St. Anthony, NF

921^st AC&W Squadron
APO 862, New York, NY

George C Marvin, Major

AN/FPS-3(C), 1; AN/FPS-14, 1; AN/TPS-502, 1; AN/FPS-502, 1.

1 January through 31 March 1958

The squadron began the new year with a brighter outlook toward contributing more to the air defense picture. This was the case as the result of better aircraft in the inventory and available for directors to control in the air defense missions. St. Anthony Air Station came into its own rapidly. The directors were scheduled for cross training with the prime direction center near Harmon AFB, and the F-102 aircraft were being handed over to us for control more often. The entire installation felt more a part of the defense system immediately. A great enthusiasm resulted and the unit benefited immeasurably.

Since an elaborate and costly plan to modify the operations room was not favorably considered, the site personnel contributed their time and skill with material on hand to satisfy the local requirement. Of course, the ideal layout would be beyond the capability of the units manpower, skill and materials, but the result achieved approached the maximum desired for comfort and ease of operation. We could go a longer time now should funds not be available for such projects of improvement.

As it is known, personnel play a great part in the squadrons efficiency in all its phases. Here we have what may be termed an inherent deficiency. That is the lack of skilled airmen required and authorized, the gap between personnel replacements and the shortness of the tour. The short tour is the only shortcoming we can accept. The other two will continue to be classed as problems. The manning authorizations are satisfactory and with established screenings we should be able to cope with any additional requirements as necessary. Of significant importance is the situation peculiar to St. Anthony Air Station in that we employ 26 employees who are residents of the nearby village. This affords the squadron a very stable civilian force, eager to serve and proud of their occupations.

All phases of equipment operation are routine. The shortcomings of skilled personnel are considerably offset by the Canadian Marconi Corporation Technical Representatives who assist mechanically as well as academically. Their co-operation at this installation is noteworthy.

The winter weather these past three months has been the "mildest in memory" yet the conditions are severe by many standards. The buildings hallways and layout of the site can be considered very adequate to cope with the local winter weather. Of particular note is the stable operation of the Ric-Wil water system. This has provided us with uninterrupted service. The heating plant is more than adequate to the extreme that we have to control temperatures by opening and closing windows. The irregular levels of the site contributes a great deal to this "discomfort" and plans are already in being to provide a stable, regulated heating system through the use of thermostatic controls. The roads and grounds are wintering very well and no trouble is expected with the spring thaws.

Since the great emphasis on Supply this year, the arrival of an AMC Supply assistance team in February and their stay through March has provided us with the great boost required to bring our account to the acceptable standards. They undoubtedly saved our authorized personnel months of labor in reaching the goal effected.

The Army Transportation Corps representative visited the squadron in late March to discuss mutual problems for SUNEC 58. It was agreed that the Contracts with the International Grenfell Association would be handled by the squadron for use of their desirable landing areas.

Our support base, Pepperrell AFB, has done a magnificent job in the past 3 months. They have very adequately handled transportation of perishables, mail, personnel and general supply items through Eastern Provincial Airways (EPA) and Torbay base operations for both our surveillance station at La Scie and us. Whenever weather permitted, it seemed we had an aircraft with something or someone for the squadron. EPA should continue to be out main source of air support in winter rather than C-47 airdrops, helicopters or USAF liaison aircraft.

The contractor camp is more or less under ice and snow, and no cleanup of it could be done these past three months. Plans are made to give this area and that small area adjacent to the site great emphasis when the snow and ice melts to permit clean-up, segregation and inventory. No problem is expected and the next winter should find it all either accounted for or else disposed of in accordance with directives from higher headquarters.

Both the squadron and the Gap Filler site at La Scie enjoy the proximity of a village. In both instances relations with the community may be considered excellent, a measure due to a great part played by the local populace themselves. We have enjoyed their company, their land and their way of life. Squadron personnel have been invited to their homes, to their churches and to their civic affairs. On many occasions we have had cause to believe that we are definitely a part of St. Anthony and La Scie.

The health and morale of the unit has been at a very high level during this reporting period. Winter sports such as skiing and ice fishing for trout have brought better than one third of the personnel outdoors. What with our adequate winter gear very few men elected to remain indoors for any length of time. For the less active individuals the squadron hobby shop, closed radio circuit and library provided diversions so necessary at this remote installation.

George C Marvin, Major, USAF