Pagwa, ON

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

Charles L Daniels, Jr., Major, USAF

Radar and Communication Equipment

AN/FPS-20A; AN/TPS-502; AN/GPX-7A; 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 4ea.

April was a month of many changes. Not only did the snow from the unusually mild winter disappear, but with it went several familiar faces. The organization lost its authorization for a Communications Officer, and before April had passed, the unit'’ support aircraft (L-20A) was placed out of commission.

On 24 April 1959 at Kapuskasing Airport, Ontario, the aircraft ground looped during a landing, resulting in a damaged tail wheel. No injuries occurred, and total damage was relatively light, however the aircraft was kept at Kapuskasing pending arrangements to ship the aircraft for repairs. At the end of this reporting period, final arrangements are currently being negotiated, and it is expected that the aircraft will be repaired and returned for operation within one month.

An intra-mural volleyball schedule was published and team spirit and competition rose to a high level. Due to extreme weather conditions, many of the contests held during April found the teams playing on a court surrounded by piles of snow.

The base beautification project was initiated during this period. Grass was planted in barren spots, signs were painted and several noted improvements were made in the over-all appearance of the squadron. The highlight of this program was the construction of a large over-head sign, located at the Main Gate, welcoming personnel to the Pagwa Air Station. As personnel depart the station, the sign presents a constant reminder to prevent forest fires, complete with a caricature of "Smoky the Bear".

Incoming contractor personnel began to raise the base population, and work was completed on the Selective Identification Feature (SIF) Installation. The expected large rotation of military personnel began in early June and due to the large number of individuals who normally rotated prior to the arrival of their replacements, the various sections were found with a minimum number of personnel. In the prime operations sections, this shortage of personnel reached the critical state and emergency measures had to be adopted in the realignment of working crews. This shortage was short-lived and at the end of the reporting period, relief was in sight.

Community relations with the local inhabitants and with the authorities in Kapuskasing, Nakina, and Hearst, Ontario is excellent. There has been no animosity between the station and the community that has come to my attention. Canadians are friendly, trustworthy people and very easy to work in harmony with. The practice of inviting the leading people of the community to the Officer’s Lounge for small social gatherings has continued and has been reciprocated by the civilian leaders. The most successful of this nature was the Open House on Armed Forces Day, 16 May 1959. Approximately 20 civilian guests toured the base and viewed a fly-over of F-102 jet aircraft. Very amiable relations have thus been established.

A complete inventory of the base property was accomplished during May and June and the new Supply Officer assumed responsibility for the property pertaining to this section. An appropriation of "windfall money" from ADC gave the station a chance to submit requests for new barracks furniture. The requests were approved at 4602^nd Support Group, and contracts for furnishing the barracks with new desks, chairs, beds, and miscellaneous furniture have been let.

The arrival of the black flies and mosquitoes brought much discomfort to assigned personnel. The location of the base in a swampy area is such that ground and aerial spray only brings temporary relief. Added displeasure was found when available supplies of spray diminished and new supplies could not be received due to the constant delay present in the Canadian supply system.

Morale continues to be high and a trend in self-improvement efforts has been noted. Several Officers and Airmen have enrolled in ECI and USAFI courses to further their education. All individuals have taken a keen interest in their jobs and the accomplishment of the mission has been advantageously affected.

Charles L Daniels, Jr., Major, USAF