Saglek, Labrador

Section I

The mission of the 924^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron is to conduct Air Defense operations, within assigned area of responsibility; to support the Melville NORAD Control Center as a surveillance station in the air defense system, to operate and maintain the air strip at Saglek Bay, Labrador, and provide logistic support to the BMEWS communications relay complex at this site.

Section II

Command:

Lt. Colonel Cyril J Hanko attended the GADS Commander’s Conference 25 February to 1 March. During his absence, the squadron was commanded by Captain James E Garrett. Members of the RCAF and the Canadian Army made several visits in connection with the Canadian Airborne exercise "Renard Bleu". The exercise involved about 1000 men of the RCAF Air Transport Command, the 3^rd Battalion of the Royal 22^nd Regiment, the Royal Canadian Regiment, the 6^th Signal Squadron and the 3^rd Airborne Medical Detachment. The Saglek Airstrip was the objective of this exercise conducted between 10 and 18 March. A GCA unit and runway lighting was installed to allow a 24 hour-a-day all weather operation. Support provided by the 924^th consisted of messing facilities, billets, and transportation for umpires, observers, medical personnel, and the recovery of parachutes. A plaque, in appreciation of support rendered, was presented to the squadron on the completion of exercise "Renard Bleu".

Operations:

Captain Roco Trapani has been TDY to the 641^st twice to conduct upgrade training for other controllers in the sector. During his absence controllers from other units were TDY here. They were 1s^t Lt. Robert K Sammons and 1^st Lt. CP Barrett, both from Thule AB. Eighteen STM’s and seven live exercises were participated in by operations personnel. A high rate of training has continued this quarter.

Ground CEM Maintenance:

The GADS Chief of Maintenance semi-annual quality control inspection was conducted 18 through 22 March. The inspectors noted an exceptional amount of improvement in the radio and wire maintenance work centres. Most write-ups were in the area of Administration. This section has been without the services of a clerk since November 1963. After three months, a teletype maintenance man was assigned. Until this time, personnel TDY from other units had been performing required maintenance. The most serious equipment outage occurred because of diesel power failure. The MARS equipment was placed back into operation under the call of W9TAJ/V02, Captain VanDerryt. The Station is being operated by S/Sgt Sidney J Leluan, Jr., WOGCP. Many phone patches have been made and messages relayed for personnel stationed here. Work is progressing on a new operating room for the station.

Base Equipment Management Office and Transportation:

1^st Lt. Norman V Blackmon, A03118830 replaced Captain Charles F Daigle as Supply Officer in January. A lack of cargo type over-the-snow vehicles hampered the movement of supplies from the air terminal to the upper station. Many bulky items had to be unpacked and moved piece-meal because they wouldn’t fit through the doors of the trackmasters. The obsolete Muskeg was frequently unable to travel through or over the deep snow. On several occasions, empty trackmasters were ran back and forth until the snow was sufficiently packed to allow the hauling of cargo. The contract carrier made 27 flights; bringing 59,674 pounds of cargo and 127 personnel in; taking 16,857 pounds and 96 personnel out. Warehousing and Cost Reduction Program turn-ins have occupied a large part of this sections time.

Civil Engineering:

The installation of florescent lighting in the hallways and work areas is progressing rapidly and has made a much appreciated improvement in appearance and working conditions. Very little emergency maintenance was required. Only two minor troubles were experienced on the Ric-Wil line due to thorough maintenance before winter.

Lower Station:

The heavy snow fall and gradual onset of cold weather allowed operation of the lower station water line until mid-January. The large snowblower and the grader were VDP during most of this quarter. Fortunately, they broke down after the heavy snows and runway maintenance was not seriously hampered. During an average winter, this would have been serious. Most of the Renard Bleu exercise centred around the lower station. The non-participating Canadian personnel were billeted and fed here. Starting on 16 March the good weather allowed us to open over two miles of the summer road, but traffic is still restricted to the over-the-snow valley route. In spite of difficulties in obtaining parts, a vehicle in commission rate of 95% was maintained.

Personnel, Administration and Recreation:

A shortage of two clerks was the largest personnel problem. This is primarily because of the length of time that these vacancies existed. A few airmen have participated in religious retreats. An active religious program is in effect and has been gaining strength over the last several months. The bowling alley floor was reconditioned in January. The Special Services equipment was moved from supply and miscellaneous other places and consolidated in Tower #3. Considerable work has been done to improve the photo shop. This is one of the more popular activities. The Airmen’s Club renovation lacks only the finishing touches. Skiing, tobogganing, and ice fishing have been popular sports. Mt. Baldy is much easier to climb in the winter. Unusually fine weather allowed much outdoor activity. A large amount of snow this year facilitated travel over terrain normally impassable. Clear cold days were in abundance. It was not a record year for extreme cold temperatures. Minus 25 degrees was about the coldest.

Medical Services:

265 patients were treated during this period. There were 15 reportable non-disabling injuries, most of these were winter sports "casualties".

Typed Name and Grade of Commander

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