Saglek, Labrador

924^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
APO New York 09439

Frederick W Fieder, Major, USAF

1 AN/FPS-93A; 1 AN/UPX-14; 1 AN/GPS-T2/T2A; 2 AN/UPA-35; 5 OA-175; 1 GPX-7A; 1 GPA-30; 4 GRC-27; 6 FRT-502; 3 URG-60; 1 BC-610I; 3 SP-600; 3 SP-600; 1 GTA-6; 1 GLH-501.

Personnel and Administrative Branch:

Key personnel gains and losses – (a) Captain Stephen L Cohen, Personnel/Administrative Officer, departed Saglek on 25 July 1968 for separation. He was replaced by Captain Ben R Blair Jr. arriving from Hopedale AS, Labrador. (b) Captain Jerry G Smith, CEM Officer departed on 14 August 1968 for Keesler AFB, Mississippi. He was replaced by Captain James W Mock III, who arrived on 4 May 1968 from Cartwright AFS, Labrador.

Promotions – Demotions – Captain Ben R Blair Jr., effective 29 September 1968. S/Sgt. Roger L Hargens, effective 1 August 1968. Sgt. Gregory R Wilson, effective 1 September 1968.

Other Areas – Results for Pre-IG Staff Assistance Visit by 37^th Air Division on 12-14 September 1968: Personnel functions was very satisfactory with no major discrepancies. The unit OJT function was cited as greatly improved. Overall Administration was satisfactory with the exceptions of Administrative Orders and Publications Management in the Orderly Room.

Communications and Electronics Branch:

CEM Office – During this quarter Captain Jerry G Smith departed to the ZI. Captain James W Mock III took over as CEM Officer. A Staff Assist Visit from 37^th Air Division was rated as satisfactory for the Administration Section, during the month of September. Captain Mock was on leave from 24 July to 24 August. A/1C James M Hart, CEM clerk, was Airman of the Month for the month of August. The GEEIA team arrived 13 September and completed the scheme on the TACAN Monitor. Security Law Enforcement reported only one incident during this quarter. The Security Safe received a satisfactory rating on the Staff Assist Visit.

Maintenance Control Center – During the past three months the MCC section has lost SM/Sgt. Howard L Hanks and A/1C Robert D Brown and gained M/Sgt. Banta and Sgt. Arredondo. Our error rate on ZD items has continued to be at a satisfactory level, thanks to the co-operation existing between MCC and the work centers. A rotating shift schedule has been initiated, however it is too early to accurately evaluate its effect on morale and efficiency.

Radar Maintenance – During this quarter we gained A/1C Guy Colaneri and lost T/Sgt. Donald Hollister, A/1c Gerald Hegger and A/1C Robert Walsh. Special assistance was received from Canadian Marconi personnel in alignment of trainer (GPS-T2A) 11 July 1968. The scheduled DLM on UPA-35 and GPA-127 scopes was completed 5 July 1968. The Test Equipment Calibration Team arrived 28 August 1968. The completion date for radar test equipment was 20 September 1968.

Radio Maintenance – Since last report, Radio Maintenance has lost three men, M/Sgt. Ralph Jones, Sgt. James Simmons Jr. and Sgt. Henderson. A/1C George Vathis became Work Center Supervisor until the arrival of Sgt. Dennis Stanley on 12 September 68. On 7 September 1968 S/Sgt. Clarence Lafon arrived this station TDY for maintenance assistance. During this period three frequencies were deleted. The MARS station received a transceiver, KWM-2 from Hopedale. The ship-to-shore radio was utilized during the annual resupply.

Communications Center – During the month of July we gained A/1C Armbruster as a replacement for A/1C Buntjer who departed this station in August. T/Sgt. Alexander also departed in August and no replacement was provided. Our manning was temporarily increased by the addition of Sgt. Force who arrived here in August on TDY from 37t^h Air Division. T/Sgt. Couture went on leave in August and returned in September. Sgt. Force will depart this station O/A 30 September 1968 having completed his tour of TDY. We are to lose T/Sgt. Chavez in October and Sgt. Lahmeyer in November. No PCS replacements have been provided or projected, but we are to receive assistance from 37^th Air Division who is furnishing us with two operators for a 60 day TDY, one of which will arrive on 1 October and the other on 1 November 1968. We have a projected gain of one S/Sgt. 29170 who will be T/Sgt. Couture’s replacement in December and one Sgt. 29150 who will replace Sgt. Yeakley in January. In August, S/Sgt. Helriegel of 37^th Air Division Crypto Maintenance arrived to perform the semi-annual preventative maintenance inspection.

Teletype Maintenance – Teletype maintenance had a total of ten requests to correct equipment failures involving TTY apparatus. A cable circuit is on order. S/Sgt. Helriegel visited the section and during this time several communications center discrepancies were noted and corrected.

Wire Maintenance – Wire maintenance carried out an extensive cable rehabilitation program during which all cables were verified and renumbered. Dead wiring was removed from all hallways and rooms. Terminal cans were rewired when necessary.

Supply and Services Branch:

The following is a list of personnel losses and gains for this reporting period:

(see matrix at the end of this report)

The total number of aircraft processed by supply this period was: 22 DC-3’s, 10 DC-4’s, 1 T-39 and 3 civilian aircraft. The total incoming cargo including mail was 115,658 lbs. and 191 passengers. The total outgoing cargo including mail was 33,355 lbs. and 208 passengers.

The Base Exchange had sales totalling $18,472.16 for this reporting period. At the present time, sales are up $4,200 over the previous year. Monthly sales were as follows:

(see matrix at end of this report)

Materiel Control Section only had to process 1 NORS condition during this period.

Summary – Saglek Bay was a busy little harbor during the months of August and September. A Canadian Authorities craft, the "Sillitit" on a routine supply run to supply Eskimo families radioed Hopedale, Labrador that they had an emergency and were taking on water. A second ship, the "Nachvac" was dispatched to the area, along with the Eskimo’s with Saglek Air Station providing a Communications link. The "Nachvac", in order to extend their search required an additional 500 gallons of diesel fuel. Major Fieder responded and made 500 gallons available. They were secured to a line and floated out to the rescue boat. That mission was accomplished.

Off loading of fuel and supplies took place on four (4) different occasions in regards to our annual resupply. The Sea Transport and Eider (Supporting Tanker) off loaded diesel fuel and mogas in amounts of 826,140 and 60,984 gallons respectively during the month of August. The Sir John Crosby visited Saglek once during August and September off loading approximately 255 tons of food, supplies, and equipment. Squadron personnel are to be commended for the manner in which they responded to the resupply. All receiving points carried out their responsibilities in an efficient and orderly manner and worked relentlessly until completion of the task. Pinsent Construction received supplies in August in conjunction with the completion of the composite building (Vessel – PM Crosby). The d’Iberville, a Canadian Government Vessel, was sheltered in Saglek Bay for approximately 10 days. The vessel was in this area accomplishing hydrographic work and was delayed at Saglek Bay to attain a carburettor for their helicopter. The Saglek Air Strip was utilized and the part was flown in by Eastern Provincial Airlines in conjunction with our normal flight. Several commercial research groups utilized our landing strip and other accommodations.

In summarizing, the Supply Section has just completed by far the busiest part of the season. All Supply and Food Service Personnel have worked long hours in assuring that all inventorying and warehousing of supplies have been accomplished in a timely manner. Materiel Control maintained percent in normal bench stock minimum level and expanded range bench stock for the majority of the quarter; however, the end of September showed 100 percent normal bench stock, 100 percent expanded range bench stock and 98.4 percent minimum level with one zero balance. Ample fuel and food service products were received during this reporting period and there should be no problem in these areas next year.

Medical Services Branch:

A total of 126 patients were seen during this reporting period. Of this number 4 were admitted to Goose Air Force Base Hospital. 2^nd July 1968 S/Sgt. Boyce W Holcombe was referred to MOD at Goose Air Base Hospital, and on 8 July 1968 patient was transferred by Air Evac to Wright Patterson Air Force Base Hospital. 10^th August S/Sgt. John T D’Antonio was referred to MOD at Goose Air Base Hospital and was hospitalized for six days with a diagnosis of Contusion, Hematoma, Low Back. 7^th September 1968 T/Sgt. Richard F Steffen was referred to MOD at Goose Air Base Hospital and was hospitalized for a period of 7 days, with a diagnosis of Contusion Right Knee. 20 September 1968 Major Frederick Fieder was referred to MOD Goose Air Base Hospital and was hospitalized for a period of 8 days, with a diagnosis of Rupture Achilles Tendon, Right Leg. 30 other patients were referred to Goose Air Base Hospital for further treatment and examination. Of these appointments 13 were for Physical Examinations, 12 for Dental, 2 for medical, 1 for Surgical and 2 with the Flight Surgeon Office. One hour of "First Aid Buddy Care", was given to newly assigned personnel. Upon arrival each newly assigned person is given an indoctrination in respects to Temperature/Wind Index Chill Factors, and the necessary need for properly wearing of Arctic Clothing. Presently assigned personnel, T/Sgt. W Rutt, AF16349740, A90270, DEROS 12 Jan 1969 and T/Sgt. Carl S McReynolds, USAF, AF18394504, 90270 was assigned from TDY status to PCS on 18^th September 1968. T/Sgt. McReynolds was sent TDY from Thule AFB for a period of approximately 40 days to man Medical Aid Station while T/Sgt. Rutt was out on annual leave.

Operations Branch:

The 924^th AC&W Squadron Operations Section was involved in the re-configuration of the 37^th Air Division. This section participated in nine operational exercises, of these four were live exercises. One of the four was a NORAD wide exercise "Top Rung". There has been a large increase in Battle Staff recalls during this period. A weather Staff Visit was conducted with satisfactory results. Two Staff Visits from the 37^th Air Division ended with satisfactory results. On September 12, 1968, a No Notice Stan Board Evaluation was conducted implementing the required operational procedures with good results. The Operations Section received a satisfactory report on the Stan Board Evaluation. The Operations Section had a gain of one NCO, M/Sgt. R Len Warren, 27370, during this period.

Civil Engineering Branch:

(see matrix at the end of this report)

The site experienced a cable failure on 25 September 1968 this last quarter, between the Main Site and BMEWS. The power failure was corrected in three days.

Captain James A McKinley departed 20 September 1968, for Goose AB, Canada to attend a Facilities Utilization Board Conference. He returned 30 September 1968.

Construction on the Composite Building has reached 85% completion as of 30 September 1968. Approval has been received for an additional room to be built to the present Composite Building for installation of a third generating unit.

There were no fires within the last quarter.

There were three reportable ground safety accidents during this reporting period.

Information, Education and Recreation Branch:

During this reporting period, recreation activities were at a peak. Fishing is the number one sporting event, thus it was decided to hold a squadron fishing "Rodeo" on the 4^th of July. Local funding provided money for cash awards, $25.00 for first place, $15.00 for second place and $10.00 for placing third. The event was won by Captain Philip Duncan of the Supply Section with a Sea Trout weighing five pounds and 8 ounces. Sergeant Donald McLeod with a five pound seven and one-half ounce Sea Trout finished second and Sergeant Wayne Frazer had a five pound, seven ounce Lake Trout for a very close third place finish. Another fishing "Rodeo" was held during the entire month of August. This one was won by the 924^th AC&W Squadron Commander, Major Frederick Fieder with a 16 pound 3 ounce Silver Codfish. S/Sgt. Roger Hargens placed second with a 14 pound 4 ounce Silver Cod and a third place tie resulted with Sergeant James McFarland and Sergeant Murray Rockafellow each catching a 13 pound 8 ounce Silver Cod. With the spirit of International Friendship and co-operation prevailing, the personnel of the Canadian Marconi Corporation procured and presented this unit with a fine trophy for the winner of the fishing "Rodeo". This trophy will be presented annually to the lucky fisherman winning first prize.

Major Fieder heads the list of annual winners engraved on the trophy which will be on permanent display for all. The prize is for the largest fish caught by Rod and Reel only.

Numerous fishing excursions throughout the period were accomplished. This site maintains a shelter equipped with electricity and heating facilities. A daily schedule of morning and evening trips to this facility was accomplished, permitting all personnel to a day long fishing party or an over-night camp-out at the shelter. This program was extremely popular, demanding daily runs to rotate campers and fishermen. Hiking also proved popular. Back-packs and assorted gear (sleeping bags, mess kits etc.) were issued to assist these people. Staff Sergeant Roger Hargens maintained all marine equipment.

On 4 July 1968, the Eskimo’s arrived to start their annual fishing of the waters surrounding this station. The Eskimos normally remain in this area for approximately three months. The friendly, hospitable nature of these people create an atmosphere resulting in good overall relations. Only two incidents were reported during this period, both due to over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages. Official policy forbids personnel at this station, in any manner, to dispense alcoholic beverages to the Eskimos. One of these incidents, caused by the person drinking stolen whiskey, ended in the destruction of many windows in the Lower Camp area plus the windshield and windows on a government owned vehicle. The other incident involved an Eskimo drinking "home-made" whiskey and taking unharmful "pot-shots" at the site from Big Island, a distance of approximately four miles and also killing three of their Eskimo dogs. Both individuals were apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and received sentences of three months and one year respectively. With the coming of snow in September, the fishing and camp-out season was officially closed.

On the morning of 4 July 1968, this squadron held a "flag-raising" ceremony. This ceremony, complimented by a formal military formation saw the raising of the Canadian and American flags simultaneously with the Canadian National Anthem being played followed by the American National Anthem.

The 37^th Air Division Commander’s Trophy was awarded again for the April through June quarter. This marked the second consecutive quarter it was awarded to the 924^th AC&W Squadron. It is indeed a proud accomplishment, and all personnel involved are to be commended for a job well done. Unfortunately, it had to be returned in September to be further awarded to the 640^th AC&W Squadron.

During this quarter, Colonel James A Darby assumed command of the 37^th Air Division. He made a "Get-acquainted" tour of all the units under his command, and while at the 924^th AC&W Squadron, he gave a retention talk to all first-timers stationed here. He also met with Sergeant Steve Hyatt, who is to be the second re-enlistee at Saglek Air Station. He also visited with our Airman of the Month, Sergeant Gary Yeakley. Colonel Darby and his staff visited all sections in the unit to meet the personnel and gain an understanding of how each section functions.

After a wait of six months, the new drapes and rugs finally arrived. This shipment was only sufficient to outfit half of the rooms at Upper Camp. An additional order will be required to fill the needs of the remaining rooms at Upper Camp and to completely outfit the new composite building at Lower Camp.

Six volleyball teams were formed during the month of September. A schedule was arranged and the season is now underway.

This branch experienced the loss and replacement of one individual during this cycle. Loss: August – A/1C Weldon Dunson, 74131. Gain: September – A/1C Richard Millard, 74151.

Active information participation by this unit was also noted. Two college level courses were administered. They included a USAFI sponsored "Modern American History" course and a "Computer Programming" course. Active participation in these "off-duty" education programs is notable.

Key Personnel:

The following is a list of key personnel as of 30 June 1968:

(see matrix at the end of this report)

Awards and Decorations:

(see matrix at the end of this report)

Prepared By: Ted K Hart, S/Sgt., USAF

typed name and grade of commander

Frederick W Fielder, Major, USAF