APPENDIX A
to Historical Report
RCAF Station Pagwa
HISTORICAL SUMMARY RCAF STATION PAGWA
17 APR TO 31 DEC 63
Introduction
The construction of the radar site at Pagwa Ontario was completed in the early fifties and the unit operated continuously as a Radar Squadron from that time until 31 May 63.
On 2 Mar 63, 32363 F/L SA Dukes, Tech Tel, reported to Pagwa as the RCAF Detachment Commander. A continual flow of RCAF personnel arrived at Pagwa between 2 Mar 63 and 31 May 63 and gradually assumed the duties of their USAF counterparts. On 16 May 63 the first Canadian Commanding Officer, 7514 S/L WR Shearer arrived with the RCAF PAdO 13312 F/L JAM Whitelaw.
On 29 May 63 a formal handing-over ceremony was conducted at Pagwa at which the USAF Radar Squadron was turned over to the RCAF; effective date of change of command to be 1 Jun 63.
The RCAF Commanding Officer, S/L WR Shearer, assumed command of RCAF Station Pagwa on 1 Jun 63.
On 1 Aug 63, with the retirement of 7514 S/L WR Shearer from the RCAF, command of RCAF Station Pagwa was turned over to 26387 S/L JC Reid. The unit continued to function smoothly during the remainder of the year.
Major Function(s) of the Unit
RCAF Pagwa became self-accounting on 17 Apr 63, between that time and 1 Jun 63, the prime responsibility was organizing and instituting RCAF procedures.
Since the 1st of June, efforts have been directed toward bringing existing facilities in line with RCAF requirements and also making changes and renovations to those facilities that have a role in the RCAF varying from the USAF role.
From the beginning of Jun through Dec this unit participated in 15 NORAD exercises. Six of these were maximum effort exercises with ECM/ECCM activity. This station was on an increased state of alert just over 266 hours during this seven month period.
Eleven airman personnel proceeded on such varied courses as SIT, High Rigging, Digital Techniques at Clinton Ontario, ECCM course at Duluth and Radar Courses at Antigo Wis. USA. Additionally, one airman completed the ADC Management course at St. Hubert. Normal trade advancement training was carried out throughout the year. The last trade test results were most gratifying with 100% passes from this unit.
All necessary equipment and modifications were installed to bring the unit up to the standard required of a NORAD Surveillance Station.
RCAF Administration procedures were instituted at the time of take-over from the USAF. All standard Messes and Institutes are in operation and functioning efficiently.
An SOPA inspection team visited the unit in the early fall to carry out the annual M&I inspection.
The standard ADC organization for a SAGEd Radar unit is in effect at RCAF Station Pagwa.
Official visits and inspections were carried out during the year by the Hon Lucien Cardin, Associate Minister of National Defence, AVM M Hendricks AOC ADC, G/C A Houle, Deputy Commander Sault NORAD Sector, G/C A Brocking Deputy Commander Duluth NORAD Sector, and various staff personnel from ADCHQ.
A strong recreational program with above average participation and enthusiasm, has been in effect at this unit since its inception. Summer sports such as boating, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, baseball, fastball and swimming enjoyed by all personnel. During the cooler weather scheduled volleyball, badminton, basketball, bowling and hockey games were held.
Because of the isolated nature of RCAF Station Pagwa activities in the Public Relations field are necessarily limited. Friendly associations are maintained with the local populace, consisting of DOT personnel and Pagwa village residents.
a - the Civilian Personnel Officer at RCAF Station Lowther carries out the civilian administration for civilian personnel at RCAF Station Pagwa;
b - Roman Catholic and Protestant Religious services are conducted at Pagwa on alternate Sundays by civilian clergymen from the town of Hearst, Ontario.
c - Professional medical services are provided by RCAF Station North Bay.
Signed:
(JC Reid) S/L
Commanding Officer