RCS:
1-AF-D2
History of the 917th
Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
1 April 1952 to 30 June 1952
This Historical Report was Prepared
for the
917th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
15 August 1952
Chapter One
Organization and Administration
Under the provisions of General Order 21 Headquarters Western Air Defense Force, the 917th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was activated at Geiger Field, Spokane, Washington. The squadron was assigned to Western Air Defense Force and attached to the 87th Air Base Squadron. The effective date of activation was 16 April 1962.
The T/O was 1-2129T with authorized strength of 12 officers and 99 airmen, but the unit was manned by one officer and one airman. The organization began with one desk in the Orderly Room of the 144th Aircraft Control Squadron. The officer and airman were assigned to this unit from the 144th.
The squadron was reorganized on 16 June 1952 under T/O 1-2129P with authorized strength of 12 officers and 100 airmen.
The administration of the 917th was directly under the control of the 144th with aid in submitting reports and other administrative functions given.
Chapter Two
Personnel
Formed originally with one officer and one airman the 917th was stagnant until the middle of May. 2nd Lt. John W Austin was assigned to take the place of 1st Lt. Wayne S McBride who went to Maxwell AFB, Ala. To attend a service school. Major John A Reding the commanding officer of the 144th Aircraft Control Squadron was reassigned to the 917th and controlled the "Beefing Up" of the unit to take its place in the AC&W network.
At this time the mission of the organization was understood to be movement to Canada in the near future to maintain an undisclosed site until such time as it would become operational.
As the 144th Aircraft Control Squadron was being depleted, 20 airmen volunteered for assignment with this unit. These airmen were key personnel and were assigned on the twelfth of June. The 917th increased until 5 officers and 39 airmen were assigned as of 30 June 1952. The personnel were under four basic categories: Administration, Air Installations, Food Service, and Supply. The majority of men are volunteers.
The eventual strength that the unit was planned for was 5 officers and 54 airmen.
Chapter Three
Supply
From the beginning the Supply Section of the operation was under the supervision of the 144th Aircraft Control Squadron. The Supply Section of the 144th was reassigned to the 917th in toto on 12 June 1952. They remained at their jobs and handled both the 917th and 144th.
No major logistical or supply problems were encountered.
Chapter Four
Special Subjects
Morale:
The morale of the Squadron is high. The men are all well trained and look upon each other with respect. As previously stated the majority are volunteers. Under the leadership given by the officers and non-commissioned officers assigned, morale has presented no problem and should be little trouble in maintaining. This organization is possessed with "Esprit de Corps".
Training:
Certain personnel have been specially trained for duty with the 917th. Six airmen have been trained for certain functions in Canada to learn to operate and maintain the Canadian-made equipment which this unit will be utilizing.
The Mess Sergeant has also been trained in Canada to utilize Canadian food service methods.
Facilities:
The orderly room was utilized jointly with the 144th Aircraft Control Squadron.
The Supply was and remained 144th. The 917th did not maintain a supply during this period.
The barracks of the 144th were used jointly and eventually the 917th took over one and kept it for its personnel.
The day-room of the 144th was utilized by the 917th