Red Cliff, NF

AGADM

Subject: Report of Historical Data, RCS: AU-D5 (64-1)

To: Commander
64^th Air Division (Defense)
Attn: Director Statistical Services
APO 862, New York, New York

In compliance with 64^th AD (D) Regulation 210-3, dated 11 August 1954, the Report of Historical Data for this unit is hereby submitted.

For the Commander:

William A Wareham,
2^nd Lt., USAF
Adjutant

642^nd AC&W Squadron
United States Air Force
APO 862, New York, New York

For the Period 1 October 1956 to 31 December 1956

Part I – Narrative
Part II – Supporting Documents

Compiled By:
William A Romaine
1^st Lt., USAF
Historical Officer

Many key personnel changes – reported sighting of an unusual ascending flare at sea – improved recreational facilities for site personnel – continued difficulty with radar equipment – these are the historical highlights on the 642^nd AC&W Squadron from 1 October 1956 through 31 December 1956.

Most notable of personnel changes was that of Major Robert S Hulett, former squadron commander who rotated to the ZI, and who has been replaced by Major Lorin E Robinson.

Following Major Robinsons assumption of command, some squadron policies, particularly those concerning airmen, were modified, resulting in raised squadron morale.

Major William H Williams, Squadron Supply Officer, has been replaced by Major James E Broyles. Major Williams also rotated to the ZI.

Early in December, an announcement was made that this squadron would soon be under jurisdiction of ADC, due to the prospected dissolution of NEAC.

Authorization of civilian personnel has been a primary consideration. Civilian employees are authorized at this site and also at Detachment #1, our Gap-Filler site at Elliston Ridge, Newfoundland. However, negotiations to authorize a forty-eight plus eight hour work week for diesel operators at Elliston Ridge ground to a halt shortly after the men were hired.

A solution is expected when NEAC regulations are supplemented in January, through payment of retroactive wages. Civilian mess attendants are working out well, having taken over the previously military positions.

Perhaps the most unusual occurrence during this report period was a report by Maple Leaf aircraft on 26 October that a green flare had been sighted, ascending from sea level to approximately 2500 feet, at which point it appeared to descend. The sighting occurred in the general area of KB 2726 at 2311 hours Zulu time.

No known aircraft were in the area except the Maple Leaf plane which reported the sighting.

A "Sneaky Pete", 64^th Air Division (Defence) Operational Tactical maneuver, was conducted on 30 October. This stations participation with maneuver was negative.

Six RCAF Air Defense Warning Tests were conducted during the period and five distressed aircraft assists were conducted by controllers of this site.

Additional operational activities included the conducting of two "Dry Run V" tests by the RCAF ADC. On the first test, October 13, only one track was carried, and on the second, November 7, two tracks were received, carried and "forward told".

Health, in general, remains good, although a slight increase in cases of upper respiratory diseases and tonsillitis were noted. It is felt that the onset of cold weather was the chief causal factor. One hundred and sixty-three immunizations for influenza were given during November, and Lectures on First Aid and Personal Hygiene were conducted throughout the period. Artificial Respiration Classes are conducted monthly for personnel of Radar and Radio Maintenance.

The site Beer Garden was renovated completely, renamed the "Skylounge", and A/1C Robert T Woodworth was elected president. Airman Woodworths work in reorganizing and renovating the lounge was done in off-duty time, and it is pointed out here that his work was commendable.

Considerable difficulty was experienced by the Radar Maintenance Section. Chiefly, the azimuth drive assembly broke down, and replacement of the entire unit was required. High winds prevented personnel from making the change immediately, as radome pressure has to be released, in order to accomplish the alteration.

When the winds died down, the job was completed without incident. Canadian Marconi Company Depot Maintenance furnished the azimuth drive assembly and gave technical assistance for the repair.

Also, the field coil in the 400 cycle generator shorted on the CPS-6B kit, and had to be sent to CMC for rewinding. When the unit was returned and installed, the EW would still not remain in radiate. An inspection revealed that L3, the smoothing choke in the reverse current circuit, had been burned out. This was replaced, but still the EW would not stay in radiate. The magnetron was replaced and the set returned to normal operation for approximately four days.

Then the L3 burned out again.

The directional coupler, CU 295/U, was inspected and found to be badly corroded. The coupler and flexible waveguide were replaced with a section of SL flexible waveguide.

The set is now operating normally, and will be checked to see if this section corrodes, or if the directional coupler was faulty.

Presently the CMC peaking team is adjusting the FPS-502 and TPS-502. Modification kit A782 was installed on the FPS-502 during this period, and appears to have eliminated the side lobe. A more complete check will be made during the next calibration flight check.

Communications have been running smoothly. In addition, RCA Technical Representatives have been setting up an FM Radio Link between this site and Detachment #1 at Elliston Ridge. Work is now in the final stages.

Moving the switchboard into the Message Center, a matter pending now for some time, was held up for paper work, but since the paper work has now been accomplished, the move will take place in the near future.

All speakers for the site public address system have been painted and overhauled. They have been relocated in the squadron area for more efficient utilization. Also, a high frequency net to Elliston Ridge was put into operation. It uses a BC-610H. At present, 24 hour operation is not necessary.

The MARS station is still progressing. Several phone patches have been made, both outgoing and incoming, which raises morale further. A class has been started, teaching the fundamentals of radio. Anyone in the squadron interested in radio may obtain his amateurs license by satisfactorily completing the course. Nine applicants have already begun.

Base Athletic programs were actively supported; examples being this squadrons base champion football team for 1956, and our basketball team, which has been outfitted with squadron equipment, and is now in the championship contention.

Eight squadron members are presently enrolled at the University of Maryland College of Special and Continuation Studies and two others are completing USAFI courses.

Incongruously enough with raised morale, there have been numerous theft reports during the past three months. Articles reported stolen have been cash, radios, tires and government property.

The squadron also received additional weapons, among them twenty-one 45 calibre pistols, one .30 calibre machine gun and twenty-eight M-1 rifles.

Issuance of squadron decals is underway. This is private vehicles registration, for security purposes. A decal is given each person authorized to operate his private vehicle on site.