Baldy Hughes, BC

At the present time the 918^th is primarily an early warning site. The 918^th has control capabilities, but these capabilities are limited at the present time due to the allocation of fighters and the inaccuracy of the height range indicator now in operation.

The 918^th has a T-2 trainer for use in system training problems but no problems have been designed for this area.

A renovation in operations has improved working conditions immensely. This remodelling was completed in June and gives maintenance and operations more area for necessary facilities. The remodelling in June and gives maintenance and operations more area for necessary facilities. The remodelling in June also included the renovations of the air conditioning system.

The number of personnel in operations is increasing steadily. For example in the past two months the number of officers has increased from two to five. With an officer on each crew in the future, the morale and proficiency of the crews should improve.

Armed Forces Day was observed on Saturday May 10^th at the 918^th Squadron. A committee supervised by Lt. Robert H Beveridge planned the day which saw the site opened to the public from 10 AM until 4 PM.

Visitors to the 918^th received a guided tour of the cantonment area of the squadron and then preceded to operations for a first-hand glimpse of the primary operation of the 918^th.

The dining hall responded to the occasion with a special snack for the visitors. The day was a success and enlightened over 350 local civilians.

The 918^th celebrated its sixth anniversary on April 16^th. It was on this date in 1952 the site was officially activated.

Major Lessley, Commander of the 918^th, received a telegram from Headquarters WADF which read: "Headquarters WADF extends its congratulations to all personnel of 918^th on the occasion of your sixth anniversary, 16 April 1958".

During the spring the airmen have completed and opened their own Airmen’s Club. The airmen worked faithfully and willingly in building a bar and remodelling their new club.

A small arms range was started and completed under the adept leadership of S/Sgt. William H Wooten. This was completed in June and is now being used to qualify Air Police and to familiarize officers and airmen with appropriate weapons.

A road was constructed to MacKenzie Lake in the early summer during break time to allow persons to drive close to the lake. A picnic area has been constructed so individuals will not have to drive great distances to enjoy a day of fishing, boating and picnicking.

Another big improvement is the trailer court in the base area. An asphalt drive is being constructed plus the addition of walkways in the area. A lawn has been sown and patios make living more comfortable for airmen who reside on base in trailers.

Roads present the number one problem for most individuals at the 918^th. The roads are dirt, very dusty and rough or muddy during the summer months. The life of a car is very short due to these driving conditions.

Housing also presents a problem as there are only eight duplex type apartments on base, and these are the only permanent housing facilities other than the BOQ and airmen barracks. Off base housing in Prince George is very expensive and the drive to Prince George is undesirable as it takes 45 minutes one way plus the wear and tear on one’s personal automobile.

This area offers incomparable fishing and hunting opportunities in season. Some of the best fishing on the continent can be reached from Prince George by automobile.

Sporting equipment is readily available at the 918^th. Rods, reels, outboard engines, a 29 foot cruiser, smaller boats, shot guns and moose and deer rifles are all available through Special Services.

Competitive sports, such as golf, tennis, softball, hockey, curling, and basketball offer recreational opportunities in the city of Prince George. The 918^th is now represented with a softball team in the Prince George League.

Although the recreational activities are very good off base, there is a need for more summer and winter recreational facilities on base. For example, some of the needed facilities are a gymnasium, gymnastic equipment, tennis courts and a softball diamond.

The morale of the 918^th is very high at the present time due to the endless opportunities for participation in a variety of activities.