Historical Summary
RCAF Station Ramore
1 Jan 65 to 31 Dec 65
Introduction
The major function of this unit continued to be:
During 1965, the unit continued operation in its role of a Long Range Radar site in the Ottawa NORAD Sector. As assessed by the results of PEGE Flights, the performance has been satisfactory.
Participation in NORAD system exercises was frequent throughout the year.
The site was used on many occasions by higher formations, for technical experiments, resting and special projects.
In mid-year there was a change of Commanding Officer when W/C RD Forbes-Roberts handed over command to W/C DL Munro.
The ability of the squadron to fulfill its role was affected when the radar technician staff, due to shortage of personnel, adopted the single-shift maintenance system. This reduced the depth of response and increased the reaction time to unserviceabilities. However, this disadvantage in numbers has been offset by an improvement in quality through more experience and familiarity with the comparatively new type radars installed at this unit. Other gains have been made through attendance of personnel on many courses, both on and off the unit, through increased capability of the equipment from the installation of the latest modifications and through participation in many exercises, both live and simulated.
The results of the SAGE System Flight Checks, now being flown once a week, showed a marked improvement in flight performance by the year’s end.
In addition to an active programme of OJT in the technical sections, the following formal courses were attended on unit:
Course |
Duration |
Number Trained |
ECCM |
60 hours |
All FtrCops |
Oscilloscope Training |
4 hours |
All ComTech (G) |
Security and Weapons |
2 hours |
All personnel |
UMIPs |
|
4 Radar Techs |
FPS-27 test equipment Project 2765-32 |
8 hours |
All Search Technicians |
The following personnel attended courses off the unit during the year:
Course |
Duration |
Number Attended |
FPS-27 at Sydney |
6 weeks |
7 Radar Techs |
FST-2 at Foymount |
10 weeks |
1 Radar Tech |
GKA5/FRT-49 at Falconbridge |
8 weeks |
1 Comm Tech |
UPA-35 at Clinton |
2 weeks |
3 Radar Techs |
SSTS at Camp Borden |
6 weeks |
3 Senior NCOs |
SIT at Clinton |
3 weeks |
1 Airman |
ADC ECCM at North Bay |
2 weeks |
4 Tech/Tel Officers |
Twelve MRPs visited the unit to carry out inspections, take measurements, install modifications or assist with repairs. Twice during the year, Van-Cal arrived to calibrate the electronic test equipment. New directional and omni-directional antennas were installed on the SIF equipment. All radomes received a coat of paint.
Number 5 Diesel in the Power Plant suffered a major breakdown. A subsequent Board of Inquiry found that faulty manufacturer’s equipment was the main contributing factor. There was a change of Section Head in January when F/L JJR Therien handed over to F/O DE Harper.
In addition to the normal supply action the following items of major equipment were handled:
On the disbandment of a Tropospheric Scatter site, located 5 miles away at Kempis Mountain, this unit took over one small building, several items of furniture and some C class stores. Two vehicles were received for the Canadian Forces Recruiting Office which opened recently in Kirkland Lake.
In June, W/C DL Munro arrived from OUT Bagotville and assumed command of the unit upon the retirement of W/C RD Forbes-Roberts. There have been no other major changes in the administration branch and work has proceeded normally.
Medical health on the unit has been at a satisfactory level. The medical facilities of Kirkland Lake and Timmins have been used to full advantage and the local doctors continue to give full cooperation.
Chaplain services have proceeded without notable incident.
Security was tested when two local EDP exercises were held. These proved the adequacy of the Pyramid Call-Up and Alerting System, and revealed some small problems associated with adopting an emergency posture in excess of 24 hours, which have been resolved.
No significant changes took place in the organization.
During the past year, the following visits and inspections took place at this unit:
10 Jan |
SOCE Inspection |
WO1 Palylyk and two others |
1 Feb |
SOPA Admin. Inspection |
F/L Golding |
10 Feb |
ADC Medical Liaison |
Major Paillett and F/L Hately |
1 Mar |
SOPA M&I Inspection |
F/O Watson |
16 Mar |
Radar Section Assessment |
S/L Jones and three others |
12 May |
Chaplain (RC) Liaison |
S/L Lahaye |
17 May |
STSO/SOMSE Staff |
F/L Berberly and WO2 Sercerchi |
2 Jun |
Security Staff |
WO2 Rody |
10 Jun |
Radar Squadron Liaison |
W/C Colosimone and S/L Ruston |
14 Jun |
Command Liaison |
G/C Bowes |
3 Aug |
Ground Training Staff |
F/L Carpenter and F/L Laffin |
11 Aug |
Medical Liaison |
Major Paillett and Major Hill, Oakville |
27 Sep |
CE Admin Inspection |
F/L Steward and two others. |
1 Oct |
Armament & Explosives Inspection |
WO2 Calvert. |
Under the guidance of the Recreation NCO there was a keen participation in softball, volleyball, flag-football and bowling on the station. On numerous occasions, representative teams played against teams in the local communities.
A Broomball team and a Curling team took part in RCAF Zone Playdowns. Fishing derbies have proved to be most popular and four were held during the year.
The good relations which exist between this unit and the local communities were maintained throughout 1965.
Frequent and close contact with the adult Service Clubs and youth organizations is the main effort in the Public Relations programme. On many occasions, the Commanding Officer has been the guest speaker at Service Club meetings and many groups have been conducted on tours of the Operations Site.
This unit took part in the Remebrance Day Parade in Kirkland Lake. The Community Chest Campaign was supported and $512.00 was contributed by the personnel of this unit.
Signed by:
(GE Murray) F/L
Acting Commanding Officer