St. Anthony, NF

The overall squadron manning has been near 100% throughout this reporting period. Effective manning, however, remained at between 65 and 70 percent. This is due to the large number of apprentice level airmen assigned to the squadron. Replacements are continuing to arrive at from one month to six weeks late. This is due to delays incurred at Goose Air Base to receive medical checks and dental care, inadequate aerial support, and the late arrival of replacements at Manhattan Beach in relation to their forecast dates.

Air support has remained sporadic during this reporting quarter. This condition is in large part due to the variable weather conditions in both this area and at Goose Air Base.

In general, the daily operation of the squadron was satisfactory. The morale of the squadron has been good and continues to improve with the season. The following section histories will outline the important daily activities of the squadron.

Changes in personnel manning in radar operations have provided this section with the majority of its problems during this period.

Radar operations manning at the first of April totalled 33 men: five 23370’s, five 27350’s and twenty-three 27330’s. All of the 3 level personnel were assigned directly from Technical School and only 2 of the 5 levels have had any appreciable amount of experience in AC&W Operations or supervisory duties. This resulted in the operational team proficiency being decidedly hampered by over-manning of unskilled and inexperienced 3 level personnel.

Director Personnel: The Operations Section had 4 officers assigned to director duties at the first of April: two 1644’s, one 1641 and one 1564, a Radar Observer on Cross-Training from the 59^th Fighter Intercept Squadron.

One 1644, 1^st Lt. McDougall, departed for the ZI on 19 April, while the 1564, 1^st Lt. Hurt, was released to the 59^th FIS on 19 April due to a shortage of radar observers.

On 10 May, 1^st Lt. Tallant was transferred to the 640^th AC&W Squadron while 2^nd Lt. Mohs arrived on 10 May following completion of Director Training at Tyndall AFB.

Operations Crew Training: The operations section had 21 personnel on OJT status on 1 April, all on training for upgrading to AFSC 27350. The training was conducted by T/Sgt. Steinmetz. All airmen on OJT elected to take the APT for 27350 in May. Sergeant Steinmetz accelerated the training in an effort to cover as much as possible of the material prior to the testing. Test results were received in June; 20 of the 21 men received qualifying scores. Classification action was initiated for the immediate upgrading of 14 of these men. Six of the men were required to appear before the Classification Board prior to upgrading. The 9 additional 3 level men who arrived in May were placed on OJT for 27350. This training is being conducted by A/1C Thompson and A/1C Davis. They will be ready for proficiency testing in August 1956.

Director Training: During April and May, duty directors at this station obtained considerable intercept control training. Lieutenant Vassar completed 63 ninety degree beam intercepts, Lieutenant Tallant, 66 practice 90 degree beam intercepts, and Lieutenant Mohs, 7 practice 90 degree beam intercepts.

The 15-J-1C trainer became operational in April, having been out of operations for 2 months pending arrival of a selsyn motor for the primary search set. The target generator has been used extensively for director and crew training. Considerable effort was expended by maintenance personnel to insure improved operation of the trainer.

Special Training Mission: ECM training consisted of 2 actual missions. On 12 May, Ruffian 1 ran a mission against this station consisting of chaff drops and electronic interference. During the mission, 2 Shako aircraft were used to intercept Ruffian 1. Six successful intercepts were made.

On 25 May, Dirty Dan, the Marconi overhaul vessel, jammed the primary radar for approximately 1 ½ hours. All available operations personnel both on and off duty were in the Operations Room. The various types of interference experienced on the indicators was explained to them. The anti-jamming procedures and countermeasures were discussed and utilized.

Miscellaneous: The Marconi overhaul team arrived early in June and remained for approximately 3 ½ weeks. There was considerable changing from primary to back-up gear during the annual overhaul. The overhaul, however, was accomplished with a minimum amount of confusion or disruption of operational activities. The vertical display boards, status and plotting, are still not painted. Directives from 64^th Air Division were received on 1 July 1955, outlining items required for painting. Those items needed and not on hand were immediately requisitioned. To date, only the paint and chamois have been received. The remaining items were placed on emergency follow-up 18 April 1956. The status or location of a division painting team is unknown at the present time.

Personnel strength as of 30 June 1956 is one 30372, six 30332C, one 3044. A total of 6 airmen, AFSC 303352C, were rotated during this period. All incoming personnel were 30332C.

Mr. Turner replaced Mr. Miller as the Marconi Company Technical Representative. Mr. Miller has been at this site for the past two years. A vigorous OJT program has been affected to improve the skill levels of newly assigned personnel.

Efforts to obtain a stand-by motor PU-5004, or a substitute PW-219/TPS-100 motor generator used to supply 400 cps power to the TPS-502 have been exhausted as neither unit is available through supply channels. It appears that an insufficient number of these units were procured on the initial contract.

Despite the large increase in tube stock levels, some type tubes remain extremely hard to obtain. Specifically, these are 2X2A, 1B21C, 11AT7 and 2C40.

A system of checking radomes for safety hazards was placed in effect. A daily safety hazard check is made at midnight to prevent damage to radomes by items kept in the radomes.

The Canadian Marconi Company overhaul team arrived late in May and proceeded with the overhaul of the FPS-3(C), FPS-502, TPS-502, and the Communications equipment at the site.

During the reporting period, weather conditions changed considerably. Winds were recorded over 120 miles per hour in April. In mid May, severe icing occurred and accumulated to an inch in diameter on wires in outside areas. During early June, snow storms occurred every morning during the first week of the month.

No unusual maintenance problems occurred during the period. All equipment remained on the air with some time loss due to power failure in the power plant.

Cryptographic equipment was inspected by a Crypto Maintenance Airman from the Security Service Unit. However, little constructive maintenance was accomplished as the airman arrived without tools or spare parts.

Teletype equipment was serviced by a Canadian Marconi Company Depot representative. No unusual problems were encountered.

The Squadron held open house to the local civilian populace on Armed Forces Day. Electronics equipment was placed on display by Radar, Radio, and Wire Maintenance sections. Several hundred people attended the display.

The second quarter has seen no major changes in the operation of the Message Center, Wire Maintenance, or Crypto, but has seen a sharp decline in manpower in all sections with the exception of the Wire Maintenance Section.

In early April, four airmen and the Communications Officer, Lieutenant Stofan, rotated. The Operations Officer, Captain Lager, also rotated during this period. The only replacement has been one A/3C who arrived in the latter part of April. Captain Stocks, the Electronics Officer, assumed the additional responsibility of Communications Officer. One of the four Airmen lost was the only qualified Crypto Operator. He was replaced with a Communications Center Specialist, 25150, S/Sgt. Eller, who fortunately held the required clearance. As a result of this replacement, the message center has been manned for the entire quarter at four men under strength. At the close of this quarter, one man is to be obtained on loan for the Message Center from Radar Operations on a temporary basis.

Transmitters: Trouble in a routine nature from past overall reports has been experienced for the second quarter at the transmitter site.

Low Frequency: There is no LF facility at the TX since the vertical radiator collapsed. With the snow gone, an inventory was made at the APU hut. A few parts will be salvaged. The hut was destroyed completely when the antenna fell on it.

Beacons: The back-up beacon transmitter (BC446-J) being wired for 220 volt operation cannot be used with out 110 volt emergency supply system, but the transmitter can be used on 110 volts. This situation is being corrected. It is awaiting replacement parts.

High Frequency: Nets 53 and 55 are on stand-by. These nets were used for contact with ENRAGE. The greatest difficulty was tuning of the operation with the stations. Since new frequencies have been assigned the antennas are being redesigned to a new type and length.

Very High Frequency: Some trouble was experienced with our VHF antennas. The same modifications were applied as was with the HF.

Ultra High Frequency: Two transmitters were received from the Marconi depot. Supply of tubes for these transmitters was critical. The situation is now corrected.

The Marconi yearly overhaul team checked the installed equipment at the TX and RX. Repairs were made wherever needed. All antennas VHF and UHF were also checked. One of the features of the overhaul is surely the instrument section. This was particularly needed here, for both repairs and calibration.

Receivers: HF DDR 2D: Due to lack of parts 3 banks out of 4 are operational. HF contact with ENRAGE was successfully established.

VHF: Considerable trouble was experienced with VHF. Some components overheated and the receivers due to low sensitivity would not give maximum range.

VHF antennas developed shorts at the insulators. This is a recurrent fault caused by mild weather and salt. Antenna modifications were applied and the trouble cured. A new insulator and new type plug are used.

UHF: One receiver became completely inoperative. The replacement part not being available, one was manufactured locally on a temporary basis. The yearly Marconi overhaul supplies a new receiver, the defective one was returned to depot.

HF: The replacement of two broken center poles for the doublet antennas is under way. This operation is quite difficult since the ground is still frozen one foot below the surface. The doublets are not erected temporarily.

Manning Document Changes: Squadron manning came under close scrutiny during this reporting period. A thorough review of each authorized position was accomplished. The ultimate good was three fold. First, to realign UMD authorizations so as to reflect actual position manning based on equipment used and jobs to be accomplished. Secondly, to stabilize certain positions by filling with civilian authorizations. Finally, to change specific position authorizations so as to generally strengthen unit manning. Forty separate changes, deletions, and additions were submitted through Headquarters 64^th Air Division to Headquarters NEAC. With a single exception, the request for deletion of one of the two Medic positions, all UMD changes requested were approved. The requests made will neither increase or lower the total UMD authorization for this section. Ten military positions, however, have been converted to civilian authorizations. During the latter part of April, Major Raymond R Johnson, then Commander, personally went to Pepperrell Air Force Base to expedite the approval of these requests. All changes have become effective on 1 July 1956.

Promotions: The following promotions were affected during this reporting period:

Classification Action: Twenty seven men were upgraded during this reporting period. The following is a breakdown of action completed:

A total of three requests for waiver of Project Guidance were initiated; one was approved. Two requests forwarded of AFSC under provisions of 15e were initiated; one was approved.

Morning Report: A noticeable improvement in eliminating retroactive EDCSA’s has resulted from the initiation of a revised system of reporting new arrivees for this site at Pipeline at Goose Air Base. The first improvement was the implementation of an indorsing system by Pipeline to the assignment order of Manhattan Beach. It was found however, that this still did not solve the problem. In light of the number of discrepancies, this station then recommended that a Pipeline representative call the station whenever personnel arrive at Goose for reassignment to this squadron. This information is reflected on a status board maintained in the Orderly Room so that each man is picked up on his EDCSA. The system has eliminated 90% of all retroactive EDSCA discrepancies.

Airman Records: The new Airman Records, AF Forms 7 and 4, were received in the latter part of May. 85% of all the old Service Records have been converted to the New Service Records System.

Training: On the Job Training during this period was satisfactorily conducted with twenty-seven (27) airmen completing their training and being upgraded. At the close of the reporting period there were thirty-one (31) airmen participating in the OJT program.

The DAF package programs have not arrived at this unit as anticipated. Material for only twenty-three (23) is on hand at the present time out of thirty-eight (38) AFSC’s listed. At their present rate of arrival it will be some time before manning and UMD requirements are aligned.

The General Military Training program has progressed normally during this period. Instructors in various topics have been conscientious in their selection and presentation of material. Films have been used to supplement the lectures when available, but transportation difficulties and faulty projectors and equipment have to some degree precluded maintaining the prearranged quarterly training schedule.

A problem of fulfilling the small arms firing schedule has been encountered in the General Military Training Program. Due to weather conditions, firing must all be accomplished within a three month period to meet the twice a year requirement. Range firing for the first half of the calendar year was completed during the month of July with 122 personnel firing both the 45 caliber pistol and 30 caliber carbine for familiarization. If weather permits, the final portion of the firing for this year will be accomplished during the month of August.

During this reporting period, it was not necessary to send personnel to the Grenfell Mission Hospital for medical or dental treatment. 285 military personnel, and 35 civilians were seen at the squadron dispensary.

Personnel of this organization donated a total of 15 pints of blood to the International Grenfell Association during this period.

A Military Dentist from Goose Air Base departed this site on 19 April 1956 after accomplishing 28 cleanings, 91 fills, and 1 extraction during the month. This was the first visit by a dentist in a year.

There have been a definite increase in the number of upper respiratory infections during the month of June.

Lieutenant Mohs replaced Lieutenant Tallant who was re-assigned to the 640^th AC&W Squadron, as Personnel and Special Services Officer.

Special Service Events: Fishing parties have been active on week-ends and afternoons when fair weather prevailed. A local representative of the RCMP apprehended several individuals for fishing without a license and released them with warnings to purchase them if they were to continue fishing. Because of the cost of non-resident licenses and invasion by hordes of mosquitoes and other insects, interest in fishing has decreased.

A pool tournament was held between competing teams of the Officers, NCO, and Airman Lounges. Prizes were awarded to the winning teams and individuals.

The library is now in the process of trading books with other sites via the Goose Library. This will have far reaching effects in removing some of the old eyesores from the library and replacing them with what we hope will be new material to us.

Plans are being made for a ping-pong tournament and other athletic activities to be held in the near future. Our new leathercraft shop is receiving satisfactory patronage and is expected to receive more interest when new tools and materials arrive.

Problems: The theater has faced serious difficulty with the lack of serviceable projectors and sound equipment. This has an adverse affect on morale and welfare because movies are always well attended when available.

Special Services Sports equipment has been moved to a new location in the theater. The theater has faced serious difficulty with the lack of a serviceable projector and sound equipment.

During the early part of the second quarter, discrepancies that were noted as a result of the 64^th Air Division Inspection during March were corrected. Some of these discrepancies were given target dates, but by the middle of May, all discrepancies were eliminated.

On 26 May 1956, the Supply Officer departed for Goose Air Base as Class "C" Agent to receive reimbursement for funds spent for cash purchases. During his stay, he assisted in expediting through to the squadron, a few items that became of an emergency nature. He returned on 16 June.

The supply clerk rotated to the ZI on 19 April but was replaced by a clerk from the Orderly Room. Our Supply Sergeant, who rotated in July was replaced in June and had ample time to brief and train the airman to fill his position.

Re-warehousing of the supply section including the dockside warehouse was accomplished during the period in order to have ample space available for the shipping season.

The aerial support from Goose Air Base during this period has been good. The total supply cargo (not including mail) for the previous quarter amounted to approximately 23,000 pounds. As of the end of June, incoming cargo has already passed the 38,000 pound mark with almost two weeks left in the quarter.

This period has been relatively trouble free in comparison to the previous reporting period. Only minor difficulties have been encountered. Also in May, this section completed painted and stenciled our 1 ½ ton trucks. Early in June, M/Sgt. Oakes, the N-Site vehicle inspector from Goose Air Base arrived and performed a Limited Technical Inspection of all our vehicles. As a result, one weasel and one snowmobile will be shipped to Goose for overhaul on the first available water transportation.

All POL products were inventoried in June by Lieutenant Belton and two NCO’s from Goose Air Base. This section is now in the process of moving and storing barrels of gasoline and oil. It is estimated this project will be completed in July.

The Installations section completely rebuilt and upholstered all theater seats in May. We now have seating facilities for 75 persons in the theater.

In April and May, this section painted the Dining Hall, the General Warehouse, and the three latrines. Painting of living quarters is progressing satisfactorily and is approximately 75% completed.

New display counters and shelves have been constructed for the BX in the General Warehouse and the entire area has been painted. The BX moved to their new location on 27 June.

The overhaul team arrived in June to perform periodic maintenance and rebuilding of the power plant diesels. This maintenance will not be completed until spare parts arrive from Goose Air Base.