Saglek, Labrador

Section I

Section II

Command:

A major storm hit the Saglek Bay area on 24 January with winds estimated at approximately 200 knots per hour. Although there were no personal injuries, the base suffered extensive damage during the ten hour period of the storm. The POL pump house at upper camp was completely demolished and several pieces of electrical and mechanical equipment were destroyed. An estimated 75 window panes were broken by flying debris and the force of the wind damaged several walls and roofs both at lower and upper camps. The severe force of the wind was indicated by the dislocation of the Ric-Wil line approximately 300 feet from its original position. Throughout the duration of the storm, radar and radio equipment remained in operation and no major problems were encountered. A mobile maintenance team consisting of two carpenters and one electrician arrived on 27 January to augment and assist local maintenance personnel in repairing the damage. The squadron attained first place for the quarter ending 31 December 1962 on the Goose Air Defense Sector PRIME rating. Colonel Victor Milner, Commander of GADS, visited the base in April to present a plaque and ADC Commendation Certificate denoting the unit’s achievement. The awards, including an individual ADC Commendation Certificate Citation to Lt. Colonel RM Winn, were presented before an assembly of squadron personnel in the Base Theatre.

Communications and Electronics:

GADS Quality Control Section performed its first inspection of CEM maintenance activities in accordance with ADC Supplement 3 to AFM 66-1. The team was complimentary on the efforts of each work center in complying with the provisions of the new maintenance management concept for ground environment. Materiel Control Section was established in January and only minor problems normally experienced during the formation of a new section were noted. This section has proved very advantageous in securing priority and routine requisitions by creating a closer co-ordination between maintenance and supply channels. Program for Evaluation of Ground Environment (PEGE) systems checks were successful most of the quarter, however, some difficulty was experienced in January and February where radar systems were erratic. Much of the trouble centred around a defective high voltage transformer. A spare transformer on station was also found to be defective. The item received from Canadian Marconi on priority requisition was equally defective. A Philco Tech Rep from GADS Headquarters was sent to assist but was unable to isolate the problem specifically to the transformer or to a subsequent stage. Finally, another transformer was received on priority requisition and after considerable trouble shooting the set was restored. Radio maintenance suffered several maintenance break downs in multi-channel transmitters. Most of the trouble was considered beyond the capabilities of squadron maintenance and the sets were returned to depot upon receipt of replacement transmitters. Three radar personnel failed to achieve qualifying scores for upgrading to the five skill level. The OJT Program was evaluated and determined that a more vigorous training program was necessary. Under the supervision of the NCOIC a new program was devised and training began to progress more satisfactorily.

Base Equipment Management Office (BEMO):

Captain Charles Daigle from Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota replaced Captain Ralph L Lefebre who was assigned to Ent AFB, Colorado. Some difficulty was experienced in securing VDP requisitions. The Snow-Go which is used to clear snow from the runway had been VDP for several months for a shaft assembly. The other Snow-Go was beyond economical repair but the station was forced to get what utilization it could. Command assistance was requested to replace both vehicles during the summer shipping season.

Operations:

Thirteen STM’s were conducted during the quarter and all desired training was successfully accomplished. Three live missions were conducted including Shockwave III and two ECM demonstrations. Major William J Weiland, Operations Officer, was certified in March as combat ready skilled after completing required training at 641^st AC&W Squadron.

Personnel and Administration:

The major problem in overall unit manning was the lack of a qualified Organizational Supply NCO. Assistance was requested from GADS and a qualified NCO is forecast to arrive in early April.

Civil Engineering:

The snack bar facility located in the NCO Open Mess was relocated and completely remodelled. With the exception of repair to damages caused by the wind storm in January, a majority of work was routine.

General:

Typed Name and Grade of Commander

Signature