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 April 1962 to 30 June 1962

This unit underwent an annual administrative IG Inspection by the Inspector General, 25^th Air Division from 11 June through 14 June 1962. The overall rating for this squadron was a high Excellent with Command and Supervision, morale and several other sections receiving outstanding ratings. Two formal ceremonies were held to present an Air Force Commendation Medal, two Air Defense Command Commendation Certificates and one safe driving award. On 28 May 62 SM/Sgt. Angus J Wright was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service during his assignment with 823^rd Radar Squadron (SAGE), Spokane International Airport, Washington, as NCOIC of Communications-Electronics. On 27 Jun 62 Air Defense Command Commendation Certificates were awarded to SM/Sgt. Wright and M/Sgt. John E Duplantis, NCOIC Radar Maintenance and C&E Inspector, for meritorious service in their respective jobs during the nine months preceding the award. A thirteen year safe driving award was presented to S/Sgt. Leslie C Sanderlin, motor pool driver.

On 21 April 1962 two civilians lost their lives, by drowning, in a boating accident at Bluff Lake. The victims were Maxwell Forest Klotsbach, son of a civilian employee, and Morris Walter Harris, Canadian Aviation Electronics employee. The accident was off base and did not involve the military. Royal Canadian Mounted Police were in charge of recovery operations. The squadron provided assistance to the RCMP in their operations. The bodies of the two men have not been recovered. A letter of appreciation was received from RCMP headquarters in Victoria, BC, Canada.

The Honorable Earle C Westwood, Minister of Recreation and Conservation of British Columbia and the Deputy Minister, Dr. DB Turner were guests on 13 Jun 62. It was a pleasure to have two such distinguished visitors.

There were two emergency medical air evacuations during this reporting period. One proved to be a false alarm. S/Sgt. Ralph K Lane on arrival at the Williams Lake, BC, hospital was found to have a ruptured appendix. The ensuing operation was successful and Sgt. Lane is now on convalescent leave.

Continuous operation was maintained during this period utilizing the FPS-3, Primary Search; FPS-502, Backup Search; FPS-6B, Height Finder, and the installed air/ground equipment installed at the GATR Site was made available to Operations. This change afforded operations two additional UHF Transmitters and Receivers for a total of seven UHF, three VHF plus backup. Some difficulty is being experienced with the new equipment, particularly with receivers. A number of fixes have been attempted, but a greater degree of improvement is still desirable.

In addition to the normal day to day activity controlling F-101’s out of Comox, F-102’s our of Paine, and F-106’s out of McChord; the unit successfully participated in five (5) live region and sector missions, including one SAC Big Blast Mission. A considerable amount of ECM training was accomplished during the Big Blast Mission. Additional activity which contributed to our combat effectiveness was our participation in four region SSTMs and Weekly Mode III exercises.

The annual 25^th Air Division IG inspection was conducted 11, 12 and 13 June 1962. The overall rating received by the section was excellent; however, the direction center (dark room) and the training branch were rated outstanding.

Our two instructor directors, Lt’s Gagliano and Mitchell were re-certified Combat-Ready Expert and Skilled, respectively. Three newly assigned Weapons Controllers were trained and certified Combat Ready for a total of nine combat ready controllers, including the Expert and Skilled, and one Combat Ready 1711 Operations Officer, Captain Brown. Also, during the period seven airmen became qualified and were certified Combat Ready Weapons Technicians.

A 4602^nd Support Wing Staff Assistance Visit was completed 16 Apr 62. With the exception of a few minor details all was found to be satisfactory.

There has been a large turn over of C&E personnel in the last few months, due primarily to a change in manning requirements of Radar Maintenance. We have been released from maintenance responsibility for the FPS-26 Height Finder. Upon completion of installation, it will be maintained by contract. The contract will cover the period between initial operation of the FPS-26 and hand over to the RCAF. Twenty-seven 303XX personnel are currently assigned. Ten 303XX personnel had their overseas tour curtailed due to the change in FPS-26 support. Current manning in Radar Maintenance should provide for maximum effective utilization.

On 11 June through 13 June 1962 the annual IG Inspection by 25^th Air Division was conducted. The C&E Section received an overall evaluation of Excellent. The FPS-6B height finder was rated outstanding, also the equipment and area in the training room.

Equipment of the AN/FPS-7C radar was received on station during the last week of June. That portion of the equipment belonging in the tower was uncrated and set in place by 30 June 1962. We are now awaiting the arrival of the Canadian General Electric installation team. They are expected to arrive by 15 July 1962.

The low power portion of the Ground/Air facilities of the new GATR Site were accepted on 29 May 1962. This action was taken in order to allow the use of this equipment in the manual operation prior to SAGE phase over. Only that portion of Ground/Air equipment necessary for the present mission is being utilized. Hi-power data-link facilities have not been completed.

1^st Lt. William I Blanton and T/Sgt. Donald E Goldschmit of SEADS-OAC made a staff visit concerning UHF Ground/Air radio communication on 27 June 1962. Problems were discussed and information exchanged. They departed 28 June 1962.

The only item of interest during this period which may have a bearing on squadron effectiveness is the requirement to reduce stock levels of C&E Spares (Reference Letter 4602^nd Support Wing, dated 8 June 62, Subject: "Project Clean Pockets"). This action although necessary may have adverse effect on the squadron radar out of commission for parts (ROCP) rate.

The annual IG inspection visit was made 11, 12 and 13 Jun 62 and the section was rated outstanding.

Construction is well advanced in the powerhouse conversion and test runs should be possible on the generating units by mid September. All concrete has been poured and engines are now being installed on the bases.

The FPS-7 and FPS-26 towers have been accepted with minor discrepancies so electronics equipment can be installed.

The Civil Engineering section received its first outstanding rating from IG inspectors due to extra effort extended by all personnel of the squadron.

Extensive road and runway repairs are being accomplished by the roads and grounds section with the assistance of overhire. An extremely wet fall and winter caused heavy damage to the bituminous surfaces through heaving. Work should be completed by mid August.

An alternating wet and dry spring has created a bad mosquito problem. Receipt of DDT solution had allowed considerable fogging to be done. Several more treatments should rid the squadron of this irritation.

Fishing season opened in the middle of May, when the ice melted from Puntzi and Sapaye Lakes. Six boats were placed at Puntzi Lake on 15 May and three boats were taken to Sapaye. Two new 5 ½ Johnson outboard motors, eight rod and reels and two dozen lifejackets were purchased

to supplement the equipment already on hand. Fishing is the most popular sport at this time and all equipment has been continually utilized.

During the first week of May a large squad tent was permanently placed at Sapaye Lake, complete with table, camp fire site and wood burning stove to heat the tent. Sometime during the last week in June the tent was raided by a bear or bears with considerable damage done. The tent has been repaired. The boat dock at Puntzi Lake was repaired and anchored. Two latrines and a trash hole were built on 10 Jun 62.

The base gym is still available for use but attendance has dropped off due to the outdoor activities. Ladies night was established on 15 Apr 62, and an average of 10 ladies have been participating on Thursday nights. Their program includes callisthenics, volleyball and basketball.

The use of the woodworking equipment has increased considerably. A large supply of lumber has been made available from the packing crates of the new radar equipment, which has been an asset to the operation of the shop.

The rainfall during this reporting period was more than normal. Temperatures ran in the high seventy’s and outdoor activity was at a peak. Fishing and camping were the principal recreational activities.

The squadron had three staff visits and an IG Inspection during this period and the remarks were complimentary in all areas.

Morale is high and the squadron continues to perform its mission in an excellent manner.

Prepared By: Norman H Mullins, Captain, Historical Officer