Saglek, Labrador

Prepared By:
Thomas B Marson, Jr.,
2^nd Lt., USAF, Historical Officer, and
William L Pumphrey
A/2C, USAF, Historian

Other than routine operational problems this section experienced no unusual occurrences or happenings. The 15-J-1C was inoperative during most of October, November and December. Lack of 6SJ7 tubes prevented repair of the simulator.

Personnel changes and rotation of radar operators without replacements limited the air surveillance capabilities somewhat. During part of November and December the section was forced to operate with two twelve hour shifts as there weren’t enough personnel available for three shifts. At the beginning of the period, the section had 21 operators assigned at the end had 13 operators assigned.

The radar sets were calibrated in October by a team from the 6630 REV/ECM Squadron, at Goose Air Base. Although the upper beam on the AN/FPS-3 was not working completely satisfactory the set was found to be performing about normal.

During October two relays became inoperative in the azimuth starter. The primary search was RNFP part of the month until new relays were received through normal AF supply channels and placed into the unit.

The PU 5004, motor generator for the height finder was found to have trouble in the 28 volt circuit. The field in the generator changed every time the motor was turned off, consequently every second time a – 28 volts DC was read instead of Ax28 volts. The time relay would not operate on a negative voltage. The motor generator was replaced and the defective one sent to depot for repair.

The bristel experimental anemometer operated well except for one ice storm. The deicer became inoperative, therefore the ice formed and wind removed the probe from its normal position. A new probe was installed and the anemometer has been operating satisfactorily since.

During December considerable trouble was encountered with the AN/FPS-3. A bad slip ring was located and replaced on the 3^rd. Two bad tubes were found in the electronic gate which gave an abnormal trigger. This made the thyrattons fire continuously which put a very high load on the high voltage rectifier. Two 371B’s were burned severely, but are still in use as no replacements were available. The lower beam maggie and flower were severely burned and had to be replaced.

Personnel shortages also hindered this section during the reporting period. Five men rotated leaving an A/1C as NCOIC of the section and two 30332’s and two 30352’s as maintenance men. The personnel situation is expected to become even more critical with no replacements scheduled in for some time.

Considerable difficulty was encountered with the radio transmitters and receivers during October, November and December. Most of the equipment was returned to use after overhaul by the maintenance sections. Lack of spare parts for the AN/GRC-27 UHF equipment caused undue delay in making repairs.

The VRN-S beacon was moved up to the radio maintenance shop. No difficulty was encountered in loading the output of the antenna. After repairing shorts in the relay and the ground equipment operated satisfactorily.

The telephone maintenance section replaced all outside drop wire protectors and inside wiring at the lower camp, and a large part of the telephone wiring system at the site.

A severe ice storm in November snapped the beacon antenna at the TX. Personnel from the AACS Squadron were sent to repair it, but at the end of the period the equipment was still inoperative.

During December most of the maintenance and attention was on the TH-41-B’s located at the TX building. Considerable difficulty was encountered in making these units operational due to lack of available replacement parts. The needed parts were borrowed from one of the (A) units that was inoperative and put into the three needed units. The personnel situation in the communications section was good during the reporting period. Training of the replacements was the big problem. Although the skill level of most personnel is low, with an aggressive training program no difficulty should be encountered.

During the period, Captain Douglas W Londeree, supply officer for the past year rotated on 19 October 1956. His new assignment was with ARDC in Englewood, California. Captain Calvin F Howard, radar maintenance officer is assuming the duties of supply officer.

The supply section was audited by 2^nd Lt. Horan, from Goose Air Base during the month. The deficiencies noted were minor and have been corrected.

A total of 14,607 pounds of supplies were airlifted into the station during October. The new washing machines and dryers were received and installed. The old ones were returned to Goose Air Base.

During November very little of the backlog of supplies at Goose traffic was received. The radiac detectors were received and issued to all personnel.

Supply personnel was a problem during October and November with only a 64173 and a 64151 assigned. In December two more 64131’s were received and the promise of a supply officer improved the manning in the section considerably.

The repair and rehabilitation program was gotten under way in the Utilities Section. Painting of the Power Plant and top overhaul of two engines was begun in October. Only minor repairs were necessary in the Boiler Plant.

The repair of the Ric-Wil thermostats and modification of the sheet metal protective covers was begun. The new covers didn’t prove to satisfactory however.

The painting of the power house was completed in November. Three vents and one window were installed. A double sink and drainage system was fabricated and installed also.

In the Boiler Plant a general maintenance and cleaning overhaul of both boilers was completed.

The Ric-Wil power line broke and was repaired without too much difficulty. Water rationing was necessary for only three days.

In December the cylinder heads and Rocker boxes were received so that the remaining four engines scheduled for top overhaul could be completed.

The installation shop was remodeled and repaired during the reporting period. All equipment is now 100% operational.

Personnel in the installation section remained about the same. 1^st Lt. Caplin rotated in October and Captain Delbert T Annereau replaced him as Installations Engineer. This section should not encounter any great difficulty with manning in the near future.

Heavy snows and winds during November and December placed quite a burden on the Motor Pool. All trucks except on weapon carrier were serviced and placed in storage. In late December the road became closed for the winter. Travel was difficult due to soft snow.

In October Captain Martin, Motor Maintenance officer from Goose and M/Sgt. Oaks, NCOIC of "N" Site maintenance visited the section and pulled LTI on all vehicles.

The manning in the Motor Pool improved considerably during the reporting period with three airmen incoming and none rotating.

The First Sergeant, M/Sgt. Joe O Tilley rotated in December and M/Sgt. Frederick Engel replaced him. There were no other personnel changes with the Orderly Room remaining short one clerk for the entire period.

The Squadron Commander, Major Clinton Kirkpatrick was TDY to Goose AFB to meet AFR 60-2 flying requirements from 14 November until 16 December. Captain Wayne E Mason, operation officer assumed command in his absence.

Mail service for the entire period was quite good. The longest period without mail was 14 days. During the Christmas Holidays Squadron morale was quite high in spite of the remote location. The receipt of practically all Christmas Packages before Christmas improved the situation.

The independent Medic, M/Sgt. Reginald P Butler and his assistance A/2C Duane Black both rotated during October. They were replaced by T/Sgt. Paul N Byers and S/Sgt. Dale Green.

No major injuries were encountered during the reporting period. Eleven airmen were sent TDY to the Goose Hospital for dental treatment and medical observation and treatment.

The regularly scheduled survival training was accomplished and possibly as a result only two very minor frostbite cases were encountered. One, a case of slightly frozen ears and the other airman’s face slightly frozen but not seriously.

The health and sanitation of the Squadron remained high for the entire period.

The manning of the Food Service Section was the most critical problem faced during the reporting period. Two cooks rotated and no replacements came in. This left the section with one A/1C as NCOIC, three cooks and one baker who was on leave a large part of the period.

The arrival of fresh fruits and vegetables was not as frequent as before due to weather and transportation difficulties.

The Mess Hall and kitchen was completely repainted in December by volunteers. The Mess Hall is now quite an attractive and uplifting place.

All stoves, deep fry fat, and ovens underwent a thorough cleaning and overhaul. This improved the efficiency of the kitchen considerably.

The Personal Services airman, A/2C James L Bowers rotated in November and was replaced by A/2C Earl P Jones.

Christmas trees, stockings and decorations were received in plenty of time for the holidays.

Chaplain Frank L White visited the site during the holidays and conducted Protestant Services. These provided an uplift in moral for all concerned.

The biggest problem encountered in this section during this reporting period was getting new movies. Many times movies were shown as much as three times to the same personnel to provide recreation for Squadron personnel during the long evenings.

The news, football games, and music were broadcast over KSAG. The rewiring of the Squadron Squawk Box system was completed and adds much to the efficiency of the system.