Puntzi Mountain, BC

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

Robert A Wigen, Major, USAF

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

History of the 917^th AC&W Squadron
1 January 1962 to 31 March 1962

Major Robert A Wigen accepted command of the 917^th AC&W Squadron on 1 March 1962 from the former Commander Major Riley E Patrick.

Major Wigen’s previous assignment was McChord AFB, Washington. Major Patrick’s next assignment id Paine AFB, Washington.

During this reporting period the 917^th squadron participated in seven (7) live Air Defense exercises including an ADC ORI. One (1) NORAD wide STM, six (6) Region STMs, and an average of four (4) Sector STMs per month, plus weekly live Mode III training exercises.

Academic training was continued for all personnel with particular emphasis on Weapons Controllers and ICT’s. Captain Steinmiller was re-certified as combat-ready, (SAGE to Manual). Six (6) airmen were certified as combat ready ICT’s and four (4) airmen were re-certified as combat ready ICT’s. Crew training was started for yearly requirements with emphasis on ECM training as the yearly requirement has been tripled.

Officer strength has dropped to 64% during this period, however, with projected gains it should be 100% by the next reporting period. Airmen strength is at 88% with a loss of 9 and a gain of 6. We have a projected gain of sixteen (16) personnel for the next period.

During this period, M/Sgt. Charles Long was replaced as NCOIC of training by T/Sgt. Leonard Bradley due to the rotation of M/Sgt. Long. 1^st Lt. Joseph AN Gagliano was assigned as training officer at the start of this reporting period due to rotation of Captain James Foister.

1^st Lt. Richard G Van Wagoner, Electronics Officer, departed 1 March 1962.

The overall electronics maintenance posture showed marked improvement during this period due primarily to personnel stability within the maintenance areas and familiarization with assigned equipment resulting from a vigorous training program and more experience.

The radar quality control program analysis mentioned in the report for the period 1 October through 31 December 1961 was closed out. Corrective action consisted of re-orienting the tilt angle of both search radar antennas and indoctrinating operating personnel in proper techniques. The corrective action proved very satisfactory.

The station radar capability increased from 86% in December 1961 to 99.8% in January 1962 and dropped slightly to 97% in February 1962. Figures for March are not available but some degradation was experienced between 9 and 21 March due to primary power instability and outages when two new 500KW diesel generators were placed in operation.

CADIN/SAGE construction projects continued at a satisfactory rate despite severe winter weather and hazardous road conditions which impeded the delivery of material.

Sub-Section Activities:

Radar Maintenance –

Depot level overhaul of trainers AN/GPS-T2, OAI767/GPS-T2A, and 15-J-1C was performed 21 through 30 March 1962.

Four RNFP and one ROCP occurred during the period. The ROCP was for a gear train and shim assembly for the video mapper AN/GPA-30. The mapper was down for two weeks because of this ROCP.

One modification, TCTO 31B1-2GPA30-503 was performed to increase the range and amplitude on the AN/GPS-30.

Radio Maintenance –

One modification, EO 35BD-5FRT502-6A/6 was performed on the VHF to provide for better modulation in remote operation.

Wire Maintenance –

Depot assistance was required on 15 January 1962 to repair outside plant telephone cables from the upper site to the contonment area. Moisture had penetrated breaks in the lead sheath during a temporary thaw and reduced switchboard capability approximately 50%.

From 1 through 15 February 1962 assigned personnel replaced all of the outside cables and drop leads to class "B" subscribers in Puntziville.

Note: The balance of this report is missing.

Prepared By: Gene D Curry, Captain, Historical Officer