Puntzi Mountain, BC

1958 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division

Section I REQUIRED DATA
Unit and Location 917th AC&W Squadron, Puntzi Mountain, BC				Name and Grade of Commander Edmund M Bouchard, Captain
Chain of Command (Superior Echelons) Administrative: 25^th Air Div., WADF, ADC, USAF Operational: 5 Air Div., Canadian Air Defence Command, NORAD Logistical: 4602^nd Support Group
Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons) None
Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission) Our mission is to maintain Radar Surveillance to our maximum capability and to provide fighter and weapons control for purposes of Detection, Interception and Destruction of those targets declared hostile and to train continuously for the effective accomplishment of this mission.
Personnel
		Officers	Airmen		Civilians	Total
	Assigned	12	127		22	161
	Attached	2	1		0	3

Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment) AN/FPS-3, AN/FPS-502, AN/TPS-502
Section II COMMENTARY
Historical Record 917^th AC&W Squadron 1 October through 31 December 1958 Command and Administration: During the month of November a change in command took place. Captain Edmund M Bouchard replaced Major Lawrence R Finn as the Commander of 917^th Squadron. Operations: Modifications – The new plotting board mentioned in the previous report has been installed and is now being used by crews of the squadron. An expanding grid scale was used in painting the board. This scale greatly increases the plotting area while allowing for an expanded scale within a one hundred and fifty mile radius of the station. The installation of a new surveillance and controllers dias has been completed. The new dias was designed to provide space for GTA-6 ten key communications boxes. The old dias is being used in the recorder teller position. The Triangulation Center is now operational and has been used in synthetic exercises during this period. It is expected that this net will aid in performing the Squadron Mission under ECM conditions. Training: Movements Identification Training Program – The MI Training Program has been completed. The date this station will assume identification responsibility has been extended to March 1959. Systems Training Program – Squadron personnel attended the Systems Training Program indoctrination course at Santa Monica during the month of December. The first site designed problems will be available in early January 1959. Missions: 5 Air Division Exercises – The squadron participated in three Five Air Division exercises, during this reporting period. A total of 17 sorties were controlled by this station obtaining (12) MA’s for a 71% average. 25^th AD ORI – A total of (10) sorties were controlled by this station during the 25^th AD ORI scoring 7 MA’s for a 70% average. Communications and Electronics: C and E – During the month of October the Communications and Radar Maintenance Sections were consolidated into a C and E Section. Radar Maintenance - A Preventative Maintenance TO 31-1-10, which provides for a new system of preventative maintenance, was initiated during this reporting period. Test Equipment – An inventory of all C & E test equipment was accomplished during this period. Equipment on hand was cross referenced with the CAN/MEAL to determine suitability. Communications – Projects Completed - (see the matrix at the end of this report) Personnel – A shortage of three seven level airmen exists in Radar Maintenance. Installations: Projects Completed - Two large windsocks have been installed at the Stations 6000 foot runway. Unusual wind conditions, due to the nature of the surrounding terrain, occasionally cause mid runway wind shifts. The installation of windsocks should be of considerable aid in helping pilots of the squadron to evaluate surface wind conditions. Wainscot panels were installed in the airmen’s barracks during this period – resulting in improved appearance and ease of maintenance. High winds during December destroyed a portion of the BOQ roof. Inspection revealed that the original installation was faulty. Temporary repairs have been completed and a new roof has been requested in the FY 60 program. The BX was remodelled providing easy access and first class service to assigned personnel. An additional bulk storage area was constructed to facilitate adequate security of excess items. The Squadron Barber Shop was established in a wholesome atmosphere of distinction and security. A photo lab was constructed and is 90% complete with only a water receptacle needed. Recreation and Welfare: Sports – The Curling Rink has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Rain and 45 degrees (F) temperatures during the month of December made the refinishing of the rink necessary. The ice skating rink has been completed and has proved to be popular with squadron personnel. Additional pairs of skates have been purchased by the Unit Fund because of the demand for this resource. The woodworking shop and exercise room are receiving considerable patronage during this period of limited outdoor activity. Summary: The usual variations in temperature have caused no epidemic of illness or deterioration of morale. The squadron is capably performing its assigned mission in the best of Air Force Standards.
Typed Name and Grade of Commander Edmund M Bouchard, Captain				Signature

Completed Communications Projects

1	Additional cable between the operations and contonment area has been completed and is now in service.
2	The switchboard and telephone units were relocated within the operations building.
3	The CAE Teletype IRAN was completed during this period and the section was commended for the excellent condition of the equipment.
4	The operations line to the 825^th Squadron was installed during this period.
5	High Voltage protection covers have been installed on all HF transmitter lines to preclude injury to maintenance personnel.