Saglek, Labrador

Section I

Section II

Problems Met:

During this three month period the Section personnel picture improved. There were enough personnel to fill all authorized vacancies, although, the skill levels of some personnel assigned were lower than those authorized.

The AN-UPS-T-5 (15-J-1C) Moving Target Simulator became operational late in May, but still required calibration and wasn’t utilized until June. The M0-1 Surveillance Trainer was in operation the entire three month period. Although the Jamming Simulator was not operating satisfactorily, in that the intensity of the simulated presentation could not be varied, it continued to be used.

Projects, Plans, and Programs:

In June the operation’s lounge was converted to a classroom with the addition of better lighting, desk, chairs, a blackboard, and other facilities. This should enhance the section training program greatly by providing an adequate, pleasant place in which to conduct OJT and other classes.

Plans were made to rearrange some of the equipment in the operations room to more efficiently carry out the primary mission.

Accomplishing the Mission:

During the three month period (April to June) the Unit’s primary mission was accomplished with no unusual incidents.

Special Items:

The FY 1958 Annual Inspection was conducted from 19-26 May by a team from 64^th AD (D). The two unsatisfactory items reported were the director training program and the director aircrew cross-training. The summary of the inspection of the operations section stated that we could not function as a direction center on a sustained basis for the following reasons: (a) lack of qualified directors (b) Lack of sufficient control scopes (c) Inadequate physical layout of the operations rooms (d) Inadequate internal communications.

Since the inspection sufficient qualified directors have been assigned and plans have been made to rearrange the operations room, but we still lack sufficient control scopes and internal communications.

2.- Personnel

Authorized Versus Assigned Problems:

This organization continues to have enough personnel assigned to fill authorized slots, however there remains the problem of personnel versus skill-job relationship. The Food Service Section developed as the area of most critical manning due to rotation of cooks to the Zone of Interior.

Retention and Replacement:

A retention council has been assigned and meets with all first term airmen within four months of their arrival at Saglek Air Station. Informal written reports are submitted to the Commander by the Retention Council. Each individual is welcomed, upon his arrival, by the Squadron Commander and receives a thorough briefing as to his position in the squadron.

Lead Time to Get Personnel in Place:

The constant slippage of a month’s time between departure of an individual and the arrival of his replacement remains a problem. Delays center around lack of air transportation and/or weather.

AFSC Problems – Malassignment Rates:

The malassignment rate, that is airmen who are assigned with primary AFSC’s not authorized in this Squadron, continues to be high. For the most part, these individuals are assigned to authorized slots that require closely related skills.

Training Programs and Needs:

At monthly OJT meetings the current cross training program, form surplus to critically manned areas, is thoroughly discussed with an aim toward having eligible airmen apply for and be accepted for a school of their choice upon rotation to the Zone of Interior. Section OJT instructors are kept current and supervised on the proper method to conduct and record OJT programs.

Effects of Arctic Environment on Personnel:

Morale is being kept high by use of good management techniques and principles. The hobby shops, gymnasium, outdoor activities (fishing, hiking), library and education programs have proven invaluable in maintaining high morale rate.

Civilian Recruiting and Retention:

The civilian manning became disrupted by individuals desiring release, and "end of contract" terminations of employment. Close co-ordination with the Civilian Personnel Office at Goose Bay Air Base, has managed to keep most positions filled.

Special Items:

Major Paul J Quinlan, A01643987, replaced Major John Parrott as Commander of the 924^th Squadron on 5 May 1958.

Severe weather hampered the even flow of administrative correspondence. During periods of extended poor weather it was necessary to convert a more than normal amount of correspondence and reports to electrical transmissions.

3.– Equipment Performance

Radar Maintenance:

The primary search was off the air for a total of 66:10 hours for scheduled maintenance. The height finder was inoperative for a total of 5:30 for scheduled maintenance and 47:25 for un-scheduled maintenance. Seven hours of un-scheduled maintenance was performed on the IFF sets. During this period the 15-J-1C became operational with four moving targets. No unusual problems were encountered.

Radio Maintenance:

No unusual maintenance problems were encountered, however, air to ground reception fell below standard at times for unknown causes. It is believed that the poor performance is due to the physical location of the antennas within the rigid radome.

Wire Maintenance:

Maintenance in this section was of a routine nature during this period.

4.- Facilities

Special Problems:

On 5 May 58, the only operational snowmobile became lost in a white out and plunged over an 800 foot embankment. All three persons aboard were hospitalized after evacuation by hand litters, helicopter, and rescue aircraft. This accident pointed out the requirement for adequate two way communications between vehicles and the site, trained drivers for snow vehicles, and some system of markers for snow road.

Work on snow removal from the road to lower camp was begun last week in March. The road was opened 8 June and closed again 3 hours later. The road was opened permanently 13 June 58 (first closed 9 December 57). The pumphouse road was open and water trucks began hauling water 21 June.

Special Items:

On April 22 at 0400 hours, the motor vehicle storage building burned down. Lost in the fire were one complete snowblower, front end of a second snowblower, a snowblower engine, D-8 Caterpillar engine and all shop equipment. This fire reduced the runway clearing capability of Detachment #1 by 75%.

5.- Maintenance and Supply Problems:

During the period of this report, 60 aircraft arrived and departed this station. Bringing a total of 196,577 pounds of cargo and transported out 24,318 pounds. The SS Wang Pioneer arrived on the 12^th of July 1958 with 106.1 long tons of cargo and departed on the 13^th of July 1958. On the 14^th July 1958 the USNS Sagetta arrived with 30.7 long tons of cargo and departed on the 17^th of July 1958. USNS Cowanesque arrived 25 July 1958 and discharged 20,399 barrels of diesel fuel and departed 27 July 1958. All property received on these ships have been received and properly located and all receiving documents have been posted to the proper records.

Supply Support – From Division:

The supply section was inspected on the 23^rd and 24^th of May by the 64^th Air Division IG team headed by Lt. Colonel Murphy and the Supply account was found to be in satisfactory condition.

Surpluses:

All surplus property was packed for shipment during this period. This cleans up the outside storage that has persisted at this site.

Supply Personnel Efficiency and Experience:

The supply personnel presently assigned here have a high efficiency and experience level. However, four of the present personnel will rotate in the near future, reducing the capabilities of the section.

6.- Food Service

Typed Name and Grade of Commander

Signature