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/GRT-3 (2); AN/GRR-7 (2); AN/FRT-503 (2).

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 – Personnel authorized in our present UMD is below the requirements needed to effectively perform assigned mission. On 8 December 1960, this section submitted a letter through channels explaining our problem. Extracts from this letter are as follows:

(1) Due to our type of radar equipment, we are required to man one additional scope not normally required by air surveillance missions. (2) We are required to perform identification of Navy Aircraft (WV2) not normally associated with air surveillance. We receive flight plans, pre-plot and identify in accordance with established procedures. We are required to work with Coast Guard Patrol Aircraft (P2V) furnishing navigational aid and performing identification of same, using normal identification procedures. We are required to perform two system training missions weekly. Therefore, it is necessary to augment the crew on duty with airmen (2 or 3) from an off duty crew. At present this section has four crews consisting of six men each, including the Crew Supervisor; an NCOIC, Assistant NCOIC, STP and Training NCO and one Clerk (28 total). Each crew averages approximately 47 hours per week which includes crew augmentation and Military Fundamentals Training.

Projects, Plans and Programs – This section lost one officer (1744) with a proficiency of Combat Ready Expert and gained one officer (1744) with a proficiency of Combat Ready. We plan to establish a program of continuous crew evaluation through our RQC charts, logs, and STM’s.

Accomplishing the Mission – During the month of October 1960, the Operations Section conducted a 40 hour formal AC&W Operator Proficiency Course, primarily for the purpose of indoctrinating old and new airmen in pertinent facts of our mission. All operators assigned, with the exception of one, successfully completed this course. During the week of 12 December 1960, this section conducted a review and test of this course, with an average score of 122.09 (Excellent) as compared to a maximum of 135%. This program has caused an outstanding effect on the over-all improvement of our assigned mission.

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

Support Given Tactical or Defense Operations – Twenty-nine STP missions were performed during this period.

Personnel:

Authorized versus assigned problems: Authorized: Officers – 8; Enlisted – 107; Assigned: Officers – 9; Enlisted – 126.

During this period there has been a turn-over of Personnel Officers. No problems exist in AFSC’s or skill level of airmen during this period.

Equipment Performance:

Radio Maintenance – All ground to air, point to point, and associated radio equipment received depot IRAN (Inspect and Repair as Necessary) from Canadian Marconi Company.

Radar Maintenance – The AN/FPS-502 back-up search radar received depot IRAN from CMC. The AN/CPS-6B prime search radar had 170 hours scheduled PM and 6 hours emergency PM.

Wire Maintenance – The outside plant telephone system received depot IRAN from CMC.

Facilities:

New – Two projects have been accomplished: extension of exhaust stacks in the power plant and a sound proof partition in the power plant.

Programs – Painting of the diesel and steam plants has been scheduled. Estimated date of completion is May 1961.

Maintenance and Supply Problems:

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

Supply Support – Support from Harmon AFB has improved since the last report. A complete listing of all outstanding property is being prepared to motivate action. Goose Air Defense Sector electronic support is considered good. Canadian Marconi Electronic Support of AN/CPS-6B spares is considered excellent. Support from 64^th Air Division and Goose Air Defense Sector is considered very good.

Transportation Problems – Transportation problems are receiving excellent support from Harmon AFB Transportation Officer.

Surpluses – No surplus problem exists due to low generative factors. However, no disposal instructions are now in effect.

Supply Personnel Efficiency and Experience – All assigned personnel have the experience and perform their respective duties in an outstanding manner.

Efficiency and Maintenance – The efficiency and maintenance is considered to be very good.

Community Relations:

The relationship between the civilian population and Air Force personnel in St. John’s, Newfoundland continues to be very good. Military personnel continue to become members of the various churches, clubs, and other organizations that is beneficial to the servicemen.

Programs – We continue to participate in various sports in St. John’s, i.e. Softball, Golf, Bowling, etc. This squadron had a representative to the First Older Boy’s Parliament of Newfoundland, as a Cabinet Minister.

Morale:

The morale of the squadron is good, considering the lack of entertainment during the winter months due to heavy snow and road conditions. Opportunities for entertainment other than those available on the station are restricted due to lack of transportation.

William A Nansen, Major, USAF