Sioux Lookout, ON

1984 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


ANNEX J to
1325-1 (CAdO)
DATED 21 MAR 85

1984 Statistical Recap

Strength (as of 31 Dec 84): Officers – 9, Other Ranks – 112

Visits to Station: 59

Postings In: 40

Postings Out: 34

Extensions: 20

Releases: 4

Deaths: 1

Promotions: Normal – 13, Accelerated – 2

Awards:

CD – 5
CD1 – 2
CD2 – 1

Community Service Award – 11 (includes 2 civilians)

Mobile Command Diploma of Achievement – 1

Commanders Commendation – 1

Ops Region Exercises/Demos: 50

Tours of Operation: 27 tours, total of 167 personnel

EVENTS

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER BRANCH (CADO)

Personnel

Major GW Roberts took over as Commanding Officer on 1 Aug 84. (see appendix 1 attached for biography).

Lt. WM Roberts took over as Station Comptroller on 13 Aug 84

Lt. CVM Imeson took over as Operations Officer on 25 Jun 84

2 Lt. MC Gosselin took over as Telecom Maintenance Officer on 15 Feb 84

MWO RC Brophy retired as the Station Warrant Officer on 3 Jul 84

CWO R Gobeil took over as the Station Warrant Officer on 11 Jul 84 and subsequently passed away on 9 Nov 84.

WO RJ Wright was appointed Station Warrant Officer on 9 Nov 84 as a result of the death of CWO Gobeil.

Cadet Liaison Activities

CFS Sioux Lookout provides support to the following cadet squadrons:

2072

RCACC

Dryden

215

RCSCC

Provider Dryden

256

RCSCC

Patricia Balmertown

273

RCSCC

LacSeul Ear Fall

283

RCSCC

Valleyfield Ignace

Station personnel involved are:

SCLO

Capt. Brown

 

CLO

WO Wright

Balmertown & Ear Falls

CLO

Sgt Levesque

Dryden & Provider Dryden

CLO

Sgt Smith

Ignace

Supply Rep

MCpl. Lavoie

 

Drill Instructor

Cpl Larochelle

 

The Military Police section conducts the annual physical security surveys and help conduct weapons training when the corps visit the station.

Medical Inspection Room

Other than visits listed at Annex B, the following events occurred in the medical department:

a. in Sep, outdated narcotics were written off and an old microscope was sent back to RMED.

b. in Oct, X-Ray equipment was installed, a new dental chair was also installed and all dental equipment was inspected. CE completed repairs in dental clinic room by taking out an old closet thereby making the room larger

c. in Nov and Dec, 3 first aid courses were given for station personnel

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING BRANCH (SCEO)

In 1984, the Construction Engineer Section at Canadian Forces Station Sioux Lookout, implemented and completed several major projects as described in the following paragraphs.

Early in the year, 34 doors at Pinetree Trailer Park were replaced. The old doors were removed and replaced with insulated aluminum doors of much higher quality. They provided better energy conservation, less maintenance and more comfort for trailer residents.

During the summer, 75% of the station’s sidewalks were replaced as the old ones were seriously pitted, cracked and deteriorated, creating a safety hazard which would not be alleviated by patch work.

A ball fence for the softball field was erected next to the recreation centre.

In Pinetree Trailer Park, a playground and accompanying landscaping was implemented for dependent safety and aesthetics. Fencing was installed and ditches, rough grass and shrub areas were levelled. All areas were then seeded. The installation of storm sewers by the town of Sioux Lookout alleviated much of the spring flooding in the lower area on the south side of the park.

Various roofs on the station were replaced. Lower bay #27 and wood hobby ship #T-102 were renovated to trussed systems. These buildings were also insulated for better energy management. T-101 and T-107 buildings had polymeric membrane roofing systems installed. Operations #1 building had a built up bituminous roofing system replace with insulated glass panels. All these new roofs provided slopes with insulating factors.

In the fall, the first part of a two part plan to replace windows at Pinetree Trailer Park was implemented. The old windows were removed and replaced with aluminum dual pane horizontal sliders with new vinyl covered foam core castings. They provided for better energy management, less maintenance and were more aesthetically pleasing.

The Power Plant had its asbestos insulation removed in the fall. It was replaced with polyurethane foam insulation and fireproofing. Much care and safety had to be maintained to contain asbestos pollution.

OPERATION BRANCH (OpsO)

A chronological list of exercises conducted during the past year in which Ops personnel participated is attached as appendix 2. In addition to the listed exercises, Ops personnel were also involved in numerous local exercises conducted to test the operational readiness of the section/branch.

During the year the Operation Branch welcomed our new OpsO, Lt. Imeson and four Ptes. Green, Lavoie, Serratore and Batko along with two YTEP Pte. Wicha and Rekrut.

The Operations Branch highly recognizes the promotion in our section of three privates to corporals – Cpls. Chatman, Turner and Ciotti not forgetting one of our Pte’s receiving his first hook – Pte. Bushey.

During the 1984 calendar year over 150 people were involved with guided tours of the Ops room. Government employees, scouts/rangers, school children, numerous town citizens and relatives of members of our station. (appendix 3).

GROUND ENVIRONMENT OFFICER BRANCH (CGEO)

Attached as appendix 4 is a chronological list of events that took place in the CGEO branch in 1984.

STATION COMPTROLLER BRANCH (SCOMPT)

Attached as appendix 5 is a list of events that took place in the SCompt branch in 1984.

STATION LOGISTICS OFFICER (SLOGO)

Other than the additions to visits list (Annex B) the only significant item out of the norm was the Humanitarian Assistance project where the station transported medical equipment from the General Hospital to Azilda, Ontario for furtherance to a Caribbean nation; on behalf of the Lion’s Club.

BASE DEFENCE FORCE

SDF consists of the following personnel:

a. SDF Guard Commander

b. 3 flights and

c. 3 SAT teams

There was a training week 1-5 Oct 84 which consisted of guest speakers from the OPP namely a Cpl T Brennan and Constable H Bell. The remaining training was conducted by: SDF Guard Commander; Ops Co-or and section Sgts.

A SDF exercise was held from 23 – 24 Oct 84 in which all BDF members participated.

ANNUAL TERRY FOX RUN

This station was instrumental in organizing and conducting the 4th Annual Terry Fox Run held on 16 Sep 84. All pledges and donations collected were forwarded through the Bank of Montreal in Sioux Lookout to the Canadian Cancer Society. A total of $2,210.29 was collected which involved 119 participants. An interesting note was that in this area, 90% of our support came from children ages 5 – 12. there were few adults in this year’s event and no high school students at all.

CFS SIOUX LOOKOUT 30TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

CFS Sioux Lookout celebrated its 30th year of operation in Sep 83. The station published a hard cover book covering events over the past 30 years. The book includes photos, black/white and colour, and typed articles. The book was released in Sep 84.

RCAF 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

CFS Sioux Lookout commemorated the RCAF 60th Anniversary in the following manner:

a. a station parade was held 1 Apr 84 to honour the unfurling of the AIRCOM flag. Local dignitaries, the Sioux Lookout Town Council and Chamber of Commerce and the Right Honourable Leo Bernier, MPP Kenora-Rainy River were in attendance. As well, veterans and ex-Service personnel were extended invitations to attend and were also represented.

b. Following the parade, an all ranks Mess Dinner was held. Mr Don Sanders, a well known local businessman, who served with the 424 Tiger Squadron as a bomber pilot and flew 32 missions, was the guest speaker; and

c. the "news release" "Canada’s Flight History" released from the Public Affairs Coordinator Aircom (dated 13 Feb 84) was republished in the following local newspapers: The Sioux Lookout Bulletin, The Northwest Explorer and The Dryden Observer. Veterans and ex-Service personnel were invited to attend the 1 Apr parade via Sioux Lookout Community TV Channel.

The Town of Sioux Lookout has many retired Servicemen and it is considered that the 60th Anniversary of the RCAF has been well publicized.

 

APPENDIX 1
TO ANNEX J
TO 1325-1 (CAdO)

BIOGRAPHY OF MAJOR GW ROBERTS

COMMANDING OFFICER

Major Roberts was born November 5, 1948 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. In February 1968 he enlisted in the Canadian Forces as a Supply Technician and following training at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics was posted to Canadian Forces Base Toronto. In 1972, Major Roberts was selected for Officer Training and upon completion of classification training as an Air Weapons Controller was assigned to the 22nd NORAD Region Control Centre at North Bay, Ontario.

In January 1974, Major Roberts was posted to the 23rd NORAD Region Headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota where he served in various positions including Weapons Training and OIC Weapons Standards and Evaluation. Following this position, he was assigned to Canadian Forces Station Sioux Lookout as the Operations Officer for a period of three years. During this tour, Major Roberts completed the Canadian Forces Staff School Course and the Officer Professional Development Program.

In 1980, he became a member of the Air Command Ground Environment Staff in Winnipeg, Manitoba and served on the Air Command Operational Evaluation Team. In May 1983, Major Roberts was selected for University Training and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Batchelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Labour Studies in May 1984.

He assumed command of Canadian Forces Station Sioux Lookout on 3 Jul 84. Major Roberts is married to Doreen Wesroll of St. Catherines, Ontario and they have three children ages, 4, 3 and 10 months. (as of Jul 84)

 

APPENDIX 2
TO ANNEX J

TO 1325-1 (CADO)
DATED MAR 85

The following is a list of events that took place in the Ops Branch:

REGION EXERCISES/DEMOS

EXERCISE

DATE

SPONSOR

FABRIC MUTE 84-501

17 JAN

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

30 JAN

FG

ECM DEMO

03 FEB

FG

FABRIC MUTE

05 FEB

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

06 FEB

FG

ECM DEMO

10 FEB

FG

FABRIC MUTE

13 FEB

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

21 FEB

FG

FABRIC DOLLY 84-200

22-23 FEB

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

24 FEB

FG

FABRIC BRAVE 84-2

5-8 FEB

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL 84-8

26 MAR

ROCC (E)

NIGHT TRAIN/AMALGAM CHIEF 84-1

3-13 APR

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

09 APR

FG

ECM DEMO

10 APR

FG

ECM DEMO

11APR

FG

ECM DEMO

12 APR

FG

ECM DEMO

14 MAY

FG

FABRIC LIBEL

14 MAY

FG

ECM DEMO

14 MAY

FG

AMALGAM BRAVE

22 MAY

ROCC (E)

AMALGAM CHIEF 84-2

12-14 JUN

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

25 JUN

FG

VIGILANT OVERVIEW

25-27 JUN

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

28 JUN

FG

FABRIC LIBEL 84-13

16 JUL

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL 84-14

23 JUL

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL

30 JUL

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL 84-15

06 AUG

ROCC (E)

FABRIC MUTE

20 AUG

ROCC (E)

ECM DEMO

20 AUG

FG

ECM DEMO

24 AUG

FG

FABRIC MUTE 84-504

27 AUG

ROCC (E)

CE BRAVE 84-1

29 AUG

ROCC (E)

FABRIC MUTE 84-601

05 SEP

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL 84-18

17 SEP

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL 84-602

19 SEP

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL 84-19

24 SEP

ROCC (E)

AMALGAM CHIEF 85-1

1-4 OCT

ROCC (E)

BDF EXERCISE

05 OCT

LOCAL

PATHFINDER WARRIOR 84-2

9-10 OCT

LOCAL

ECM DEMO

11 OCT

ROCC (E)

FABRIC MUTE

24 OCT

ROCC (E)

PATH WARRIOR 84-1

24 OCT

LOCAL

FABRIC DOLLY

31 OCT

ROCC (E)

FABRIC LIBEL

08 NOV

ROCC (E)

FABRIC MUTE 85-604

28-29 NOV

ROCC (E)

VIGILANT OVERVIEW 85-1

4-7 NOV

ROCC (E)

FABRIC BRAVE 85-1

12-13 NOV

ROCC (E)

SIOUX WARRIOR

8-11 MAY

LOCAL

TOTAL: 50

 

APPENDIX 3
TO ANNEX J
TO 1325-1 (CAdO)
DATED MAR 85

The following is a list of tours that took place in Operation Branch:

# OF PEOPLE/GROUP

TIME

DATE

4

1500

10 JUL

24 JUNIOR RANGERS

1400

11 JUL

4

1330

26 JUL

4

1300

27 JUL

9 MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES EMPLOYEES

1600

01 AUG

3

1830

03 AUG

4

1200

24 AUG

4

1045

31 AUG

2

2100

01 SEP

4 TOWN MINISTERS

1430

04 SEP

2

1330

09 SEP

1

1300

22 SEP

1

1330

04 JAN

1

1400

12 JAN

1

0950

14 FEB

1

1000

15 FEB

6 SUUPLY TECH TEAM

0830

19 FEB

2

1030

27 FEB

3

2030

15 MAR

1

1625

21 MAR

5

1400

31 MAR

4 TRANSPORT CANADA

1600

17 APR

4

1700

24 APR

2 COMMAND PADRES

0945

14 MAY

17 SEA CADETS

1900

26 MAY

50 KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS

1430

08 JUN

4

2030

26 JUN

TOTAL :167

TOTAL TOURS: 27

 

APPENDIX 4
TO ANNEX J
TO 1325-1 (CAdO)
DATED 21 MAR 85

EVENTS

10 Jul 84

Word Processor study visit by Management Consultant Services from Air Command Headquarters Winnipeg.

11 Jul 84

Chief Warrant Officer Rudy Gobeil posted to Radar Warrant Officer’s and Station Warrant Officer’s position.

5 Aug 84

Radio Technicians installed a public address system for the Ontario Provincial Police Golden Helmets motorcycle performance during the town of Sioux Lookout’s Blueberry Festival.

27 Aug 84

Commenced Radar Display Equipment moves as part of renovations in the Operations area.

30 Aug – 10 Sep 84

Antennae replacement at Ground to Air Transmitter Receiver site by 73 Communications Group linemen from Winnipeg assisted by riggers within the Branch.

4 Sep 84

Radio Technicians installed a public address system for memorial service at Drew Jeffery Park in Sioux Lookout for two teachers who drowned.

21 Sep 84

Annual Station Soap Box Derby reinstated after absence of 2-3 years coordinated by Corporal Gary Wilcox and Private Mark Bartley

1 Oct 84

Systems Standards Training Officer and Ground Training Non Commissioned Officer commenced recording of all person days spent on training off the station and on the station.

15 Oct 84

Captain William Reginald Harding Drew presented Air Commander’s Commendation on Commanding Officer’s parade. Station Training Seminar coordinated by Systems Standards Training Officer and Ground Training Non Commissioned Officer.

15 – 16 Oct 84

Word Processor visit by Director of Communications Security personnel.

15 – 17 Oct 84

Familiarization visit to the NORAD Region Control Centre at North Bay for five Radar Technicians, two Radio Technicians, one Air Defence Technician, one cook, and one Mobile Support Equipment Operator coordinated by Sergeant Elmer Jordan.

24 Oct – 1 Nov 84

Electrical Mechanical Equipment inspection from Winnipeg.

29 Oct – 9 Nov 84

Standard and Emergency First Aid courses coordinated by System Standards Training Officer and Ground Training Non Commissioned Officer.

Nov – 31 Dec 84

Search Tower – AN/FPS-107 – without water to tower

8 Nov 84

73 Communication Group Winnipeg Annual Communications Security inspection to 733 Communication Detachment.

9 Nov 84

Chief Warrant Officer Rudy Gobeil’s death.

19 – 21 Nov 84

Test Equipment Coordinator visit from Calibration Centre Winnipeg.

3 Dec 84

Commenced Emergency Operations Dining Area renovations.

6 Dec 84

Visit from Communication Group Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Senft, Major Mercer, Chief Warrant Officer Marshall and Master Warrant Officer Barnes (resulted in an exchange program between Ground to Air Transmitter Receiver Radio Technicians and 733 Communications Squadron Radio Technicians.).

8 – 10 Dec 84

Visit from Mapping and Charting Establishment Ottawa to determine Height Finder Antenna True North and screening angles – checks were done professionally showing that True North and screening angles were accurate. True North was marked in the radome in a more permanent manner that the previous mark.

18 Dec 84

Common Digitizer section repaired plus 5 volt power supply on the AN/FYQ 47 Common Digitizer that had been performing below specifications for approximately 2 ½ years.