History
of the
921st AC&W Squadron
1 October 1956 - 31 December 1956
History
of
921st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
1 October 1956 - 31 December 1956
RSC: AU-D5
Richard W Mueller
2nd Lt., USAF
Historical Officer
Harold E Hasskamp
Major, USAF
Commander
Part I
Introduction
Great developments and changes took place at our Squadron during the closing months of 1956. Undoubtedly the greatest of these was the switching of our logistical support base from the 6606th Air Base Wing, Goose Air Base to the 6604th Air Base Wing, Pepperrell Air Force Base. This renovation took place on the first of December 1956 with only the logistical support at Fox Harbour remaining under the control of Goose Air Base. The process of change was slow but gradually effective and the complete change was completed in most cases by the end of December. Communication lines between Pepperrell and our Squadron are much closer and much easier to facilitate than to Goose Air Base. This should ease some of the problems presented under the former system.
Transportation took a turn for the better as the United States Air Force boat, the C-50, began making runs up from St. John’s Newfoundland. The boat although small was able to handle much cargo and many more personnel than the helicopters which had been used previously. Due to bad weather which encumbered helicopter flying, no aircraft would reach the Squadron for sometimes as long as twenty (20) days or more. Also because of the great distance from Goose the load carried by helicopters was minimized so that extra fuel weight would not handicap the flying of the aircraft. The C-50 was not hindered by bad weather although cases of seasickness were rather common. The boat made a trip about every seven to tem days and the big backlog of personnel was cleared up by the end of the quarter. The C-50 will continue to make runs until the 15th of January when it becomes dry docked.
On the 27th of December 1956, Fox Harbour, Detachment Number 1 became self sufficient. Much progress has been shown here and it is expected that within the near future the Gap Filler will almost be 100% manned.
The personnel situation at our own organization has been improved mostly by the great influx of personnel during the month of December. Where previously we had only one Captain, we now have three and the problem of ranking Officers on our Site has been somewhat alleviated by this. Major Harold E Hasskamp replaced Major William M Berry during the closing days of the quarter and only three of the previous seven officers are remaining.
Part II
Section Histories
Operations and Training
Operations
The fourth quarter of the Calendar Year 1956 has brought many changes to this section. We have finally been assigned a Captain (1644) with considerable varied experience in the field to level up our Operations Section. We presently have three (3) directors assigned. Captain Jess H Jenkins has been assigned from Frobisher and is assigned as the Operations Officer. Captain William D Pearson has reported in from the Controllers School at Tyndall Air Force Base and is assigned as Duty Director. 1st Lt. Joseph F Bushek left in December for his new station at Frobisher. 2nd Lt. Bruce B Mohs was cross training at the ADCC and has been reassigned to the Direction Center at Goose Bay.
Our crew strength is presently seven (7) men per crew and additional replacements should arrive during February. We are still fortunate in having qualified (27370) personnel on each shift, therefore ensuring the competent operation of the individual crews.
We have completed our "Paint Up" project early in October with the entire Operations Section and now is in a high state of cleanliness.
Following is the synopsis of the various functions of this section:
|
Actual 90 degree Beam Intercepts |
1st Lt. Floyd 11, 1st Lt. Bushek 8 |
|
Aircraft Directed |
283 |
|
Unknowns |
7 |
|
Synthetic ECM |
0 |
|
Actual ECM |
1st Lt. Floyd 2, 1st Lt. Bushek 2 |
|
Simulated Intercepts |
1st Lt. Floyd 5 |
|
GCI/GCA |
0 |
|
GCI/NAVAID |
458 |
|
Assist to Aircraft |
0 |
|
Total Tracks |
5276 |
|
Maximum Range FPS-502 |
120 miles |
During this reporting period we had only one (1) exercise "Sneaky Pere", was initiated at 1236Z 30 October 1956 and terminated at 1628Z. During the exercise we encountered no difficulties and felt it was a complete success.
We are presently painting a new plotting board for Operations but are having considerable trouble securing materials due to our present transportation difficulties. Various supplies are still in short supply but have been re-ordered through our new support base at Pepperrell Air Force Base. (Goose Neck Lamps, Bulbs, Board Cleaner, and Scrub Cloth).
The FPS-3 had 10 hours and 14 minutes emergency maintenance during this period. The TPS-502 had 16 hours and 30 minutes emergency maintenance during this time also.
Communications with Fox Harbour and La Scie installed and operating in December 1956.
Flying AFR 60-2 complied with by rated personnel. Lt. Floyd hasn’t flown for December yet.
Simulator operational entire period averaging three (3) units in operations, total 262 hours of crew training.
Weather, it began snowing in late October with accompanying winds of 30-40 knots. In November snow flurries were frequent with winds up to 55 knots, temperature was 14 degree F. In December the temperature average 0 degree F with winds often reaching 50-70 knots, and there were frequent light snowfalls.
We regret to advise that the balance of this report is unavailable.