NARRATIVE REPORT
RCAF STATION ST. SYLVESTRE
1 Dec 61 to 31 May 62
1 Dec 61 to 31 May 62
During the period, RCAF Station St. Sylvestre maintained its role as an AC&W Squadron in the Pinetree Line, taking part in all live and synthetic exercises. On some of their exercises, the unit came under the operational control of Bangor NORAD Sector. With the phasing-out of the CF-100 Squadrons at Bagotville and St. Hubert in 1961, the intercept directors maintained their proficiency by controlling USAF interceptors. The knowledge and proficiency of the FtrCops was increased with the beginning of a Continuation Training Program. Their programs consists of lectures, examinations and on-the-job proficiency checks and have greatly increased the operational efficiency of the unit.
Evidence of the changing role of the unit in the near future, was the completion of the SAGE Annex and the GATR installations. Much of the electronic equipment for these installations arrived.
Work carried on with the leveling and installing facilities at the additional PMQ site. Twenty-five double-trailer units will be moved into the area when the work is completed.
During the period, a number of station personnel were transferred to units which are just becoming operational. Eight of the operation staff officers received transfers effective during the period or shortly thereafter.
The unit operated efficiently and successfully during the period 1 Dec 61 to 31 May 62.
25 Dec 61
Officers entertained the Senior NCOs before serving Christmas dinner to the Airmen.
8 Jan 62
Recreation staff organized compulsory 5BX and XBX for single airmen and airwomen.
22 Jan 62
A complete audit was conducted by F/L Stewart of SOAF branch ADCHQ.
24 Jan 62
RCAF Station St. Sylvestre awarded the Grand Award in the military diversion of the United States National Fire Protection Association Competition and the Grand Award in the Canadian National Fire Protection Association Competition. Both awards are in recognition of excellence in the field of fire safety education and performance.
26 Jan 62
A bus load of personnel from CARDE, Quebec City arrived for a Sports Nite.
16 to 18 Feb 62
Winter Carnival 1962 - The unit held a festive air for the big weekend of the winter season. With "Bon Homme Carnivale" leading the way, all station personnel partook in the fun and games. In addition to the Inter-Mess Competitions in broomball, bob-sledding, and snow-shoeing, the QRA Ski Meet was held. The highlight of the weekend was the crowning of LAW Micheline Godbout as Queen of the Carnival.
20 Feb 62
F/O AJ "Bud" Fraser was promoted to F/L.
24 Feb 62
W/C EW Smith presented the McKillop trophy to LAW Gerry Deenan. The trophy is awarded to the airwoman in the Province of Quebec who is the most active in organizing and participating in AW sports.
28 Feb 62
The RCAF Canucks won the local hockey championship. Other teams in the league were the RCAF Flyers, St. Patrice and St. Sylvestre.
3 to 9 Mar 62
St. Sylvestre took part in the QRA Men’s Basketball Tournament at St. Hubert.
10 and 11 Mar 62
The QRA Badminton Competition at Bagotville, the station team placed third, missing second by only one point.
13 Mar 62
G/C JC Hovey, Sector Commander, Montreal NORAD Sector visited the unit.
21 Mar 62
A/V/M WR MacBrien inspected the unit. A/V/M MacBrien presented Canadian Forces Decorations to WO2 Herron, Sgt. Mathews, Cpl. Walsh and LAC Brown.
1 Apr 62
Airmen’s Promotions: Cpl. Arsenault and Cpl. Maksymetz promoted to the rank of Sergeant and LAC Kiely and LAC A MacDonald promoted to the rank of Corporal.
2 Apr 62
Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion were presented to five station personnel.
9 Apr 62
A unit cash count and bank reconciliation was conducted by F/O Kellet of SOAF, ADCHQ.
25 May 62
Honourable Raymond O’Hurly, Minister of Defence Production was honoured guest of the Officer’s Mess Spring Formal.
Signed by:
(EW Smith) W/C
CO RCAF Station St. Sylvestre