Sioux Lookout, ON

1966 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


APPENDIX "B" to
71-00-04
20 Mar 67

Historical Summary
39 Radar Squadron Sioux Lookout
1 Jan 1966 – 31 Dec 1966

Introduction

This unit is a NORAD Surveillance Site, and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a complex of long range radars. The prime function is the continuous semi-automatic reporting of Search, SIF, and Height information to the Direction Center at 29 NORAD Division in Duluth. The Unit is capable of functioning in a Mode III (BUIC II) or Mode IV environment. In Mode III, our information is sent to Finland BUIC NORAD Control Center.

Major Functions of the Unit

(1) Operations The major change in the operational side of the Unit was the implementation of BUIC Phase II, and the abolition of the Manual Mode III capability required in the past.

More active participation by the unit Battle Staff and Battle Staff Support Centre was encouraged through better use of scripted inputs for exercises. Exercises ranged from Division to Region-wide, in modes I and III. There was a considerable decrease in frequency and intensity of exercises toward the end of the year due to shortage of exercise aircraft in the United States. The Electronic Warfare Unit continued to provide ECM for Operations training.

(2) Training A number of personnel attended off-unit courses during the year. These included several equipment Field Maintenance courses, School of Instructional Technique, SSTS, Search and Rescue Leaders course, CF31 Coordinators Conference, and several Height Finder conferences.

Formal OJT courses were given. These included an ADC Nuclear Defence Home Study course, MSE Equipment Operators course, and Augmentee Security Training.

Informal OJT is in effect for personnel in all sections. This training included assignment test work, questionnaires, monitoring, individual lectures, coach and pupil practical tests, and UMIPs. Advancement in Trade Advancement studies was available through section TA Coordinators.

Several airmen engaged in personal education programs. One airman is involved in a DVA course, several took Departmental courses, and two are attending high school on a full-time basis.

(3) Technical Minor modifications were the only change in the Radar section.

On the construction side, the only major project was the repair of the station water supply pumping system.

(4) Administration Personnel changes occurred for the positions of CAdO, SAO, STSO, SLogO, and TMO. In addition the new position of SSTO (System Standards and Training Officer) was established.

(5) Organization Several changes took place in the unit organization in 1966.

The SCOO (Squadron Control Operations Officers) was redesignated the TelOpsO (Telecommunications Operations Officer). The position of Duty Operations Officer was at the same time, removed.

The STelOO (Squadron Telecommunications Operation Officer) was redesignated the TelMaintO (Telecommunications Maintenance Officer).

Duties did not change significantly.

Later on in the year the CGEO organization, in which the CGEO was responsible for his primary duties only in the Tower, was changed to the CTSO organization, in which the CTSO is responsible for all technical sections on the station. At approximately the same time the SSTO position was established.

A BTO (Base Transportation Officer) organization was implemented; this organization brings all personnel movements and transportation under the SLogO.

(6) Official Visits and Inspections In January there was a visit by the AOC A/V/M Lister. The Deputy Commander of 29 NORAD Division, G/C McNair, visited the station in June.

SOMSE, SOSUP, SSOCE, and the Command Messing Officer made routine visits. DCOS/TECH, G/C Diggle and CFB Winnipeg Nuclear Defence Officer visited the station.

The Commanding Officers of Pagwa, Armstrong, and Ramore were here for familiarization.

(7) Recreation Curling continues to be the major source of organized recreation on the station. A compulsory physical training programme was established in order to bring personnel up to the required standards. The gym of the Indian School was rented to facilitate PT and Inter-mess Competitions. For Inter-mess broomball the arena in Sioux Lookout was made available.

The unit has been the winter training area for the National Biathlon Ski Team. With the help of the National Team, 39 Radar Squadron established a cross-country ski team, which was selected to represent Zone 3 in the Canadian Forces National Ski Championships at Val Cartier in 1967.

During the summer months, most of the recreation is private, centering mainly on fishing. Some Mess and Station Fishing Derbies were organized and were well received.

(8) Public Relations Station Personnel attended Sioux Lookout Decoration Day and Remembrance Day parades. Tours of the SAGE complex were conducted for the town of Dryden Brownies, the Technical classes of the Dryden High School, and the Anglican Indian Residential School.

The station established a Centennial Committee to coordinate and plan the project with the town of Sioux Lookout.

There were the usual releases concerning promotions and presentation of CDs.

NOMINAL ROLL OF KEY PERSONNEL

Appointment

 

Name

TOS Date

SOS Date

CO

19870

W/C DJ Bullock CD

18 Oct 65

 

CAdO

24391

F/L RV Furneaux CD

17 Jun 64

15 Jul 66

CAdO

35543

F/O WD Rempel CD

12 Jun 66

 

STSO

22614

S/L AR MacGirr CD

24 Jul 65

16 Jul 66

STSO

216390

F/L GR Keirstead CD

25 Aug 66

 

SSTO

95262

F/O JM Riley

2 Nov 66

 

TelMaintO

214350

F/L D Urry CD

4 Sep 65

 

TelMaintO

22619

WO1 M Petch CD

11 Jul 63

 

TelOpsO

67648

F/O MP Proctor

4 Jan 65

29 Apr 66

TelOpsO

72285

F/O HJ Stevens

4 Jan 65

 

SAO

18015

F/L JA Daigle CD

3 Aug 65

29 Jul 66

SAO

16464

F/L MW Stewart CD

6 Jul 66

 

SLogO

153444

F/L RE Egan

13 Jul 64

7 Aug 66

SLogO

13063

F/L JS Lugg CD

12 Jul 66

 

SCEO

55306

F/O JN Danylo

4 Aug 65

 

Monthly Record of Activities
1 Jan 66 to 31 Dec 66

10 Jan 66

AOC’s visit – A/V/M Lister, CD; G/C Hovey, DFC, CD, SPSO; G/C McNair, DSO, DFC, DC, DepCmdrDruns; W/C Jackson, Operations Duluth.

13 Jan 66

Sauk Brave/Big Blast Exercise.

3 – 4 Feb 66

Snow Time/Top Rung Exercise.

9 Feb 66

New tower organization – STelO becomes TelMaintO, SCOO becomes TelOpsO, the position of DOO is abolished.

4 – 6 Mar 66

Station Bonspiel.

17 Mar 66

Snow Time XVI Exercise.

19 Mar 66

Wind-up party for Curling Club.

23 Mar 66

Use of BUIC (Back Up Intercept Control) switches for first time at unit.

31 Mar 66

Big Blast Juliet Exercise.

1 Apr 66

BUIC operational on Unit.

11 – 15 Apr 66

GATE Exercise.

17 Apr 66

New diesel installed in Power Plant – power off in Tower.

18 Apr 66

Air Defence Command EDP Test.

18 – 23 Apr 66

CADIN Inventory checkers on unit.

24 Apr 66

41 Brownies from Dryden tour Tower.

30 Apr 66

SAGA 9/66 – Operational Readiness Inspection of 29 NORAD Division.

6 May 66

Sports Dance and Banquet.

29 May 66

Tour of station by 33 boy pupils from Indian School.

3 – 5 Jun 66

USAF Senior Officers visit for fishing party.

8 – 10 Jun 66

4 Finland AFS Officers visit for cross-training.

12 Jun 66

RCAF attends local churches for Armed Services Day.

14 Jun 66

Visit by G/C McNair (29 ND – Dep Cmdr). Dining-in Night held in Officers’ Mess.

22 Jun 66

CO’s Parade.

23 Jun 66

Mandan Brave Exercise.

3 Jul 66

Decoration Day Parade.

19 – 22 Jul 66

Department of Transport Mobile Vehicle Safety Inspection – compulsory for all personnel bringing vehicles on station.

28 Jul 66

Mandan Brave Exercise.

23 Aug 66

Mandan Brave Exercise. Canadian General Electric and CFHQ/ADC Project teams arrive to begin tests on new ECCM equipment.

1 Sep 66

Cashier system started in Accounts.

12 Sep 66

Station Fishing Derby.

22 Sep 66

Provincial elections held on unit.

27 Oct 66

Mandan Brave Exercise.

7 Nov 66

National Biathalon Team arrives to begin winter training.

11 Nov 66

Remembrance Day parade in town – personnel form large flight.

14 Nov 66

Organization change: CGEO to CTSO organization. SSTO organization now in effect. BTO organization now in effect.

22 Nov 66

Centennial Committee set up to plan and coordinate with Town of Sioux Lookout.

16 Dec 66

Unit Transportation Officer organization now in effect.