Puntzi Mountain, BC

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

William J O’Brien, Major, USAF

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

History of the 917^th AC&W Squadron
1 October 1961 to 31 December 1961

Negative Report.

During the reporting period this unit participated in six air defense exercises, including a 25^th Air Division tactical evaluation of the Seattle NORAD Sector and a no-notice tactical evaluation of the 25^th Air Division.

This section achieved a good over-all MA success rate, and test scores achieved during the Tac Eval of the Seattle Sector indicated a high state of training. Two operations personnel were singled out for praise on the tactical evaluation report: 1^st Lt. JAN Gagliano for his proficiency with the UPA-35 control scope and M/Sgt. Charles Long for the outstanding OJT program under his supervision. This squadron received an over-all rating of outstanding for the evaluation.

Academic training continued at an accelerated pace despite early completion of yearly requirements. Particular emphasis was placed on control scope proficiency and air surveillance functions.

1^st Lt. JAN Gagliano was up-graded to Expert Weapons Controller during December.

The airman personnel picture continues to improve. Airman strength has increased to 89% of authorization. Officer strength dropped to 80% of authorization with the departure of 1^st Lt. William H Rees in December. Two more losses are projected for the next quarter with only one gain.

On 13 October 1961 SM/Sgt. Angus J Wright was assigned duty as C&E Inspector and C&E NCOIC.

In December 1961 the C&E Office conducted and investigated the Radar Quality Control Program. Analysis of all available records indicated a probable cause, and the corrective action taken has produced favorable results. A classified report of the investigation and corrective action was submitted to the Commander.

In October 1961 the inflatable radome CW-208/CPS-6B on the AN/FPS-3 was condemned by a DLM team which was on site to paint the radome. Two unserviceable CW-208/CPS-6B radomes were delivered as replacements. A CW-396A/CPS rigid radome schemed for the AN/FPS-7C was then delivered and erected as an interim measure on the FPS-3 tower. This radome will be repositioned to the AN/FPS-7 tower on the programmed installation date.

The graphitar air seal in the elevation rotary coupler UG-960/FPS-6B failed and the coupler was replaced by site personnel. This usually requires depot assistance.

The last QK-338A magnetron failure occurred 11 October 1961.

A TDIOP condition on the AN/GPS-T2 was resolved by installing a new motor.

Construction progress has been favorable on the FD radars, GATR facility and all other SAGE projects for this period.

The C&E section was commended for the outstanding performance of all radar and radio equipment during the Tac Eval, 9-11 November 1961.

The 917^th AC&W Squadron was awarded the 4602^nd Money Tree Plaque for the outstanding program and report submitted by the Pinetree Sites. This is a travelling award presented quarterly for the best Money Tree report. It becomes a permanent award if won three successive quarters by the same organization.

A review of requirements in the electronic tech supply resulted in a reduction of 1600 line items from this operation. Much of this stock had been on hand since 1952-1956 without consumption data to warrant its retention.

The winter weather has been normal for the first portion and no abnormal amount of plowing or sanding has been required.

Five contracts have been accomplished locally and numerous local work orders. Continuous maintenance has been required on building heating systems controls, and a contract has been raised to have these controls repaired.

Progress on the FY 62 17CP projects has been satisfactory, although supply of equipment on contract amendments has been slow. The construction of the powerhouse has slipped approximately one month. The FPS-7 tower structural steel is completed with the exception of tightening of structural bolts. The FPS-26 tower has most of the installation and metal capping in place. The Telco building is behind schedule approximately three months, as is the boiler room extension; this is due to the late arrival of equipment. The SAGE Annex is completed with the exception of the air conditioning equipment. A strike at the manufacturing plant has held this installation up for six months.

A local contract was completed for installation of plywood floor in quonset building S-58. The building being used as a gymnasium and small arms firing range.

Cold weather has curbed most outdoor activities with the exception of hunting, skating and ice hockey. The hunting season ended in December, but with the completion of a new protective fence and freezing weather, the ice rink has become an increasingly popular center of activity.

Conversion of a Quonset Hut (formerly used for heavy equipment storage) to gymnasium was completed in November. The new gymnasium contains volleyball and basketball courts and is used alternatively as a firing range by the newly formed small bore team. As new equipment is installed, weight lifting and boxing will be added to the indoor sports program.

The station basketball team has played games against Sea Island, Williams Lake High School, Prince George and Williams Lake town teams; a second round of games has been scheduled with these teams.

Construction progress has been slowed somewhat by a manufacturing plant strike and slow supply of contract amendment items.

S/Sgt. James M Finn, Air Police NCOIC, was rotated to the ZI in October. He was replaced in November by S/Sgt. Charles Tomlinson.

Many personnel were granted Christmas leaves. Those who remained attended a variety of holiday activities.

On 21 December the NCO Club sponsored a children’s Christmas party at the Redstone Indian Reservation. Several NCO’s, including T/Sgt. Shields Jolly who played Santa Claus, entertained the children with gifts and refreshments. The whole affair was an unqualified success.

25^th Air Division project Cookie-Candy arrived on 21 December in the form of a C-47 laden with cookies and candy for unit personnel. The individually wrapped packages of home made goodies were prepared by the ladies of the USO.

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