NARRATIVE REPORT
RCAF STATION ST. SYLVESTRE
1 Jun 61 to 30 Nov 61
1 Jun 61 to 30 Nov 61
The period 1 Jun 61 to 30 Nov 61 was one of many changes at this unit, both operationally and administratively. All of these changes enabled the unit to better fulfill its role as an AC&W Squadron. With the phasing out of the CF-100 aircraft, fewer intercepts were conducted but more emphasis was placed on the controlling of high performance aircraft. An increase in the number of USAF interceptors assigned to this unit by the 26th NORAD Region greatly assisted in the training of personnel.
Technically, the completion of the Radar Improvement Plan was the highlight. Installation of two FPS-6B Height-Finders was commenced on 24 Jul 61 by Canadian General Electric and completed within one month. Installation of the FPS-20 Search Radar and associated IFF/SIF equipment began in mid-September and was handed over to the RCAF on 3 Nov 61.
In regard to Communications, the Micro-wave Loop was extended from Parent to Lac St. Denis. The link from Parent to Mont Apica to St. Sylvestre was handed over to the RCAF in June. In September, the loop was completed to St. Hubert and Lac St. Denis.
Several contracts for construction were let during the period. Construction of buildings for SAGE equipment adjacent to the Operations Building was started. Land clearing and leveling for twenty-five double-trailer PMQs was begun in September.
There were many changes in personnel during this period. W/C EW Smith assumed command of the unit in July. In October, S/L AJ Simpson arrived from Lac St. Denis to fill the position of COpsO. F/L B Wasuita assumed responsibilities as CAdO in September. F/L NJ Coles took over as SSupO in September. In addition, six controllers were transferred in and three left the unit.
18 Jun 61
Air Force Day - More than 7,000 people visited the unit to enjoy the exhibits and the flying display. Again the Golden Hawks thrilled the spectators, both military and civilian.
5 Jul 61
The Station Team won the Dow Trophy, emblematic of League Champions in the Thetford Mines Softball League.
14 Jul 61
Handover Parade - W/C JHL Lecomte relinquishes command of the unit, handing over to W/C EW Smith. A cocktail party was held in the Officer’s Mess after the parade.
23 Jul 61
2452 AC&Q (Aux.) Squadron from Quebec City arrived at the unit for its final summer camp before disbandment.
25 Jul 61
A complete audit of the unit was carried out by the Deputy Ministers Auditors.
13 Aug 61
The Airwomen’s Softball team defeated St. Hubert in an exhibition game at this unit.
20 Aug 61
The Station Team won the Labatt’s Trophy in a tournament at Tring Junction playing against fifteen teams from the local area. The team triumphed with five straight wins.
22 Aug 61
FS S Shenfield and Sgt. MM Dennison awarded Canadian Forces Decoration.
31 Aug 61
In the play-offs of the Thetford Mines Softball League, the Station Team defeated Black Lake four games to two.
8 and 9 Sep 61
Playing at Bagotville, the Station Team won the Zone and QRA Softball play-offs.
22 and 23 Sep 61
In the RCAF Softball Championships, played at Downsview, St. Sylvestre placed third with a record of three wins and two defeats.
25 Sep 61
Sgt. Matthews awarded Canadian Forces Decoration.
3 Oct 61
A group of radio, television and newspaper men were given a briefing and a tour of the unit.
7 Oct 61
For the second year a Regional Fire Convention was held at this unit. RCAF personnel demonstrated crash and rescue procedures. A fire fighting competition, with seven teams competing, was won by the RCAF team.
9 Oct 71
The annual Telecommunication Staff visit was accomplished by S/L Sansoucy of ADCHQ.
10 Oct 61
S/L WJ Stacey left the unit on exchange duty to Montgomery AFB, Alabama. The Station Ground Search and Rescue party was called on to search for a man lost south of Thetford Mines. After an all night search, LAC Vienneau found the man asleep in the woods.
25 Oct 61
M&I Semi-annual audit board completed.
1 Nov 61
FS S Shenfield was commissioned with the rank of Flying Officer.
12 Nov 61
A Flight of RCAF personnel, commanded by F/O Robbins, took part in Armistice Day Parade at Ste. Marie.
Signed by:
(EW Smith) W/C
CO RCAF Station St. Sylvestre