Ramore, Ontario

912^th Squadron
Ramore, Ontario, Canada

John A Helton, Major, USAF

AN/FPS-3C (1); AN/TPS-502 (1); AN/FPS-502 (1); AN/GPX-7 (2); AN/GPS-T2 (1); AN/UPS-T5 (1); AN/GPA-30 (1); AN/GRC-27 Remote (2); AN/GRC-27 Non Remote (1); AN/GRT-3 (2); AN/FRT-502 (5); AN/FRT-503 (5); AN/URG-60 (9); AN/FRT-501 (4); CR-91 (4).

Administration and Personnel:

The key personnel for this period have not changed. No significant items or problems were noted for this period.

Operations and Training:

During this period the System Training Program (STP) was implemented throughout RCAF 3 Sector, of which this squadron is a part. A representative from the System Development Corporation reported here for approximately six (6) weeks to train personnel in STP procedures, and to coordinate different aspects of this program with other sites of this sector. Many problems were again apparent, with the implementation of STP, primarily the lack of personnel and equipment. Each squadron in 3 Sector was required to standardize their schedules with the result that we had to change from a four (4) crew system to three (3) crews. This was necessary to insure that there would be enough personnel on each crew to run an STP problem. Under the three crew system, one crew is on duty for sixteen (16) hours during the period 1630-0830 hours daily. Each crew is broken into two (2) sub-crews, each working eight (8) hours when on long shift. With the personnel assigned to this section each crew has approximately nineteen (19) men, including officers, NCO’s and airmen. When a sub-crew is scheduled for work only nine (9) men are available for duty, and as out normal manning requirement is eleven (11), many problems occur. This type crew schedule is not desirous with the number of personnel assigned, but in order to fill required positions for STP problems, which are conducted only during the daytime, it is mandatory. Our requested change to the Unit Manning Document (UMD) covered in the last report, has been approved by 30^th Air Division (Defense), and we are awaiting further action from Headquarters Air Defense Command. Until the UMD is increased, and more people assigned, this problem will not be alleviated.

The communications problems as previously reported were partially remedied when we received two (2) tactical landlines to 3 Sector ADCC. We anticipate the installation of the majority of those lines requested.

Notification was received that the request for six (6) additional scope (reference report for last period) has been approved, and that three (3) have been shipped to this station, although they have not yet arrived.

During November, this station was visited by an AC&W Visiting Team from ADC/RCAF who performed a tactical evaluation of this unit. This evaluation covered all operational aspects of the operations section. The Directors and Battle Staff were presented with tactical problems, using live aircraft under simulated wartime conditions.

During this reporting period, this station received a new ten (10) foot by twelve (12) foot plotting board. It has not been installed yet, as we are awaiting supply action for the proper paint.

Communications and Electronics:

During this period, the communications section completed installation of four (4) additional VHF receivers which were placed on stand-by status until operating frequencies are allotted and authority is granted to put them into operation.

1^st Lt. Tom G Purnhagen assumed the duties of Communications Officer and Crypto Custodian, replacing 1^st Lt. Anthony D Whalen. The crypto section had no equipment failures, discrepancies, or violations during this reporting period.

Speakers have been installed in the squadron area over which the proper music for retreat and other military formations can be played. This has helped bring about a more military atmosphere at this remote station.

Internal communications modifications had to be made with the implementation of STP. Communications facilities and circuits had to be installed for the STP TOR dias and for the AN/GPS-T2 and 15-J-1C operators. During this period two (2) new lines were installed to 3 ADCC terminating both on the Operations dias and the Squadron switchboard.

The radar maintenance section experienced trouble with the AN/GPS-T2 High Voltage Power Supply. This unit is sealed and is not normally repaired in the field. After ascertaining that no replacement unit could be obtained immediately, permission was granted by the 4602^nd Support Group to attempt local repair. After repair, the unit still failed to function properly, and was immediately sent to Depot. We are still awaiting a replacement unit which had been ordered at the time of initial malfunction.

Supply and Motor Pool:

During November, a large number of automotive parts were received. This was a result of the program reported in the last report. A heavy maintenance program was initiated and is continuing. The cold weather that set in during this month was severe, and as automotive batteries were not received until December, excessive man-hours were required just to start the station’s vehicles. It must be noted that only limited space exists for parking vehicles indoors overnight. As soon as the new batteries arrived, this problem was greatly reduced.

During December, the first reportable vehicle accident in over a year occurred. The station ambulance, returning from Kirkland Lake, Ontario, skidded on icy pavement, and after striking a large snow bank, overturned, resulting in minor injuries to three persons.

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John A Helton, Major, USAF