Ramore, ON

1963 – Historical Summary – National Archives of Canada

Historical Summary
RCAF Station Ramore
1 Jan 63 to 31 Dec 63

Major Functions of the unit:

  1. Operations
  1. 7 Jan - the Western Electric Company (WECO) team arrived on this unit and SAGE Testing started 14 Jan, although not scheduled to start officially until 27 Feb.
  2. 21 Jan - a WECO representative arrived to conduct the Radar Peaking for SAGE Testing.
  3. 27 Mar - Command TAC EVAL team evaluated the Operations Section. The minimum pass was 80%. Results - Station operations had the unique distinction of being one of the few to pass an EVAL on the first attempt.
  4. 1 Apr - Manning of the GATR Site on a 24 hour basis was instituted. SAGE Peaking was completed on 7 Mar 63. SAGE Testing of GATR facilities was started in early May.
  5. 22 May - An advance party of CWEO personnel arrived on the unit to make preparations for the installation of AN/FPS-27 Search Radar. The official date for the start of this installation is 1 Jun 63.
  6. AN/FPS-27 - In early June, Mr. Van Nordan of Westinghouse and the first members of his installation crew began arriving on site. By mid June several loads of equipment had arrived and work was in full swing. The installation progressed steadily, though slightly behind schedule, throughout July, August and September.
  7. The shakedown tests and heat runs were completed by 3 Dec. Representatives from GISMO, AMCHQ and ADCHQ arrived from flight trials and handover. Misalignment of the Coho MTI system necessitated a second flight trial, after which the operation of the system was deemed satisfactory. A physical inspection of the installation showed good workmanship in all areas.
  8. The hand-over meeting was held and the AFTO 88 signed on 6th Dec. Westinghouse personnel departed.
  9. 1 Oct - At 0001 hours the unit commenced full time SAGE operations. At 1000 hours 1 Oct 63 manual operation at this site ceased and the unit changed functions from AC&W Squadron, to a Radar Squadron.
  10. In early Dec. the unit conducted its first MODE 3/BUIC exercise as an NSS. Also, additional MODE 3/BUIC operations were engaged in during periods when the computer at ONS was NOPLEX during the month of December.
  1. Training

The first AN/FPS-26, a five week Practical Training course began with 16 students.

  1. Organization

1 Jan - Station Ramore assumed parent unit responsibility for 288 RCAC Squadron Kirkland Lake.

  1. Official Visits
  1. 12-13 Feb - S/L Murchie, RCAF ZED control AFHQ/D ARMENG visited the unit to brief CO, COpsO and the SStandO on ZED Program.
  2. 22-24 Apr - ADC Supply Inspection Team of F/L Blythman and Sgt. Allard visited this unit.
  3. 25-29 Mar - a tactical evaluation Team composed of W/C Tugwell, S/L Albert, S/L Beasleigh, F/L Ferguson, F/L Kiln and F/L Young evaluated the Operations Section.
  4. 5 Jun - G/C Olson and W/C Wickens SPSO/ADC inspected the unit.
  5. July - W/C (father) Poirier SORA (RC) paid an unexpected and surprising visit. Later on in Dec, S/L (father) Lahaie from North Bay carried out an inspection tour.
  6. 1 Oct - G/C Cameron SCESO inspected unit.
  7. 7 Oct - A/V/M Harvey and party visited unit.
  1. Other
  1. 1 Jan - promotion to F/L of F/O Porter Pers/Adm.
  2. 12 Mar - Bishop Robinson of Anglican Diocese of Moosonee confirmed three children of service personnel in Station Chapel.
  3. 1 Apr - Sgt. Prior Radar Tech G (CW) 3A was promoted to rank of F/O with a PC. Airmen’s promotions gave Station Ramore three new Sergeants and ten new Corporals.
  4. 8 May - F/O Therien reported to this unit to take over the duties of the SCEO replacing F/O Kolomyjec departing on release.
  5. 27 Jul - F/O Risch replaced F/L Porter as PAdO.

Signed by:

(RD Forbes-Roberts) W/C
CO, RCAF Station Ramore Ontario