Introduction
- This unit’s historical record for the period 1 Nov 62 to 31 May 63 contained a comprehensive introduction which described the organization, location, physical aspects of the unit, unit history under USAF administration, and a short description of the phase over from USAF to RCAF operational and administrative control.
- During the period under review the unit was involved in a continuing series of policy changes concerning the departure of USAF personnel; their replacement with RCAF operations officers and airmen; and the slippage of the unit SAGE date from 1 Jul to 1 Oct, and then to 1 Feb 64.
- Eventually these problems were resolved and the transition from USAF to RCAF control was accomplished with a minimum of friction.
- As at the closing date of this period (31 Dec 63) all USAF personnel had departed and the station wholly manned by the RCAF and civilian (DND) personnel.
Major Functions of the Unit
- AFHQ Organization Order 2.56 dated 5 Oct 62 directed that the role of this unit shall be to:
- provide surveillance and control facilities for interceptor aircraft;
- process radar data and feed track information into Seattle NORAD Sector of the 25th NORAD Region, or as otherwise directed; and
- provide flight following on request within the unit capability.
- With the slippage of the SAGE date to 1 Feb 64 these functions did not change during the last six months of 1963.
- The overall operational complex of the unit did not change appreciably during the period under review due primarily to the slippage in SAGE operation.
- The month of December saw the start of the annual turnover of those personnel who were tour expired. F/L EH Miller (CAdO) was replaced by F/L WC Short, and F/O GG McCrae (STelO) was replaced by F/O DE Ramsden.
- Numerous operational and training exercises were carried out in accordance with NORAD Regulations and Requirements. A 5 week course was conducted for 5 technicians on the AN/FPS-7C. Regular on job training was carried out continuously during the period. The unit radio station, CFPM, commenced operation and proved to be a most valuable asset in providing an entertainment median for the local area.
- A total of seven staff visits and inspections were carried out by various Air Defence Command Headquarters branches. Brigadier General GC Brown, Commander SEATTLE NORAD Sector, and G/C RS Turnbull, Deputy Commander, paid a brief visit during the period for operational and orientation discussion. During the period one airman, LAC RN Alexander lost his life in a car accident outside of Williams Lake. The Otter Aircraft flew a total of 165 hours, carried 575 passengers and 22,500 pounds of mail and freight to and from the station.
Signed by:
(FD Avent) W/C
CO RCAF Station Puntzi Mountain