Pagwa, ON

913^th Squadron, Pagwa Air Station
Pagwa River, Ontario, Canada

Howard M Namur, Major, USAF

Radar and Communication Equipment

AN/FPS-20A; AN/FPS-502 (phased out); AN/TPS-502; AN/GRC-27 5ea; AN/FRT-501 4ea; AN/FRT-502 2ea; AN/FRT-503 1ea; AN/GRR-7 2ea; AN/GRT-3 2ea; CR-91A 3ea.

The most prominent aspect of this period has been the preparation for, and the beginning of Operation "Wex-Val". Wex-Val is the code name for an operation designed to test the defensive capability of our present radar system. Results thus far of the four missions that have been completed are far better than were expected. Of the intercepts controlled by this station, 90.8% were MA’s. A percentage far higher than that estimated by the Weapons Systems Evaluation Group. During these missions, data collectors from the evaluation group, and observers from SAC have been present to record these intercepts and any problems peculiar to the manual system. The Strategic Air Command uses every method of deception possible to pass through the system without being intercepted. Flying at very low altitudes and using extensive jamming are two of the most common methods.

During this period, a critical shortage of BOQ space has been encountered. A transitory "flop house" for construction workers has been set up in the "make shift" gymnasium. Several beds and lockers have been provided for this purpose. Rooms in the BOQ are necessarily reserved for the data collectors and observers.

Installation-wise, the sewer lines have been completely repaired, and the aircraft hangar has been accepted from the contractor. The modification of the kitchen hood has been completed allowing better ventilation and ease of cleaning. All of the base roads have been repaved and a small tennis court constructed with surplus macadam in the area directly behind the Orderly Room.

In preparation for winter, the Base Motor Pool has completed an overhaul of the TD-18 bulldozer and replaced all items likely to become unserviceable during cold weather. Cold weather operations are extremely hard on equipment and every effort is made to have all equipment in the best repair condition possible prior to the onset of winter.

Tech Supply has once again been moved to its present location in Tower #3. The Department of Transport Warehouse was completely rearranged allowing better access and storage. A program has been initiated to determine existing excesses on the station and to take action to dispose of them. Items falling under "Project Shape-Up" have been ordered. Most of the new office furniture has arrived and has not only proven to be more comfortable and attractive, but has apparently increased the efficiency of the sections.

Eastern Air Defense Force conducted their annual inspection of this installation on 28-31 July. No major discrepancies were noted by the team, and their overall appraisal of the unit was more than satisfactory.

A major unit manning document change was effected during this quarter, reducing our authorized strength from one hundred and seventy-three (173) airmen to one hundred and fifty-five (155). The areas reduced in authorization will continue to function as effectively as before with the necessary alteration in their mission requirement. The AFSC 73170 authorization has been eliminated and 73080 put in that slot. This is very desirable as a highly qualified Personnel Technician is considered mandatory for a separate unit of this type.

With the activity surrounding Wex Val, has come a rise in morale and efficiency in most of the sections. The many visitors and the feeling that we are accomplishing something, are most probably the factors that account for this rise. Community relations remain at a consistently high level.

Howard M Namur, Major, USAF