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.

In July, the organization received the UMD flimsy which gave authorization for additional manning in Officer and Enlisted personnel, as well as a realignment of various grade levels and AFSC authorizations. The most noteworthy changes included addition of four (4) Weapons Controllers, one (1) Communications Electronics Staff Officer, one (1) Communications Officer, one (1) Accounting and Finance Specialist, one (1) Recreation Specialist, and one (1) Vehicle Maintenance Technician.

Although the Unit Manning Document gave us additional personnel, the actual number of personnel present for duty was well under the old UMD’s authorization. Many factors contributed to this deficiency, but the primary reason was due to change from EADF to 30^th Air Division in the manning of overseas units. Quotas originally levied by Headquarters EADF were not met by many of the losing organizations, and when 30^th Air Division assumed control, no replacement quotas were made. Further, many of the shortages were found in critical fields such as AFSC303X2, Radar Maintenance Personnel; AFSC 273X0, AC&W Operator; and 29151, Crypto Operator. These shortages led to longer crew schedules with little time for relaxation. Close screening of these shortages was maintained by the Personnel Section, and through the results of several telephone conversations, messages, and letters to 30^th Air Division, the shortages are being steadily relieved. By the end of November 1959, manning at this organization should be closely aligned with authorized manning noted on the current UMD.

The three month period also found this unit in the midst of inspections and staff visits from higher headquarters. The 4602^nd Support Wing conducted its semi-annual staff visit from 5 to 8 August with satisfactory results. A 100 percent improvement was noted in the Unit Supply Section. Between 8 and 11 September, the 30^th Air Division Inspector General team, composed of seven airmen and one officer made their annual inspection. Results were again satisfactory and the unit was capable of and was accomplishing its mission in a satisfactory manner.

Many projects were initiated and completed to improve appearance and utilization of existing base facilities. The BOQ and Airmen’s Barracks were painted inside, and an addition to the Dining Hall was constructed providing room for storage and sanitation work areas. The floor of the NCO dining area was re-tiled and a contract was established for re-tiling the Airmen’s dining area.

New furniture, ordered as a result of a "windfall" appropriation from 4602^nd Support Wing, was received, consisting of new beds, mattresses, chairs and writing tables, typewriters and associated office equipment, tables and lamps. The new furniture did much to brighten up the appearance of the rooms, and an increase in Squadron morale was noted.

Morale continues to be high. Co-operation between the local civilian community and visiting personnel was maintained to the highest degree. On-base personnel have participated in a voluntary program of contributing funds to pay for the hiring of indigenous personnel as mess attendants. This program has been most satisfactory and has resulted in technically trained personnel being relieved of extraneous duties to benefit their assigned sections. The high morale is attributed to the policy of taking an interest in the welfare of the airmen and also using firm disciplinary action whenever necessary. Very little disciplinary action has been necessary and added emphasis on the Airman Quality Control Program will be maintained.

Charles L Daniels, Jr., Major, USAF