Red Cliff, NF

642^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
APO 862, New York, New York

William A Nansen, Major, USAF

AN/CPS-6B (1); AN/FPS-502 (1); AN/GRC-27 (5); AN/FRT-502 (3).

The 642^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron is attached to the 64^th Air Division (Defense). It is a Surveillance station responsible to the 640^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ADDC).

Operations:

Problems Met – There has not as yet, been any change in our UMD structure. At present, we are assigned 24 men against a 26 man authorization; or, 92.3% manned. Due to this, the section is forced to go on a three crew, 12 hour crew scheduled. This will allow three, 6 man crews, which in turn will allow men to take scheduled leave, perform squadron details, etc. With this schedule, each man is liable for 56 hours per week, plus other squadron formations and details. During the forthcoming quarter, five airmen are due in and only one is scheduled to leave. This will bring the section to 108% manned. At that time, we hope to revert to the normal four crew operation.

Projects, Plans and Programs – None.

Accomplishing the Mission – We are maintaining a continuous crew evaluation through RQC Program, logs and STM’s. A 37370 is being assigned as full time training NCO who will keep abreast of the many changes through various means and keep the crew personnel thoroughly aware of these changes.

Joint Operations With Other Units – This section participated in seven actual missions during this period.

Systems Training Missions: - We participated in 22 STM’s during this period.

Synthetic Intercepts Accomplished – One hundred and eight-four singles, and 91 multiples.

Actual Intercepts Accomplished – 28 singles.

Personnel:

Authorized versus assigned problems: Authorized: Officers – 8; Enlisted – 107; Assigned: Officers – 9; Enlisted – 112.

Problems – We are having difficulties in obtaining OJT materials in certain AFS, thereby causing a severe hardship on personnel trying to satisfactory complete their proficiency tests. For some unknown reason, the PDO stopped shipping our publications and the only way we can get them is by requisitions. In the past, our distribution was automatic.

Equipment Performance:

A Canadian Marconi Company Team arrived on 14 March 1961, to perform on station repair and calibration of C&E Test equipment. Two AS-505 CHF antennas were moisture fungus and were treated at this time.

At the request of GADS, a half-duplex teletype circuit was established between Red Cliff AFS and the Canadian Marconi Company, effective 6 January 1961. The purpose of this circuit is to allow CMC access to GADS teletype network to facilitate depot activities. A replacement of the exciter generator armature for the 400 cycle generator power supply to the 0A-347 (EW Radar) was requested through CMC because severe arcing of the brushes. This armature was regained as a spare after CMC turned down the commutator on a lathe.

Facilities:

Programs – A work order request has been approved to install an archway across the entrance to the main gate; this will begin as soon as weather conditions permit. Painting of the Steam Plant, Diesel Plant, Theatre and other buildings are underway and should be completed within the next 30 days.

Fire Prevention – This has been an aggressive program of inspection and checks. All personnel have been counselled and emphasis stressed on prevention of fires and elimination of fire hazards. Civilian workmen are being trained as additional fire fighting men.

Maintenance and Supply Problems:

Organization – No change has taken place in the organizational structure of this section.

Supply Support – Logistic support from Harmon AFB is considered unsatisfactory. A survey covering an eight (8) month period, one thousand and eighteen (1018) line items revealed a positive action of 46.75%. Support from Goose AFB for electronic supplies and equipment is considered very good. Support of AN/CPS-6B spares by Canadian Marconi Corporation is excellent. Support from 64^th AD and GADS is considered good.

Excess Declarations – The method of reporting excess communication and/or electronic spares has been revised by GADS which should expedite disposition instructions considerably. Disposition for salvage is under study by 8^th AF and 64^th AD.

Transportation Problems – Transportation support from Harmon AFB is very good, perhaps with one exception, action on personal hold baggage could be greatly improved.

Surpluses – The problem of surpluses could become acute if the excess and disposal programs are not improved. As previously stated, GADS has made some changes in reporting methods which should start the moving of serviceable excesses, but salvage instructions have been finalized by higher headquarters. Reports, inquiries and follow-ups are orders of the day to prevent this becoming a problem.

Personnel Services:

Facilities – Theatre, Auto Hobby Shop, Photo Hobby Shop, Leather Hobby Shop, Wood Hobby Shop, Radio Amateur Station (MARS), Library and Dayroom.

Capability – A theatre, seating capacity of fifty persons, showing five different movies, five days per week, with one showing per night. All films are of the 16mm type and recent vintage.

Automotive Hobby Shop – By utilizing one or two stalls in the motor pool building and a small parts department, a complete line of recently acquired tools enables the individuals to complete most minor and some major repairs.

Leathercraft and woodworking shops are also available to the personnel.

Photographic Hobby Shop – This shop includes a dark room, developing trays and tanks. There is also a contact printer, enlarger, dryer developing chemicals and print paper.

An Amateur Radio Station (MARS) is available for personnel holding "HAM" operators license. Equipment included a SP-600 receivers and BC-610 transmitter.

A small library and reading room is offered for the convenience of limited research and study plus an inventory of over six hundred, hard bound novels, fiction and non-fiction.

Special Services building also houses the squadron dayroom. At present, we have a ping pong table, two pool tables, a reading area and a radio and television area.

Problems – With the closing of Pepperrell AFB, we have little or no outlet for recreational activities and/or major sports, such as softball, volleyball and basketball. However, we are participating in the local civilian (Canadian) league for basketball, softball, track and field events.

William A Nansen, Major, USAF