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-264/4PX6 (3); AN/GRC-27 (6); GPX-6A (1).

During the period of this report, there has been a few changes in key personnel. Captain Robert D Stewart replaced 1^st Lt. William Fence as Communications Officer; 1^st Lt. John C Kuehn Jr. assumed duties of Administrative Officer, vice Captain David H Henshell.

The overall assignment problem, cannot at this time, be described as adequate. This situation exists, respectively, in Supply Administration and Radar Maintenance Sections – Supply remaining two (2) positions short, one (1) 64151 and one (1) 64010. Administration falls short by one (1) 70250. Radar Maintenance Section topped the list at approximately 70% manned this reporting period. This situation was further aggravated during March, when three (3) 30352’s were sent TDY to the 921^st AC&W Squadron dropping the percentage to 63%.

A cross training OJT type program was started in the Administrative Section during this reporting period, and has worked out highly satisfactorily.

On January 19, one (1) CMC site resident engineer was assigned. This alleviated the shortage that occurred from the re-assignment of one (1) CMC site resident engineer to Pepperrell in December 1958.

Equipment Performance:

On 23 March 1959, trouble was experienced with the EW kit, 0A-345/CPS-6B. After an extensive check failed to disclose the breakdown, depot assistance was requested and personnel were dispatched to this organization. Eventually, through a thorough and time consuming check, the pressurizer-dehydrator was discovered to be faulty. This fault was corrected on 31 March 1959.

As reported in the last Historical Report, the main site cable was slated to be replaced by the Canadian Marconi Company. Due to inclement weather and non-availability of splicing kits this complete project was held up. The Neoprene Splicing Kits were received in the early part of February but could not be installed due to the adverse weather conditions. With the coming of March and better climatic conditions, work has progressed quite rapidly on the site cable. All site phones are back in order and operation has begun to resemble some what of a normal operation.

The low noise Receiver Modification, TO 31P6-2CPS6-501, for the CPS-6B was completed by the Canadian Marconi Company on 27 February. The Azimuth Drive Assembly of the CPS-6B was overhauled by a Canadian Marconi Team during March. A new drive motor was installed, new oil pan gaskets made and fitted and an antenna level test was carried out.

Facilities:

Some difficulty has been experienced with obtaining a constant chlorine level in our water supply. It is expected that this condition will be remedied with the installation of a liquid type chlorinator which will be installed as soon as weather conditions permit.

Maintenance and Supply Problems:

A Supply Officers Conference was held at HQ 64^th AD for all AC&W Squadrons. The primary purpose was to brief all Supply Officers on the 16PT stock number conversion to RCAF stock numbers for Pinetree Spares. The conversion lists were received and the preliminary work for conversion is underway. A deadline for completion of the conversion has been set at 1 July 1959. No difficulty is contemplated in meeting the deadline although it will be a time consuming task. In addition to the 16PT conversion, subject representatives of the division staff material section gave briefings on most subjects related to supply.

The UAL Section of the Material Section of the 64^th AD sent a team to the Supply Section to conduct the annual UAL review. The complete UAL was gone over in detail and adjustments made as required. Although the monetary value of UAL property remained almost the same, many items were deleted and new items authorized bringing the UAL up to date with T/A’s, ECL’s and requirements.

Awards and Decorations:

The 642^nd AC&W Squadron received the Ground Safety Award, presented to Major Lorin E Robinson by Brigadier General Frederick Terrell, for outstanding achievements insofar as carrying through a safety precaution in spite of obstacles, to a successful end. The 642^nd AC&W Squadron also received the Commander’s Athletic Trophy, presented to Major Robinson by the Base Commander, Colonel Richard Decker, for successfully realizing victory in the field of sports. All phases of sports participated in and overall evaluation of accomplishments led to the presentation.

Results of Inspections:

The annual inspection by the IG Team, from 64th AD, was conducted for the complete squadron. Problem areas were discussed at length and corrections made as required. No major discrepancies were noted, however, all minor discrepancies noted were corrected.

General:

A medical technician, 90250, reported for duty in March and was assigned to Detachment #1, Elliston Ridge. This section is now up to strength with one (1) 90270 and two (2) 90250s.

During this reporting period, one hundred and sixty-one (161) airmen were treated as out-patients in the Dispensary. Upper respiratory symptoms accounted for seventy-six (76) of the total patients treated. This is not considered excessive for this season of the year.

The squadron has on hand, the following weapons: 40 carbines M2 and 27 pistols Calibre 45, which is now sufficient for a Defense Flight.

Lorin E Robinson, Major, USAF