Baldy Hughes, BC

Commander’s Evaluation of the Organization – The control capability of this squadron has been greatly increased during the reporting period. The Combat Team reached its peak of proficiency during the month of March in preparation for the annual Operational Readiness Test conducted by ADC. The morale was high during this period.

Changes in Mission – In September 1960 the squadron took steps to increase the fighter control capabilities upon the recommendation of the ADC Tec Eval Chief, Captain Berguland. At this time the squadron has a primary mission of surveillance. Since that time the squadron has been working acquiring scopes and the necessary communication facilities to organize a standard control section. The Weapons Directors at the squadron have been working daily with the fighter squadrons at Comox, McChord and Paine. To date they have a combined total of 486 intercepts for the year. The results of the ORI of 18-21 March show that the control function has been well established on a sound working basis at this squadron.

Organization Funding – 26 Jan 1961 – FY 62 Annual Financial Plan was submitted to 4602^nd Support Wing. A new requirement for the budget was $11,500 for Off Duty Education. All other requirements remain about the same as FY 61 budget.

Construction Programs –

On 15 January a team from Canadian Aviation Electronics arrived to install the second FPS-6B. The team worked around the clock seven days a week. On 13 February the radar was accepted with reservations by Major Erwin of the 4602^nd Support Wing.

The new recreation building was accepted 24 January 1961 by Captain Waldren of 4602^nd Support Wing. Northern Construction of Vancouver BC was the contractor. The building was officially opened by General Frank W Gillespie, Commander of Seattle NORAD Sector, 1 February.

At the close of this report the Water Treatment Project is 55% completed. Northern Construction is waiting for the water filters to arrive to complete the project. The Water Main Project, to supply water to the radar facilities is 100% completed, and CJ Oliver Company of Prince George, BC, has the SAGE Annex building 30% accomplished.

Ground Radar –

The radar was down for one hour "Red" time due to a power failure. During March, one of the generators failed several times while the standby unit was being overhauled. The problem resulted from the installation of the wrong packing in the cooling system water pump. Air was leaking into the cooling system causing an air lock in the lines and overheating of the diesel engine.

The two UPA-35 radar scopes which were shipped to the squadron to increase the control capability were in very poor repair upon arrival. Both scopes had to be overhauled by the maintenance section before they performed satisfactorily.

Combat Tactics and Procedures – It is the policy of the Seattle Sector to accomplish all intercepts as far out from the target complex as possible. This squadron has assisted the Seattle Sector in utilizing all sector based interceptors to their maximum capability.

Operational Tests and Tactical Exercises – Since the first of January the squadron has participated in training exercises, problems and missions with the 25^th Air Division and the Seattle NORAD Sector extensively in preparation for the ADC ORI. On 15 March the ORI team headed by Captain Robert Bagby arrived at the squadron. The squadron was evaluated from 16 through 19 March. The squadron received an overall rating of "Outstanding" on their mission performance.

Relationship with Surrounding Communities –

During the past three months squadron relationships with the people of Prince George have been very good. On 1 February many of the civic leaders of Prince George attended the official opening ceremonies of the Recreation Building. After the ceremonies dinner was served in the Officer’s Club. The guests of honor were General Frank W Gillespie and Mayor Garvin Dezell of Prince George.

During March Major Coleman spoke to the Rotary Club. He also appeared before a panel of high school students on the local TV Station.

Two groups of Cadets, the Army Cadets and the Navy Cadets, from Prince George and Wells visited the squadron for a tour of the radar facilities and the contonment area during March.

The Squadron Basketball Team won the Senior Men’s Basketball Championship in Prince George, 24 March.