St. Margarets, NB

2 Jun 56

Synthetic exercise Dry Run 4 commenced 0500Z and ceased 0950Z.

Transmitter site completed and opened. This gave operations the use of 13 VHF channels, 4 UHF channels and net #12 HF.

Maritime GObC Exercise Suntan, commenced 1240Z and discontinued 1545Z.

Inspection and calibration of 15-J1C synthetic trainer. F/L Park carried out test trials with five targets after completion of calibration by RCA team.

RCA team carried out peaking and inspection of TPS-501 during the period. Only one of the TPS-501 height-finders was available to operations.

Exercise Suntan commenced at 1115Z and completed at 2305Z.

The following airmen were promoted: Cpl MacKinnon to A/Sgt., LAC Morrell to A/Cpl, LAC Steeves to A/Cpl.

F/O W. Blackburn transferred here from RCAF Station Falconbridge.

F/O J Bowman transferred to 21 AC&W Squadron. ECM exercise. At 1203Z ECM first reported and this jamming ceased at 1256Z. Jamming conditions varied strength 2-5.

ECM exercise. 2155Z ECM being experienced on upper beam. Jamming aircraft Fricasse 3. At 2215Z electronic jamming strength 4. Jamming ceased at 2234Z.

F/O Woodcock proceed to Cold Lake Alberta on TD for 4 weeks as support controller for WPTU.

F/O Hedley reported back from Tyndall AFB after successful completion of Controller Course.

Exercise Dry Runs 3 commenced at 0800Z and completed 0930Z

Exercise Dry Run 3 commenced at 0900Z and completed 1040Z

Video mapping. The first test was carried out by radar personnel in conjunction with F/O Fraser from operations. This test was satisfactory, but it was felt by operations that further experiments would have to be carried out before the plates would be fully acceptable. P/O Gorlong TOS this unit as Controller after successful completion of Controller Course at Tyndall AFB.

Exercise Morning Star (Canadian Army) was carried out over Gagetown area. AC&W Squadron gave flight surveillance to Chatham aircraft taking part in this exercise which ended 1617Z.

F/O C Campbell TOS this unit on completion of Controller Course at Tyndall AFB

F/O Ralston TOS this unit as Controller reporting in from 2401 AC&W Squadron Halifax where he had been support officer.

F/O Skeaff returned from Yuma after successful completion of AI Proficiency course.

Exercise Dry Run 4 started at 0008Z and was completed at 0120Z

ECM and ECCM. At 1436Z mechanical jamming was experienced from aircraft G38 in Midwife area. At 1517Z electronic jamming was experienced and AJ circuits were employed with some success on DBB. Jamming ceased at 1555Z. F/L DM Johnston TOS as COpSO 21 AC&W Squadron on transfer from RCAF Mont Apica.

F/O Woodcock returned from Cold Lake, Alberta after 4 weeks TD with WPTU.

F/O Boyle reported back from Tyndall AFB after successful completion of Controller Course.

F/O Skeaff appointed as Senior Duty Controller, F/O Woodcock as Surveillance Officer and F/O Babcock as Training Officer. Electronic jamming condition 5 and communication jamming condition 2 experienced from track E52 at 1328Z. ECM ceased at 1402Z. No AJ circuitry was used.

F/O Boyle departed on TD to 61 GObC Rimouski to act as liaison officer for GObC exercise to be held on 5 Sep 56.

21 AC&W Squadron was on "Cocked Pistol" at 1700Z. This was called during exercise Birdwatcher, an overfly comprised of 25 B-47s. This unit had 8 trained Controllers and 33 FtrCops on duty at the time. All positions were manned in accordance with Unit Alert Procedures immediately.

F/O Soucy TOS this unit having been transferred here from 5^th Air Division.

F/O E Babcock proceeded to Clinton on TD for the Guided Missiles Course. Two flights of B-47s through this sub-sector, one of 11 aircraft and the other with 37 aircraft.

F/O Skeaff proceeded on TD to Sackville NB to liaise with CBC engineers re line facilities and broadcast control procedures.

Exercise Mobile Baker. This overfly penetrated 2 sector at 1920Z and was carried as KSE. Comprised of 16 F-100, 20 F-84F, and 4 B-36.

Mr. WE Cooper, AFHQ Meteorological Branch and Mr. R Dickenson Senior Met. Officer, RCAF Chatham visited this unit to review met. facilities and potentialities of this unit.

This unit experienced electronic jamming from track WG60We at 1546Z. The scope camera was operating and excellent photos of ECM resulted. Jamming ceased at 1655Z.

The 1(F) OTU at Chatham flew from 2300Z until 27 Sep 0300Z. P/O Caldwell returned from Tyndall AFB after successful completion of Controller Course.

Exercise Dry Run 5 was run during the afternoon.

F/O Skeaff appointed as ECM officer for 21 AC&W Squadron.

The 104K flight briefing team, comprised of F/L Shubaly, Kirkby and Gauthier, visited this unit and gave lectures on various aspects of ECM and ECCM to the Controllers and FtrCops.

Video mapping plate for ascent/recovery action successfully completed by F/O Fraser and Mr. A Dill, civilian photographer of this unit.

The Commanding Officer, S/L Chodat, departed on TD to RCAF Stations Sydney and Beaverbank. Moisie started doing their own identification. NEAC (64^th Air Div) advised the change of call signs of all their units.

Exercise Beaverbrook and Hot Seat comprised of B-47s and both carried as Smoke Ring. Mr. J MacNeil of Moncton DAFO visited this unit in order to set up procedures to facilitate passing of met. information to Moncton.

F/O Fraser proceeded to Moncton GObC centre to act as liaison officer for forthcoming exercise Deer Hunt.

Northern Electric peaking team was here for this period.

GObC exercise Deer Hunt carried out successfully over these two days. Tracks of GObC were forward told to and identified by 21 AC&W Squadron.

F/O Skeaff departed on TD to ADCHQ to participate in ECM Symposium.

The Minister of National Defence, the Right Hon Ralph Campney, with party, were conducted through the operations building and briefed on various broad phases of this unit’s function.

P/O Foreman TOS 21 AC&W Squadron after completion of Controller Course at Tyndall AFB

Chatham OTU flew from 2300Z until 0300Z first of November.

Lt. Hosey and 3 airmen of the USAF reported on this unit for one week cross-training. These personnel were from the AC&W site at Casewell, Maine. F/O Woodcock departed on TD to ADCHQ for one week entertainment officers course.

F/L Johnston proceeded to ADCHQ for ECM indoctrination course and F/O Hedley to Lac St. Denis for two weeks training in AW(F) tactics.

F/O Babcock to Lac St. Denis on TD for two weeks for training in AW(F) tactics and F/O Fraser to ADCHQ for ECM indoctrination course.

At 0002Z this unit was subjected to mechanical and electronic jamming from Sebastian 2AB36. Photos were taken. Jamming ceased at 0044Z.

F/O Fraser proceeded to Foymount on TD for two weeks training in AW(F) tactics.

An overfly of 22 B-47s penetrated this sub-sector and were carried as Smoke Ring Delta Item.

Identification

On 1 Jun 56 this unit was responsible for the identification of all tracks in this and Moisie’s sub-sector until the 15 Oct when Moisie assumed their own identification role.

During this period 21 AC&W Squadron carried 28,000 tracks of which 672 were classified unknowns and 542 of these were late identified leaving 129 tracks remaining unknown.

Surveillance

21 AC&W Squadron is responsible for the display of all tracks in 2 Sector. One room operations is used at this unit with 2 ADCC and 21 AC&W Sqn using the same GSM. The purpose of the all tracks display is to facilitate Sector Flight following system.

A total of 58,659 flight plans were received and a total of 28,200 tracks were carried by this unit.

Tote boards are used exclusively for the display of all amplifying track data as well as tactics.

Role

During this period 21 AC&W Squadron provided EW and GCI control and the tactical employment of those fighter A/C assigned to it.

Air Craft Control

This squadron continued with control of air gunnery and flight surveillance of training A/C from 1(F) OTU. There was considerable SAC activity in the area against which tactical action was taken.

Personnel

21 AC&W Squadron had an average of 120 FtrCops divided into 4 crews with a Day Dais Crew. This dais crew change monthly with 2 FtrCops from each crew selected. Two FtrCops are employed on PBX. Supervisory personnel include 4 Sgts. and 7 Corporals.

Controller strength varied from about 6 at the beginning of the period up to its present strength of 16. One controller is assigned to each of 4 crews for 3 months and then placed on day shift for a further period of 3 months.

Training

The training of FtrCops was carried on throughout the period with a staff of 1 Officer, 1 Sr. NCO and 1 or 2 LACs. approximately 10 FtrCops are on each course, 2 from each crew plus any new arrivals to the Ops section. Classes are carried on for a two week period.

The training and assessment of Controllers has been carried out according to ASI 3/4/5 and all have successfully completed their exams on ASI 1/6 and ASI 3/4/5.

Mr. Carratt and Mr. Maltby of RCA Victor arrived for the pre-inspection check on the TPS-501.

The overhaul and peaking of the TPS-501 and 15-J1C equipment (Trainer) was completed by RCA.

WO2 JY Fleming assumed the duties of Radar Warrant Officer.

F/L RJ Emerson of the CTelO Branch at ADCHQ visited this unit for an inspection and discussion on Radar Maintenance procedures.

Pressurization mufflers were installed in the three radomes. This has greatly reduced the noise level and makes servicing of the Radar Equipment much easier, as now conversation can be carried on, which prior to the mufflers being installed, was practically impossible.

A meeting of AFHQ, AMCHQ, unit personnel plus all contractors concerned was held to discuss the AN/FPS-6 installation, Tower construction, etc.

The Video mapping equipment (SN-149 GPA30) was given its first trial run using the test patterns provided. The results were very satisfactory and the Operations personnel immediately took action to procure the proper films etc. to provide maps of the local area.

The NCO i/c Maintenance, FL Blackmen, ran tests of an interference generator which was designed and developed at this unit. Electronically it was most successful but difficulty is still being experienced with the mechanical aspect of the project.

Excavations were started for the foundations of the AN/FPS-6 tower.

Cpl. G Burns, Cpl R Drew, LAC JR Mitchell and LAC HM Herd attended a five week course on the AN/FPS-6 at RCAF Station Edgar.

The Northern Electric peaking team completed their regular inspection of the AN/FPS-3(C) and AN/GPX-7 equipment. One man from each of the four crews was assigned to the NE team for training purposes.

F/L R Kirby, F/L CJ Gauthier and F/L DM Shubaly visited the unit for an ECM briefing which was attended by all available Radar Maint. Personnel.

FS WJ Blackman, NCO i/c Radar Maint. attended a conference at ADCHQ and AMCHQ on proposed change in the Maintenance Routines on the TPS-501 equipment. Much valuable information was gained from the conference.

Another meeting similar to the one held on the AN/FPS-6 was held to determine the progress on the tower construction, provision of power equipment, installation, etc.

F/L Fernie STelO and FS Blackman NCO i/c Radar Maint. visited Station Foymount to discuss maintenance methods. Many new ideas were obtained and more trips of this nature would be welcomed.

Two 10 day courses were conducted on the AN/FPS-6 height finder. These courses were conducted by Cpl G burns who had earlier attended the course at Edgar. All Radar Maint. Personnel have now received training on the FPS-6 and the installation of the gear is anxiously awaited.

Four Radar Techs had a five week course on the FPS-6 at Station Edgar.

Four other Radar Techs received detailed training on overhaul work on the FPS-3 with the Northern Electric overhaul party.

Two ten-day courses on FPS-6 at St. Margarets ensured that all Radar Techs have received training on this equipment.

"A Question of the day" system was inaugurated. This provides a daily quiz on radar topics.

The new Transmitter Site for St. Margarets was officially taken over by the RCAF. Equipment installed by Cossor of Canada Ltd. included a GT28 Transmitter for LF, 2 TE755s, 1 TH41A and 8 FRT501s for HF. Nine dual channel FRT502s for VHF and 4 GRR3 single channel Transmitters for UHF. (See Appendix "E")

A 200 pair cable had previously been installed between the Receiver Site and the Main Operations Building. Since this cable passed right by the Transmitter Building, it was necessary only to re-route it through the new site to complete our hood-up.

At this time operations are making use of 13 VHF channels, 4 channels of UHF and back up HF, net 12.

At this time also, our GT28 which had been loaned to TCA for special test purposes was put on the air. TCA are testing a narrow shift RTT transmission of 40 cycles to aircraft on daily crossings of the Atlantic. TCA personnel involved in this test are, Mr. Cahoon and Mr. Johnson from Moncton. They are responsible for the maintenance of the GT28 while these tests are being performed. RCAF personnel at the Site turn the Transmitter on and off as required and do minor repairs.

Three HR060 receivers which had been installed at the receiver site were returned to 5 SD on the 11 Jun as requested previously by AMC.

F/L Emerson from ADC made an inspection of the transmitter site.

The low frequency tower was inspected by Mr. JD Livingston of Canada Bridge.

Mr. E David and Mr. Ziegler of Can. Aviation Elect. Arrived to modify the GT28 in accordance with EO 35BD-5GT28-6B/1.

The GT28 has been interfering with telephone circuits. Apparently the proximity of the RF carrier frequency and the Telephone carrier frequency is the reason for this interference. The Wire Chief and TCA personnel made several tests and decided to refer the matter to engineering for design of line filters.

Mr. Cahoon and TCAs maintenance foreman made the monthly inspection of the GT28.

The HT circuit breaker has been tripping on the GT28 and it is noted that the frequency of this has been increasing, recently. Transmitter personnel suspect trouble in the buried transmission line to the antenna tuning unit. TCA were notified and Mr. David of CAE arrived on 4 Aug to locate the fault which was a break in the transmission line at the ATU end of the cable. UCR was originated on this fault and temporary repairs made by CAE.

In the latter part of Aug Cossor of Canada installed two new FSR2 receivers, a model 107 converter and a multi coupler at the Receiver Site. Also a type 105 frequency shift keyer at the Transmitter Site.

Mr. McNair of AMC visited the Transmitter Site to inspect the GT28 transmission line cable repaired by CAE. Consideration was given to the installation of a new cable type RG85U.

Mr. Johnson of TCA visited the TX Site to check out the frequency shift equipment used with the GT28.

During this month storm guying of the VHF and UHF poles at both Receiver and Transmitter Sites has been in progress.

An additional pole was installed at each site for UHF use.

UHF frequency 298.6 put into operation for use by Operations and American Presque Isle aircraft.

During the period 19 Oct to 9 Nov 56 Northern Electric technicians gave communication equipment the annual overhaul. Mr. Lund, the engineer in charge of the crew was very co-operative in allowing RCAF technicians to work with NE technicians. Shift schedules were changed and days off took second place to give RCAF technicians the opportunity of gaining this very valuable experience. Radar section supplied two Radar Techs so that 2 Comm Techs could be spared from shift work during this period.

Northern Electric’s visit proved to be a great value both from an equipment serviceability point of view and as trade advancement.

F/O Whitley from ADC visited the sites.

Monitor amplifiers, manufactured in Comm section were installed on VHF channels, 2, 3 and 4. These amplifiers are equipped with a neon indicator lamp connected in the output circuit to indicate visually which channel the aircraft is using.

The new security fences around the TX and RX sites were completed.

Storm guying of antenna poles was completed.

The most concrete trade advancement obtained during this period was the training provided by close technical liaison with the Northern Electric overhaul party. Eight RCAF technicians worked as assistants to the party and received what amounted to "factory training" on many phases of the equipment.

Routine training with emphasis on practical ability and knowledge of concise details was carried on throughout the period June to November.

During June, installation work was carried out on 1 A Key and 100 key equipment. This installation was completed during the latter part of July, giving faster service and greater flexibility to our longline system.

Mr. MJ Dykeman Bell Tel. Supervisor made a routine visit to the station during first week in August.

During August, a cable count and record revision was made of all cable in the Ops Building.

All Telephone and Telephone Cable records were revised and certified correct.

Considerable repair and maintenance work was carried out on existing telephone system with re-arrangements of offices and equipment throughout the building.

During Oct, an outside Plant Cable record was compiled showing all station poles and services.

An RCAF Cable was damaged at the TX Site by a post hole digger causing failure of all facilities to RX and RX Sites. Stand-by facilities were put into service. Temporary repairs were made by Telephone section. NB Tel. completed repairs. Both Sites were off the air for eleven hours.

During November MJ Dykeman, Bell Tel. Supervisor visited the Station on routine inspection.

Due to the heavy work load in the section, we have found it impractical to give much in the way of direct theory instruction to Techs but we hope this situation will improve when a second Wire Chief is taken on strength, about 5 Jan 57. All Techs are progressing favourable in their contact training as they continue their regular maintenance installation work. Particularly since a system of routine maintenance schedules has been re-instituted.

During June, LAC Parson and LAC Eva were SOS St. Margarets to a Tech Course at Clinton. LAC Parsons returned to St. Margarets in September on completion of his course. Also during June, Cpl Truant was TOS from Clinton.