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 October 1959 to 31 December 1959

Accomplishments –

During the reporting period the unit maintained its record of no discrepancies in statistical reporting.

In October the Staff Assistance Team from the 4602^nd Support Wing, Ottawa, Ontario visited this squadron and conducted a three day venture with each section individually and finally conducted a critique on the unit as a whole. Other than an unfavorable rating for the Food Service section there were no major discrepancies. Effects to rectify the situation were undertaken and though comments by the 25^th Air Division Surgeon and Veterinarian in a subsequent visit were necessarily derogatory the proper corrective action was being take.

An announced visit and informal inspection was conducted by Air Commodore Ross, Commander 5^th Air Division on the 10^th of December 1959. Generally favourable comments were voiced by Air Commodore Ross during his tour of both the contonment and operations areas.

On 14 December 1959, Major Edmund M Bouchard, Commander, attended a briefing at McChord AFB, Washington for Commanders of units with a responsibility for manual input to SAGE Centers.

In November this unit participated in the Operational Readiness Inspection of the 25^th Air Division and was awarded an "outstanding rating". A copy of a letter of appreciation from Major General Von E Shores, Commander of the 25^th Air Division, is attached to this report.

Community Relations –

While there were only two emergency evacuations of non-military or dependent personnel during this reporting period they were handled as in previous instances with the efficiency and expediency necessary. This service of the US Air Force rendered to our Canadian friends has become quite a bonding factor between us.

On December 19, the NCO Club sponsored a Christmas party for the children of both military and civilian personnel. At the party "Santa" appeared and presented candy to those in attendance. Also, furthering community relations the traditional holiday "open house" was held December 26 and was thoroughly enjoyed by the many civilians who attended as well as the military personnel and their families.

Modifications –

In this reporting period the operations section has experienced a large "turnover" of personnel. Most of the enlisted men returning to the ZI have gone to SAGE School and subsequent assignments to SAGE centers.

Operational Readiness -

During the frequent operational exercises conducted by the 25^th Air Division, Western Defense Force and North American Air Defense, this site has consistently displayed effectiveness in surveillance procedures and control capabilities. In November the 25^th Air Division and its subordinate units were evaluated during an Operational Readiness Inspection conducted by the Air Defense Command. During this inspection period and its exercises this station displayed a high degree of proficiency in surveillance procedures and a total of twelve sorties were conducted with eleven missions accomplished. The controllers were tested through written examination and compiled an average of 94%. This station had once controller upgraded to "skilled" and the operations section was commended for its contribution to the success of the overall performance of the 25^th Air Division.

Radar –

Formal OJT for this quarter has been somewhat limited due to the fact that only four men in the section are eligible for up-grading. However, all airmen in the section are constantly receiving training in order to maintain and increase proficiency.

Due to normal rotation from the squadron and lacks of replacements this section is approaching the minimum possible number of personnel for maintaining the section properly. Frequently each crew consists of only two men and they are responsible for maintaining three radar sets, the training equipment (UPS-T5, UPS-T2, and GPS-T2A) and all associated equipment.

During this period work has progressed in the construction of the programmed FPS-6 tower.

For October preventative maintenance on the FPS-3C was 3:44 with no Red Time. A programmed outage of 3:00 hours was logged on the 23^rd for Diesel Power IRAN. This outage was in addition to the Preventative Maintenance time. On October 30, 1959 we received a part of the Video Mapper, SB591/GPS-30 which had been on order, RNFP, since December 22, 1958. A total of 4:00 hours PM was logged on the TPS-502, plus an additional 3:00 hours Programmed Outage on October 23, 1959 for the diesel IRAN team. There was 3:00 hours Preventative Maintenance accomplished on the FPS-502 while the set was on a "stand-by" status. (The set is utilized only when the prime search is off for PM or a "peak"). In late October 1959, six (6) men arrived from Winnipeg, Canada, as the CAE Mobile team arrived for the purpose of calibrating radar test equipment.

For November PM on the FPS-3C was 6:47 hours with 1:22 hours Red Time due to violent power fluctuations and subsequent power failure on 17 November. On 5 November the SB591/GPA-30 was inoperative due to a missing lock ring and bearing in the assembly of the unit. The missing bearing caused the drive-gear assembly to bind, stopping the rotation of the map plate. A new sub-assembly was received and installed 9 November, but a gear missing from the 36 speed gear train (evidently sent from the depot in this condition) caused gear binding again. Another SB591/GPA-30 arrived and was found to have one of the drive-gear bearings missing. An interchange of parts made possible a serviceable unit, although the subassembly in service was noted to have a cracked deflector coil base. This apparently did not affect the performance of the video mapper. On 17 November severe power fluctuations prior to a power failure caused several fuses in the equipment to "blow" necessitating Red Time to locate and remedy the open circuits. The same caused fuses to "blow" in the FPS-502 leaving this station without search capabilities (other than a height finder) for the period of 1:22 hours. Monthly PM on the TPS-502 totalled 4:00 hours exclusive of 5:47 hours outage due to power failure and associated malfunction of the 28 volt interlock circuit. The radome pressure switch opened during the power failure and failed to make contact on reapplication of station power. The situation was remedied immediately. Other than 2:00 hours PM (accomplished with the set in "stand-by") no outage was logged exclusive of 2:47 hours due to the above-mentioned power failure and subsequent open fuses.

In December PM time for the FPS-3C was 7:24 hours with no Red Time. Between 8 and 14 December intermittent interference was received on both upper and lower beams. The difficulty was isolated to the lower beam and attempts to remedy the malfunction by changing the ATR tube, the modulator driver, and the thyratron were all ineffective. The interference was stopped by replacing the lower beam clipper diode. On the TPS-502 a total of 5:00 hours PM was utilized with no Red Time. The removal of the magnetron (4J50, serial number 666, date code 814) showed a cracked cathode envelope. Also the magnetron blower duct was found to be badly cracked, but was temporarily repaired by taping the entire duct. A replacement was ordered on routine priority only because the temporary repair seemed effective and the radar set itself is approaching obsolescence. FPS-502 PM totalled 4:00 hours for the month and was accomplished with the set in ""stand by" position, thereby not affecting its use.

Radio and Wire–

Other than the completion of high frequency capabilities on a secondary net there were no major operational changes in the radio maintenance section.

Changes in assignment of telephone numbers was accomplished in accordance with directions from Western Air Defense Force (WADF).

There has been a difficulty in obtaining spare parts (this has been previously noted) with such items such as drop wire clamps and station protectors received after being on order for one year. Much needed jump wire and one half amp fuses have not arrived.

Recurring dampness caused shorts and crosses on base cable. Lack of test equipment prevented isolating the source of trouble.

All sections of Maintenance were inspected by the 4602^nd Support Wing (Ottawa, Ontario) in October and no major discrepancies were noted. The Operational Readiness Inspection Team present at this unit in November awarded the Maintenance Sections "excellent".

Activities –

The inventory of technical supply items was approximately seventy percent completed during this period. Errors were found to be about one per forty items.

New dining hall equipment was ordered to replace old and worn out items. Over half of the new equipment arrived and was installed. The equipment moved from the building facilities were turned into Supply and Supply turned it over to salvage operations.

This unit submitted its initial report for Equipment and Furniture Requirement (RCS-4602-S1) in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure No. 67-2, 4602^nd Support Wing.

Modifications – During this period the facilities in the containment area were painted by contract. The cooking area of the dining hall was tiled with ceramic tile and further enhanced the appearance of this section. Construction of vestibules for the eight new trailer pads (constructed earlier this year) was begun and aside from supply problems has progressed normally. Electric heat panels were installed in the station pump house and danger of freezing pipes has decreased immensely. In October a malfunction of the air conditioner blower resulted in damaged fan blades which had to be replaced. A new unit was air lifted to the base and immediately installed and through this means the customer was able to avoid the customary 45 days delay in supply pipeline. Extremely cold weather encountered at this location made the most expedient delivery essential. Contrary to prior winter seasons the weather prevalent during the past two months has necessitated a regular routine of snow plowing and sanding. Alternate freezing and thawing have brought about this condition of roads and has further caused illness and subsequent loss of work to employees. The project for FY 60 was submitted to higher headquarters with fourteen projects listed.

Modifications and Improvements – During this quarter the base library was able to continue adding to its selections. The arrivals of 380 new books provided a greater variety in reading material. Preventative maintenance was accomplished on summer sporting equipment. Additional equipment such as archery and fishing equipment was ordered and a greater use was made of the hobby shop facilities. Such large items as a boat and wing ailerons for a light aircraft were constructed. Two ice skating rinks were constructed and an area for a toboggan run was laid out. The arrival of a Recreational Specialist added to the efficient care and servicing of equipment on hand.

A lack of indoor recreational facilities still exists at this station, however outdoor recreational areas were utilized by most of the assigned personnel. Illnesses and injuries (markedly few in number for such an isolated site with a great deal of inclement weather and extremely cold temperatures) have not hampered the unit in the performance of its mission corresponding with highest Air Force Standards.