU Houle, Deputy Commander SMADS, Colonel FE McCoy, DCS Personnel, 30^th Air Division, and Colonel SJ Veneziana, Commander 4602^nd Support Wing, Ottawa, Canada. The Dining-In was an overwhelming success and many favorable comments were received. The main course on the menu was Canada’s own "Moose Steak" thus giving the Dining-In and added air of distinction and uniqueness at this remote site.

Community Relations - A Christmas party was held on 22 December at the multi-purpose building. Guests included all of the Indian children from Pagwa village and children from the Department of Transportation. An NCO was portrayed as Santa Claus. Gifts, candy and many goodies were distributed among the children. A true Christmas spirit was manifested by all and the morale and relationship between the local populace and personnel of this unit were enhanced.

Awards – The Food Service facility, in competition with other AC&W Squadrons along the Pinetree Line, placed second. A plaque was awarded by the 4602^nd Support Wing, and it is now proudly displayed in the Mess Hall. This is a significant achievement by the personnel assigned to the Food Service section, since, in just a short time, the facility was brought from an unsatisfactory rating to that of excellent.

William W Scroggins, Jr., Major, USAF