Puntzi Mountain, BC

917th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron,
Puntzi Mountain, BC

Edmund M Bouchard, Major

AN/FPS-3, AN/TPS-502, AN/TPS-6

Historical Record
917^th AC&W Squadron
1 July 1959 to 30 September 1959

Accomplishments –

During the reporting period the Personnel Section was inspected by the Training Officer and NCO from the 25^th Air Division (SAGE), McChord AFB, Washington and the unit was found to be current in all aspects of Squadron OJT and Training.

Also during this period, our Commander, Major Edmund M Bouchard attended the Pinetree Conference for Commanders. Since this conference was held in Ottawa, Ontario the unit was represented by Captain Simon H Schmidt at the Conference for 25^th Air Division (SAGE) Commanders held at McChord AFB, Washington.

Community Relations –

The excellent community relations maintained in this and previous reporting periods was evidenced by the large attendance of the local Canadian populace at the wedding and reception of the commander, Major Bouchard, and his bride, Miss Ruth Metzik.

Also during this period several emergency cases requiring immediate hospitalization were airlifted to Williams Lake, BC. The fine relations resulting from this aid were shown in many expressions of gratitude.

Modifications –

A large turnover of personnel was noticed during this reporting period including crew chiefs, assistance crew chiefs, and the NCOIC of operations training. The changeover shortened crews in many instances, but replacements began to arrive which for the most part were well qualified.

Construction was started for the two FPS-6 towers programmed. With the steel on location and ready for assembly the evacuation was started. After its completion, concrete was poured for the tower foundations. A deadline for having the construction completed and the equipment operational was not set.

During August, Sylvania installed the Systems Development Corporation’s (a non-profit organization) "ACTER" for electronic countermeasure training. The realism of training exercises through simulation (film problems) was greatly advanced.

Operational Readiness -

A comparative effectiveness score rating our operations with other 25^th Air Division (SAGE) sites was not available for this period. However, non-detailed records compiled locally indicate a continued high degree of effectiveness on training exercises held by the division, Western Air Defense Force and North American Air Defense. Aircraft controlled during these missions were F-89J’s and CF-100’s.

The operation training program continued under the same plan as in previous reporting periods with little variation. Crews and directors were tested regularly by the Operations Training Officer and NCO. Captain Brown of the 25^th Air Division (SAGE) represented that operations and training section and administered examinations to our weapons controllers. The average score accomplished was 97%.

Radar –

Preventative maintenance on our FPS-3C for July was 12 hours, 29 minutes with no red time. On the 14^th a CAE team overhauled the IFF equipment. A radome overhaul (CAE) team arrived, and 23 hours, 24 minutes total Programmed Outage time was recorded for the purpose of servicing and painting the FPS-3C radome. The radome on the FPS-502 was washed and painted with no time off the air for PM as this set was on a "stand-by" condition whenever it was not being used. (Since it was on stand-by "off the air" time was not logged). A shift check was initiated whereby each shift coming on duty performed an operational check and alignment and then returned the set to a stand-by condition. This practice greatly reduced the expenditure of parts replacement and unnecessary wear. Preventative maintenance on the TPS-502 was 14 hours this month. The CAE team replaced the azimuth drive motor and washed and painted the radome. The training equipment was IRAN’s and OJT classes were conducted on the T-2 and 15-J-1C by Mr. L Harrington and Mr. E Wilson, respectively. Ninety percent of the section attended the classes.

Preventative maintenance for August on the FPS-3C totalled 7 hours, 7 minutes. A programmed outage was obtained for the installation of the 0A-1767/GPS-T2 "ACTER" attachment. Classes for OJT on the "ACTER" were given by Mr. RH Babb, Jr., and 98% of the section attended.

FPS-3C preventative maintenance for September was ten hours, fifteen minutes. A maintenance policy was initiated on the TPS-502 to change the brushes on the PU-5004 monthly, within reason, to prevent power failure due to brush failure.

On September 5^th the Gilmore Construction Company arrived to the station and started excavating for the foundation of the FPS-6 tower. Work progressed normally.

Radio – On the 7^th of July the CAE team arrived this site and began required overhauling and replacing tubes and equipment. A remote control unit for the GRC-27 was placed in operations, transmitters and receivers. Audio keying lines for voice transmissions on our homing beacon were installed. Normal operational procedures were practiced for the rest of the quarter.

Wire – No major problems were encountered by this section during the reporting period. The required daily and monthly preventative maintenance was accomplished on all assigned equipment.

Modifications – With the beginning of a new fiscal year, all fiscal 59 records were closed and new records for fiscal 60 were established. All items still due in from depots were reviewed and the required follow-up made as cancellation action was taken. No unusual supply problems were encountered during this reporting period.

Modifications – During this reporting period several contracts were accomplished to improve conditions at this site. A new "taxiway" and "apron" (concrete) were installed at the hanger to facilitate the parking of the L-20 aircraft in adverse weather conditions. In the past a muddy access to the hanger prevented this. An extension to the trailer park facilities provided eight more trailer spaces. The spaces were filled immediately and this allowed eight more Air Force families to be together. New power facilities were built for this new area and also included the eight older spaces. This change provided occupants with a more even power and voltage. A major problem existed in our supply due to pipeline time on Local Purchase with 4602^nd Support Wing, Ottawa, Ontario. Three to four months were required to insure delivery of supplies. No solution was found locally and the matter was "tabled" pending the arrival of 4602^nd personnel on their Staff Assistance visit. Roads and ground maintenance were heavy due to an abnormal amount of precipitation during this period. Area drainage systems handled the rain very effectively so little or no damage to building foundations occurred.

Modifications – A project to exchange over one half of the books in our library was started in order to obtain more current selections. A change in the manning strength of the Special Services Section was made upon the arrival of an Apprentice Recreation Specialist.

Improvements – Both the storage of summer recreational equipment and the readying of winter equipment was accomplished during this period. A squadron basketball team was organized during this period and a request was submitted to the Unit Fund for new uniforms.

A lack of warm weather prevented the maximum utilization of available recreational facilities and equipment. However, the morale was high and the assigned mission was performed with continued excellence.

Prepared By: Everett E Harris, 1^st Lt., Historical Officer