Puntzi Mountain, BC

917th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
Williams Lake, BC, Canada

Riley E Patrick, Major

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

History of the 917^th AC&W Squadron
1 July 1961 to 30 September 1961

This squadron received an overall rating of excellent during the annual 25^th Air Division general inspection conducted in July.

Captain James B Tillett was assigned the additional duty of Provost Marshal vice Captain Gene D Curry in September.

The operations section received an excellent rating during the annual IG inspection conducted in July.

This unit participated in five, live air defense exercises during the reporting period and achieved a 98% successful interceptor positioning rate.

Some relief from our under-strength condition has been realized. Two weapons controllers were gained during this quarter with only one loss. Officer strength is now 90% UMD, and 273X0 airmen strength has increased to 78% of authorization.

Yearly operations training requirements were exceeded during this quarter, as a result of increased emphasis in this area.

There has been a complete turn-over of NCO personnel during this quarter. SM/Sgt. Rogers, T/Sgt. Briggs, T/Sgt. Smith, and S/Sgt. Scott were replaced by M/Sgt. Duplantis, T/Sgt. Budge, T/Sgt. Saenger and S/Sgt. Killingsworth for radar maintenance, radio maintenance, wire maintenance and communications center respectively.

Radar maintenance manning has increased to 60% of authorization. Two additional CAE augmentation technicians were assigned to alleviate the personnel shortage.

Installation of the GATR facility was resumed on 28 September, and the data link facility and power distribution are complete. The SAGE G/A equipment arrived on site 5 August, and it is anticipated that this equipment will be completely installed by 15 November.

An emergency DLM team was requested on 21 September to splice and repair the lead telephone cable to the squadron area. High winds broke off a pole and stretched the lead cable causing the cable sheathing to split and allow moisture to penetrate the entire cable. Approximately 75% of the lines to the lower area were out.

The outside plant facility (cable to the lower area) has deteriorated rapidly over the past three months. We feel that without proper pressurization equipment this cable will be a continuous source of trouble. This equipment has been requested and follow up action is now in progress.

The supply section has obtained additional warehouse space with the acquisition of a building formerly designated as a carpenter shop.

T/Sgt. George Howard has been reassigned as Supply NCOIC replacing S/Sgt. Taylor. Sgt. Howard came to us from Headquarters ADC.

T/Sgt. Shields Jolly has been assigned as motor pool NCOIC replacing M/Sgt. Long.

The 25^th Air Division performed their annual inspection of these sections during July 1961. All activities received an excellent rating.

The fiscal year 1962 Military Construction Program is progressing at a satisfactory rate. The powerhouse extension is nearly ready for installation of the first two diesel units. Foundations for the FPS-26 tower are completed, and steel erection will be in October. Excavation for the FPS-7 tower has begun. The boiler room extension is now sheeted, and the new boiler is in place, ready for installation. Walkway extensions to the new towers are near completion, and installation of wiring and piping is underway.

The operations site water system is completed and in use except for drinking. Full benefits will be realized when chlorine solutions are available for water treatment.

A contract for repair of runway cracks will be completed in October.

A water softener has been installed in the mess hall. This has aided in the maintenance of clean facilities and equipment by allowing more action from the soap solutions in use.

Thirty-seven special work orders were completed during this period, and many maintenance projects were accomplished.

The squadron softball team placed third in the 25^th Air Division tournament constructed in August at McChord AFB.

The library and radio station have been moved to more modern and spacious quarters in the north wing of the dining hall. This move relieved over-crowded conditions in the special services building by increasing storage, hobby shop and office space.

A squadron field day event, conducted on 9 August, culminated this unit’s summer sports program. Individual and team competitive events were held throughout the day with cash prizes awarded to winners and runners-up. Family participation was encouraged in special events for the ladies and children, and a picnic lunch was served.

Construction of a rough lumber fence around the station hockey rink began in July. The lumber was donated by a local lumber company, and the labor is being supplied by squadron volunteers.

A great many construction projects are still in progress. A heavy construction program will continue throughout the fiscal year.

Two specific incidents favorable to community relations occurred during the reporting period. On 15 August, the 917^th airmen, a medic and an ambulance driver, participated in the rescue of three aircraft crash victims. Their actions generated much favorable comment among the Williams Lake citizenry.

On 2 September, eighteen 917^th airmen formed a search party to look for a civilian hunter who had been lost in the forest overnight. After a half day’s search, one of our four-man search parties found the hunter in good condition.

As the quarter drew to a close, hunting season was in full swing. A variety of game including moose, goat, bear and deer have been taken this season. For non-hunters, bowling, basketball and volunteer work in the base radio station have proven popular pastimes. Many personnel also take advantage of correspondence courses and newly-instituted on-base classes to fill their leisure time. Winter sports enthusiasts have already begun to sharpen their skates in anticipation of the first snowfall. The many varied activities at this station continue to effect high morale.

Prepared By: James W Foister Jr., Captain, Historical Officer