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 (Gap Filler); AN/TPS-502, 1; AN/FPS-502, 1.

1 April 1958 to 30 June 1958

The air control missions and surveillance type traffic for this station increased appreciably during the reporting period. This resulted through increased capability within the operations structure, the experience level of all concerned, including the communications and electronics personnel, and the recognition of our capability by using organizations. Our directors now enjoy the satisfaction of being qualified to control the latest of interceptor aircraft and of being included "in the picture" since gaining experience through cross training and practice. Civil air traffic has been availing itself of our capability and providing the site with further experience.

No significant personnel problems have arisen in the past few months. The Squadron Personnel Section is very carefully monitoring the release and forecast of airmen to minimize the gaps and unregulated losses of personnel in each section. Within a year we should realize an appreciable change in this area.

The annual C&E overhaul team of Canadian Marconi Corporation arrived on 29 May 1958 aboard the USAF boat C-50 for a three weeks stay. Their job was all inclusive and very satisfactory results were experienced. The squadron C&E section was commended by this qualified organization for their maintenance practices and condition of equipment. Several follow-up actions to be taken care of later were the replacing and painting of radar tower domes and further modifications of internal wiring.

The Radio Corporation of America sent a contractor crew of eleven men to finish the gap filler tropospheric scatter communications at this site the same time we had the CMC team. This brought to limit the crowed living conditions we are under when the site has 40 persons as an overload. Should any future requirements arise to house and feed any more than 50 persons some would have to live in either the base of a radar tower or else in a rehabilitated Contractor camp building. Both would be sub-standard.

The installation shop began its annual program of outside Preventative Maintenance with the arrival of fair weather. At best only half the working week is suitable for outside work, but the section has a large degree of experience and will methodically accomplish the necessary work. Small contractual work will be accomplished during the summer. No "large" projects have been asked or are pending. The roads and grounds wintered very well and only a minimum of grading and surfacing was required for our 6 miles of roads.

With the harbor clearing of ice and icebergs and water temperatures above freezing Pepperrell AFB has again commenced the SA-16 aircraft service on an as required basis. The bulk of the aircraft support is borne by Eastern Provincial Airways in a very satisfactory manner. They, through co-ordination with the transportation section at the support base, are providing 2 aircraft per week for passengers and cargo. The first effort of our annual resupply (SUNEC 58) was completed 30 June. Beach landing operations took place both at La Scie and St. Anthony. In each area the off-loading of supplies and supporting equipment was very orderly and without incident.

The supply section is continuing to exert great effort toward inventorying contractor surpluses and improving the supply account. The three civilians and two military authorized for 90 days TDY under SUNEC 58 will undoubtedly be of great assistance. The gap filler station is authorized two civilians for the same purpose. By the end of the shipping season we should have all excesses shipped as retrograde and the entire supply situation will be as required.

Armed Forces Day was celebrated by inviting approximately 200 townspeople to visit the site. An F-89 fly-by was provided and all were pleased with the four hour program that was provided. A very harmonious relationship continues with the towns near our sites.

With the break in the weather the airmen have been making the most out of playing baseball among themselves and with the young men of St. Anthony. This diversion has been of great benefit to the squadron. Restrictions on Sunday playing have prompted a request for a baseball field to be constructed on site property. The fine fishing in this locale has also met with favor and many of the squadron personnel have leaned toward this sport with great enthusiasm.

The amateur radio set up at the squadron is contributing toward the morale of the personnel. In the past we have been fortunate to have at least one individual capable and licensed to operate. The equipment has reached satisfactorily all of the United States at one time or another.

We at this remote installation appreciate visits by personnel of higher headquarters for the purpose of co-ordinating matters otherwise difficult through communications channels. With the ease of travel since the winter weather we have had an increase of this desirable situation and have reason to believe it will accelerate during the summer months.

A busy summer awaits the squadron this year. The main goal is to have our grounds, buildings, Outside power lines, communications cables, POL dumps, dockside warehouse, motorized vehicular equipment and general supply items in first class order. The winter again will not permit much more time other than survival for operations.

George C Marvin, Major, USAF