Red Cliff, NF

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

Lorin E Robinson, Major, USAF

CPS-6B (1); FPS-502 (1); TPS-502 (1); RT-264/4prx6 (3); AN/GRC-27 (6).

In compliance with 64^th Air Division (Defense), Letter. FM10, dated 1 July 58, the following information is submitted, covering the period 1 January – 31 March 1958

The 642^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Commanded by Major Lorin E Robinson, is attached to the 64^th Air Division (Defense). It is a GCI station responsible to the 640^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ADDC).

The squadron is broken down into various sections, the primary sections being Operations, Radar Maintenance, Communications, Supply and Unit Administrative. Other sections assigned are Air Police, Food Service, Special Services and Motor Pool. These sections combined constitute the 642^nd AC&W Squadron, and work harmoniously in achieving the overall effectiveness of the squadron and its position in the Pinetree radar network (Defense).

Operations:

The operations section is responsible for the twenty-four (24) hour surveillance of the assigned sub-sector.

Minimum requirements for director proficiency at this station has been greatly handicapped due to non-availability of fighter interceptor aircraft and the limited operational status of the 15-J-1C simulator.

Personnel:

The Squadron Records Clerk was transferred to the 4737^th USAF Hospital in March, and from there returned to the States. The reason for his transfer was suspected Tuberculosis. This loss at this particular time before the annual inspection is creating a severe problem, however with overtime help this problem will be solved. Other gains and losses include: gains - Captain John T Jones, 1^st Lt. Robert L Owens: losses – Captain Arthur W Peter.

Equipment Performance:

During the entire month of March the 15-J-1C was inoperational due to overhaul. All other equipment performance has been average for the type of modified equipment available.

Facilities:

Reflectorized discs were placed on the barrier poles along the access roadway to assist personnel in safer vehicle operation at night and during inclement weather. They are especially helpful during period of heavy fog.

Communications:

An ice storm on 28 February 1958 caused havoc with the electrical lines on the Site. A total of fifteen (15) telephone lines came down. The cable to the Transmitter Site was damaged when a man repairing the power cable on a telephone pole at the base spiked a hole in the telephone cable. The ten (10) pair cable running to the MARS shack was also damaged when a large piece of ice fell from a pole and put a three (3) inch gash in the cable. All discrepancies have been corrected.

Aside from the ice storm damage, which has been alleviated, and the yearly overhaul by the Canadian Marconi Team, no other Communications problems exist.

Maintenance and Supply Problems:

No unusual maintenance problems were encountered that could not be resolved at the local level. The Canadian Marconi Company overhaul team is presently in the process of performing their yearly overhaul.

Morale:

We actively supported Squadron personnel in Base Intramural Athletic Programs by the provision of equipment necessary to outfit both a Squadron Basketball Team and a Touch Football team. Both teams were very successful in winning the Base Championships.

Squadron recreational facilities were improved during this period, with the covering of the billiard tables and the provision of table tennis equipment.

Approximately fifteen (15) squadron members were counselled in regard to the benefits of the Air Force Off-Duty Education Program. As a result, five (5) men are presently enrolled in the University of Maryland.

Under the First Sergeant’s supervision an automotive hobby shop was initiated and carried out with a great deal of success.

Tools and Leather Goods were placed on order and were recently received in preparation for the opening of Leather and Wood-Working Hobby shops. Necessary building maintenance will be accomplished in the near future and the shops will be opened for the use of Squadron personnel.

With the moving of the Personnel Services Office to Building 3722, the size of the Squadron Library was also increased to include a reading room and a larger supply of books on hand.

Lorin E Robinson, Major, USAF