Puntzi Mountain, BC

1962 – Organization Order 2.56 – National Archives of Canada

RESTRICTED

File: 895-97/55(DOE)
Estab Code: 22 KN 144
Date 5 Oct 62

ORGANIZATION ORDER 2.56
55 AIRCRAFT CONTROL AND WARNING SQUADRON
PUNTZI MOUNTAIN, BC

INFORMATION

The RCAF will assume responsibility for manning, operations and maintenance of site C-19 subject to the provision of paragraph II (B)(3) of the Memorandum of Understanding, dated 12 Jun 61, for the Group III Radar sites. It is therefore necessary to form 55 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron to operate and maintain site C-19 at Puntzi, Mountain, BC.

INTENTION

To state the organization for 55 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (55 AC&W Squadron)

EXECUTION

This order shall be effective:

  1. 1 Nov 62 for administrative purposes, and
  2. 1 Feb 63 for operations.

Role

The role of this unit shall be to:

  1. provide surveillance and control facilities for interceptor aircraft;
  2. process radar data and feed track information into Seattle NORAD Sector of the 25th NORAD Region, or as otherwise directed; and
  3. provide flight following on request within unit capability.

Command and Control

  1. Designation of officer appointed to command 55 AC&W Squadron – Commanding Officer.
  2. Control – AOC ADC except that operational control is exercised by the Commander 25th NORAD Region through the Commander Seattle NORAD Sector. Where unit training requires the facilities of the 25th NORAD Region System, it will be coordinated by the Sector Commander.

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

Accounting

  1. Shall be self accounting for all purposes.
  2. For purpose of QR(Air), art 205.35, this Squadron is not a designated flying unit.
  3. Treasury Services as indicated in Accounting Circular 164.

Location

Puntzi Mountain Air Station is located 117 road miles west of Williams Lake and 200 air miles due north of Vancouver. There are no off-base facilities, goods or services available in this area except for those provided by a small general store some two miles from the station. (see local facilities).

Geography

The station is located on a plateau of rolling hills, 3000 feet above sea level. The soil varies from sand to clay and vegetation consists mainly of Lodgepole pine, with bushes and bunch grass occurring in intermittent patches.

Climate

The climate is quite variable, ranging from a high of 90 degrees in mid-summer to a low of –35 degrees in mid-winter. Gusty winds prevail throughout the year. Only minimum rain occurs. Snow begins in late September and end in early April.

Insect Pests

Mosquitoes, black flies, midges and deer flies are frequently a nuisance during the late spring and early summer.

Transportation

Rail - The nearest railway Station in the area is at Williams Lake (117 miles by dirt road) where the CNR operates a daily service to Vancouver.

Air - There is a 5900 foot asphalt runway on the site however there is no navigational facility, runway lighting or fuel available. The nearest commercial air service operates daily from Williams Lake to Vancouver.

Road - There are no buses in this area. The only road (outside of lumbering roads and survey trails) is the one to Williams Lake. It is claimed that this road improves somewhat in the winter when the ruts become packed with snow but the road is considered poor at the best of times.

Quarters – Single and unaccompanied – 24 officers quarters, 130 NCO’s and airmen’s quarters. Married quarters – non available and virtually nothing in the area. There are 16 trailer spaces on the unit but no facilities in the area (see local facilities).

Tour Length - App "A" to AFAO 20.00/01 states that the tour length at Puntzi Mountain will be one year for single and married unaccompanied personnel.

Station Institutes - Officer’s Mess, NCO’s Mess, Airmen’s Canteen, Dry Canteen, Snack Bar.

Recreation – On Base - Bowling alley having two lanes; hobby shop; hockey rink; softball field; volleyball courts; half-court basketball floor and gymnasium; theatre.

Nearest RCAF Flying Unit - The nearest RCAF flying unit is Sea Island, some 200 air miles from Puntzi Mountain.

Local Facilities

Schools - A small two room public elementary school teaches Grades 1 to 8. Fees are $15.00 per month for each child. The nearest high school is at Williams Lake.

Churches – Services have been held periodically on the base by a military Protestant Chaplain from Kamloops and by a civilian auxiliary Catholic Chaplain from Alexis Creek.

Hospitals – MIR on station only. The nearest hospital is at Alexis Creek, 40 miles east of the base. Williams Lake has a hospital and also doctors and dental facilities.

Telephone Service – One pay phone on station; all other personal calls from this site must be collect.

Recreation – (off base) Swimming – good; Boating – good; Ski Runs – one; Hunting and fishing – excellent.

Law Enforcement Agencies – Service Police.

Fire Department – Operated on station be service personnel.

Snow Removal – Carried out by MSE Section.

TV and Radio Reception – No TV, a radio station on the site and one at Quesnel are the nearest radio facilities. Reception is fair.

Williams Lake is the nearest place where other goods and services may be obtained. It offers medical services, financial institutions, hotels, restaurants, communications services, retail outlets and various types of servicing and maintenance facilities.