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 1ea; AN/GPX-7A 1ea; AN/FPS-6 2ea; AN/GRC-27 7ea; AN/FRT-501 1ea; AN/FRT-502 4ea; AN/GRR-7 2ea; AN/GRT-3 2ea; URG-60 9ea; AN/FST-2 1ea; AN/GKA-5 1ea; AN/FRT-49 2ea; AN/GRT-3 7ea; R993 7ea.

Personnel:

During the period 1 January 1963 through 31 March 1963, the squadron personnel rotation resulted in the following UMD vs. Assigned relationship:

UMD Authorization – Officers, 25; Airmen, 204; Assigned as of 31 March – Officers, 12; Airmen, 128.

UMD Authorization did not change during the period, however the phase-out program resulted in numerous losses to stateside assignments. Changes are indicated below.

1 January – 19 Officers; 73 NCOs; 84 Airmen
31 March – 12 Officers; 57 NCOs; 71 Airmen
Changes – -7 Officers; -16 NCOs; -13 Airmen
Total decrease of personnel = -36

Total number of Canadian personnel on station as of 31 March 1963 = 5.

F/L Stanley A Dukes 32363, arrived on 2 March 1963, with duty as RCAF Detachment Commander.

Phase out of personnel is progressing smoothly. Departure dates have been set for all individuals and assignments have been received for all except two airmen and three officers. Four officers have been extended until 1 November to provide manual capability until SAGE backup lines are in to provide Mode II capability. Three of the four extended officers do not yet have their stateside assignments.

Although the assignment of this organization of order cutting authority for the 56^th Fighter Wing has laid a tremendous workload on the one personnel clerk, through the expenditure of a great deal of overtime and assistance of several clerk typists from other sections, all personnel have departed on schedule. All items in the phase-out plan are being completed on or before schedule due to close monitoring of the program by the Commander and the outstanding co-operation of assigned RCAF personnel.

Operations:

Personnel gains and losses were: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 0; Losses – Officers, 1; Airmen, 18.

The training of personnel in SAGE Long Range Radar Operations, begun in the previous quarter, provided this unit with more than adequate numbers of fully qualified SAGE LRR Operators a month ahead of the scheduled date for SAGE Operations. Training programs for SAGE LRR Operators and Intercept Control Technicians have been sustained throughout this quarter and in the new quarter will include RCAF personnel. Training has also continued in Manual AC&W Operations in order to maintain crew proficiency for manual backup capability. Actions resulting from the Director Training Program in this quarter were as follows: Three (3) upgraded from Combat Ready to Combat Ready Skilled, one (1) re-qualified as Combat Ready Expert. During the reporting period this unit controlled 144 live intercepts and conducted 118 simulated intercepts. In addition to Sector SSTM’s the unit also participated in one major live exercise, "Shockwave VIII", and two simulated exercises of major proportion, "Desk Top V" and a Tri-Region SSTM. The unit also engaged in the successful 30^th NORAD Region Operational Readiness Evaluation in the last month of this quarter. Problems within the Operations Section, incident to the phase-out of this unit and assumption of the mission by the RCAF, were limited to the areas of training and preparation for the integration and reassignment of RCAF, USAF personnel. No difficulties were encountered.

Communications and Electronics:

Personnel changes were as follows:: Gains – Officers, 0; Airmen, 0; Losses – Officers, 1; Airmen, 8.

Radar Maintenance – CAE DLM assistance was requested 15 January 1963 to clear a class A deficiency of height calibration and azimuth error for AN/FPS-6’s to meet SAGE specifications. Azimuth error was corrected by placing antenna servo transmitters, wiring feeding tachometer relay system, and various tubes in electronic control amplifier. This was followed by a complete syncro system alignment which brought antenna error to zero degrees. The height error was checked and found that electrical zero and mechanical zero were synonymous. Since the antennas were set at electrical zero by complying with marking on selsyn hub an error was being induced. Error in selsyn has been corrected , also marking on selsyn hub has been changed. (1) – AN/FPS-20A delay line number S-99215 which was sent out to CAE for repair and return was received on 2 March 1963. Upon installation the delay line heater failed to operate. Systems Engineering, Winnipeg, authorized the opening and inspection of heater unit. Inspection revealed that 120 Volt AC line was not connected internally. Heater unit operated properly with a temporary 120 VAC hook-up. Delay line will be sent back for CAE for further inspection and repair. (2) – The AN/FPS-20 antenna has been oriented by Sun Strobe. This equipment has not been evaluated by flight check.

Radio Equipment – Voltage regulator of electronics equipment unable to adjust for sudden voltage fluctuation caused by activation of blower 401 in HD-400, FRT-49. Jamming of regulator mechanism was repaired by McCormick Electric on 14 January 1963. Authorization received from the 4602^nd Support Wing to connect blower 401 to unregulated power. This completed, the regulator problem was corrected. The following are deficiencies still existing that are listed on GATR building AFTO 88: (1) – Install and test according to specifications one each transmitter (T-217) UHF Multi-channel. (2) – Lateral braces catalog number 208-945 for 6 1/8 inch coax transmission lines not installed. (3) – Verify polarity of VHF multi-channel remote switches when cross connections are made. (4) – Thermostat on one AN/FRT-49 coolant system inoperative.

The following test equipment for the GATR installation is still required for maintenance and alignment for SAGE environment: (1) – Spectrum Analyzer, TS-723/U. (2) – RF Signal Generator, AN/USM-44. (3) – Modulator Meter, ME-112.

AN/FST-2 Section – A total of twelve additional search solars were required by this station for accurate azimuth orientation of the radar. The requirement was three solars on each channel of AN/FST-2 using AMG and antenna modes. Air handling motor in air conditioning room shorted 7 March 1963. Backup motor being used. Integration into the SAGE environment was accomplished by this station thirty days prior to the projected date. AFM 66-12 testing progressed very well, passing scores of 79 and 85 percent respectively, were received for February and March. Installation of TD-285 by Burrough’s team completed on 17 February 1963. AFTO 88 not signed, major discrepancies are: (1) – Technical Orders require revision. (2) – Equipment does not meet test specifications for 19 test procedures. Outstanding deficiencies for AN/FST-2B AFTO 88 are: (1) – Short one scope dolly. (2) – Ontario Hydroelectric Inspection certificate not received.

Power House – CAE DLM team completed yearly PM on switch gear, generators and alternators on 11 January 1963. During preventative maintenance check on 18 February 1963, on engine number seven, station personnel discovered that the sliding gear and idler gear needed replacement. Engine was reassembled and placed on emergency standby pending DLM team arrival. Three power failures have been experienced during this period. One was due to the remote control governor switch stuck in raise position. The second was due to a faulty mechanism in the oil pressure warning system. The third was due to human failure by the contractor disengaging incorrect switch.

TELCO Building – Wiring was completed on 15 January 1963, which furnishes CNT on emergency power source of 24, 48 and 130 volts DC from Telco batteries. Telco equipment and electrical wiring was completed on 12 March 1963.

Supply:

Personnel changes involved the loss of CWO Edward Davey to Lackland AFB, Hospital. CWO Charles A Bruner, a Weapons Controller, assumed duties as Supply Officer 6 January 1963. On 18 February 1963 Captain Arley C Fisher was appointed Team Chief to supervise the inventory and transfer of supply account AFN 2513 to CWO Bruner in the absence of CWO Davey. As a result of the inventory, equipment in the amount of $1,242.84 not previously on record was picked up on AF Form 85. Identification and inventory of office, janitorial, electrical, plumbing and motor vehicle parts was accomplished during this period and location verified. An assistant staff visit was conducted on 13 through 15 February 1963 by Headquarters 4602^nd Support Wing. The report indicated that the supply operation is satisfactory with no exceptions. It further stated that the appearance and accuracy of records, due-ins and locations were commendable. On 2 March 1963 Flying Officer Pchajek, RCAF Supply Officer arrived at this station for indoctrination of USAF procedures prior to undertaking of phase-over.

Traffic Management – Anticipating a flow of large groups of twenty or more passengers on any one specific date, inbound or outbound, during April and May 1963, an additional Passenger-Express rail car was verbally requested by S/Sgt. Hill to Mr. Jack Bolduc, Area Supervisor, Nakina. The car was added to train number 221 which serves this site, and it will remain a part of the train through the immediate future months. The addition of this car provides two passenger type cars on the "Pagwa Express" and supplies adequate seating and space for all anticipated passenger and material movements during the RCAF-USAF transition period. One hundred and forty-four (144) persons attended the final transportation briefing on allowances and shipment procedures for personal property which was presented on 1, 4 and 5 March 1963. The required number of shipment containers was determined during these meetings and this information was relayed to the site Civil Engineers section. An appointment system for individual interview, counselling, and shipment documentation processing was implemented on 4 March 1963. This system provides an effective procedure that benefits the member and assures maximum utilization of available resources. Present Transportation NCOIC, S/Sgt. Hill, volunteered to extend an additional 60 day period to ensure timely departure of personnel, hold baggage, and disposition of public property which require movement. This extension was most valuable to the Transportation Section due to the extremely heavy workload and complicated movement of this property.

Civil Engineering:

This section gained one T/Sgt., transferred from Puntzi Mountain AFS, to complete his overseas tour. One civilian overhire was terminated 31 March 1963. The electrical difficulties in pump house number one have been determined and repaired. The SAGE Annex air handling motor developed trouble and the motor has been sent forward for repairs. The hot water circulating pump, number 3, developed a seal leak and has been reported for maintenance as this unit is still under warranty. All preventative maintenance has been performed and is up to date. All supplies and usable materials are maintained and ready for turnover to the RCAF. This unit had two staff visits from the 4602^nd Support Wing and received outstanding on facilities, repairs and management. As per phase out planning, letter of termination of electrical service has been completed and distributed to the Department of Transportation, Hudson Bay Store and house, Pagwa school and schoolteachers house, and Mr. Hugo Erickson’s store.

Transportation:

Personnel changes involved the loss of three (3) airmen and gain of one airman, transferred in for a short period to complete his overseas tour. (a) – During this reporting period the Vehicle Maintenance section replaced the transmission in one of the jeeps and rebuilt the transmission in another. The wind blade assembly and accessories were installed on the FWD snow plow. There were extensive repairs made by the maintenance section on the standby engine at the lower pump house. The complete clutch assembly was replaced on the front end loader. The Motor Pool accomplished complete paint jobs on the grader, one 1 ½ ton truck and three jeeps. (b) – The Motor Pool continued to maintain the emergency road to highway 11, keeping it in serviceable condition until it was rendered impassable because of spring thaw. (c) - The 4602^nd Support Wing conducted a staff visit during this reporting period and there were no discrepancies noted in the Motor Pool.

Food Service

Personnel changes – None.

In preparation for turnover to the RCAF, the following actions were taken: (1) – Tile was installed on walls in the clipper room and steam pipes were re-wrapped. (2) – All broken and loose tile was replaced. (3) – All unserviceable equipment has been replaced,

The 4602^nd staff visit report and medical food service sanitation reports made during this period were both excellent and complimented the section.

Special Services

Two pool tables have been repaired and recovered at a cost of $131.00. Approximately 3000 pounds of Special Services equipment has been transferred for redistribution to units in the Chicago ADS. Approximately 500 pounds of equipment has been transferred to the Duluth ADS for redistribution to their units. Approximately 2500 pounds of equipment still on hand awaiting pick up by Detroit and Chicago ADS. Runway conditions at Pagwa are presently unsuitable for cargo type aircraft.

Administrative Section:

Personnel losses for the Orderly Room during this critical period involved both the Administrative-Personnel Officer and our only Personnel Clerk. The positions were filled by assigning a Weapons Controller (Captain) the Administrative-Personnel Officer position as an extra duty. The Personnel Clerk position was filled by cross training an Administrative Clerk to the position. A/1C Richard J Aguilar, AF17526341 deserves special mention for the outstanding manner in which he handled the personnel affairs of the squadron during this critical period involving getting assignments and cutting orders for all personnel of the squadron due to phase out and all personnel actions related to the transfer of over 150 men.

Administrative and Personnel actions were completed smoothly and on time with the assistance of several airmen from the operations section who volunteered to assist in typing on their off duty time. Co-operation of this sort has been the key to the fact that all phase out actions of the squadron were completed on or ahead of schedule. Special recognition is made of the assistance provided by S/Sgt. Robert L Spiller who volunteered to assist the Orderly Room full time and worked overtime seven days a week to assist in order cutting and the supervision and typing of APRs and OERs for the entire squadron.

Awards – The Air Commendation Medal was approved for award to T/Sgt. Frederick C McCormick, AF34842759, for service performed while a member of this organization.

This represents the last historical report of this organization. On 1 June 1963, Major William W Scroggins Jr., the last Commander of the 913^th AC&W Squadron will relinquish command to the Royal Canadian Air Force and the 913^th AC&W Squadron will exist only in its proud history and the memory of those who served.

William W Scroggins, Jr., Major, USAF