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 July through 30 September 1958

The squadron operations section has enjoyed a significant increase in its skill levels from the directors down to the scope operators. Our directors have come to the squadron with ratings qualifying them for immediate shift duty. Airmen proficiency at the NCO level and lower four grades is proportionately higher also. Work within operations, as such, has been routine. The continual availability of the F-102 for control by squadron directors has maintained this sections enthusiasm to a very desirable degree.

A study is being conducted to determine any changes in the squadron unit manning document and by the end of the next reporting period our recommendations will be forwarded to higher headquarters for evaluation. It is expected that the changes will be minor yet of consequence toward making the squadron a better manned unit. As is always, time and experience brings out new approaches to problems and in the case of squadron personnel a new look is in order. Our civilian forces remain stable and recognized as a great asset to the squadron. There are indications that civilians may be required within the supply section too.

The 64^th Air Division Inspection team conducted their inspection the week of 4 August. With the exception of internal wiring, to be overhauled by a contractor during the winter, this group found our C&E Section in excellent condition. The two smaller radomes were replaced in September and the large radome went unfinished due to a lack of suitable paint; however, no problems are expected since the large dome was coated and the smaller domes should "season" properly during the winter. A complete check of external wiring, the antenna farms, and internal equipment reveals that the C&E Section is ready for the inclement weather expected by the end of October. Noteworthy plans for October include a test to determine the possibility of bringing in the air-ground transmitters and receivers from the too distant sites thereby saving manhours and the great inconvenience during the winter months.

The necessary forms have been accomplished to dispose of the Contractor’s Camp buildings. All cleanup and storage of salvage materials is completed in this area. A tremendous effort was expended by the entire squadron toward this end and the result is gratifying. The cleanup campaign extended to all areas of the squadron whereby many many truck loads of debris were collected and disposed of to make the site property very presentable and as unspoiled as possible. All installations compartments report they are ready for the winter season. The Ric-Wil system has again checked out and another trouble-free supply of water for this winter is expected.

Pepperrell AFB continues to support the squadron in a most satisfactory manner. The month of September saw an increase of SA-16 flights to St. Anthony harbor much to the convenience of both the support base and the squadron. It is expected that this means of transportation will continue through October until the water and outside air temperatures will prohibit these flights.

Supply activities remain routine since the supply account and its support remain at a highest level of efficiency. SUNEC 1958 finds little outstanding during this reporting period. It is expected that by the end of October this small deficiency will be resolved. Whatever important items are missing will be handled by Pepperrell Base Supply through the use of the Air Force’s sea going tug, the C-50, out of St. John’s harbor.

Community relations continue to be very cordial. The summer months found our personnel participating more often and longer in the villages of St. Anthony and at the gap filler’s village of La Scie. Baseball, fishing, hiking and boating made up the measure of entertainment. The townspeople assisted our personnel in fishing, boating and lobstering.

Our unit surveillance station (gap filler) at La Scie has seen a busy summer season with many small projects to make living in winter more comfortable. They will only enjoy better control of heat, a trouble free water system and more efficient layout of space available due to the efforts of summer construction crews from our support base. The tropospheric communications system to La Scie has checked out very satisfactorily and the system to Fox Harbour should be ready for its trial period soon. A great improvement over the AN/TRC equipment.

The morale of the squadron continues to be excellent, a measure due largely to the great improvement in all areas provided by the leadership of a fine group of officers and NCOs. With the fair weather and the support from all directions the unit has experienced very little to be desired considering our location. The mail system has improved, the food service section has extended itself and the spirit of teamwork prevails in all sections. All things considered the past three months have been the best and the outlook remains good.

George C Marvin, Major, USAF