St. Sylvestre, QC

1958 – Narrative Report – National Archives of Canada


Narrative Report
RCAF Station St. Sylvestre
1 Dec 58 to 31 May 59

1 Dec 58 to 31 May 59

From the period 1 Dec 58 to 31 May 59, RCAF Station St. Sylvestre maintained its GCI role and participated in the majority of exercises experienced by #1 Sector. There were no changes in operational equipment during this time and the operational staff remained the same but increased in strength with the advent of new controllers, adding to the units capabilities.

There was a considerable reduction in the number of intercepts with USAF fighters who were employed in testing and operating with the SAGE network south of this unit. Exercises employing more unknown factors were practiced with the CF100 Squadrons giving more realistic training to controllers and aircrew and more impetus was placed on controller training to improve efficiency.

On May 5, 1959, F/O WM Henderson, Surveillance Officer proceeded to RCAF Station Parent with Surveillance Officers from #1, 2 and 3 Sectors to see the vertical plexi glass tote boards and one floor plan incorporated at that unit, and to bring back photographs and the plans for the installation of a similar system to be installed at St. Sylvestre and which will soon be in operation.

During the period 1 Dec 58 to 31 May 59, practice intercepts increased and the planned exercises with results and reasons for missed intercepts are listed in Appendix "A"

6 Jan 59

A complete SOAF inspection and cash count was conducted by F/L Lapointe from ADC St. Hubert.

26 Feb 59

S/L Larcombe and S/L Millage arrived from St. Huberts on a SOPA inspection.

27 Feb 59

W/C Parks SOSup from ADC visited the unit. RCAF Station St. Sylvestre held their Winter Carnival with participation in all winter sports culminating in a Carnival Dance on the 28 Feb. Guests of honour were W/C Middleton and S/L Fowler from 425 Squadron.

18 Mar 59

Arrival of (CGE) Contractor for overhaul of Radar from period 18 Mat to 2 Apr.

23 Mar 59

Reporting date for F/O Rene from Cold Lake to take over duties from F/L Merchant as SSupO.

1 Apr 59

Changeover to new CE accounting procedures and administration. Move to new quarters in CE extension and enlargement of CE stores facilities.

3 Apr 59

"Radar" Volleyball team represented St. Sylvestre in Bagotville for RCAF Volleyball Championships taking second place.

16 Apr 59

F/O E McKillop TOS from 61 AC&W Squadron Metz to replace F/O CE Cruickshank as PAdO.

17 Apr 59

F/L DL Turner TOS from RCAF Station Cold Lake to replace F/L EA Seitz as CAdO.

21 Apr 59

Vulnerability test against Station Security Defences. Team from ADCHQ attempted to infiltrate. TX site captured and knocked out.

25 Apr 59

St. Sylvestre hockey team attended banquet in Quebec and received trophy as league winners.

29 Apr 59

First Station Recreation and information bulletin published.

 

Appendix "A"

 

2 Dec 58

Exercise "Shake Up" with 3 MAs and 3 MIs. 2 EW and 1 AEF.

8 Dec 58

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 6 MIs. 5 AEF, 1 CE.

15 Dec 58

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 2 MAs and 8 MIs. Nil reasons given for MIs.

30 Dec 58

Exercise "Main Frame" with 4 MAs.

9 Jan 59

Exercise "Cold Wind" with 2 MAs, 6 MIs. 2 EU and 4 late scrambles.

14 Jan 59

Exercise "Big Blast" with 2 MAs.

26 Jan 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 1 MA, 4 MIs. Late scramble.

6 Feb 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 1 MA and 7 MIs. CE.

12 Feb 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 2 MAs and 2 MIs. Safety reasons.

17 Feb 59

Exercise "Two Ton" with 3 MIs. ECM.

18 Feb 59

Exercise "Big Blast" with 2 MAs and 2 MIs. CE.

2 Mar 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 3 MAs and 1 MI. Target evasion.

5 Mar 59

Exercise "reflex Yuletide" with 6 MAs and 1 MI. AEF.

6 Mar 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 2 MAs and 2 MIs. Late commitment.

9 Mar 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 6 MIs. AEF and CE.

20 Mar 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 3 MAs and 4 MIs. AEF and PE.

29 Mar 59

Exercise "Big Blast" with 5 MAs.

3 Apr 59

Exercise "Dawn Dance" with 2 MAs and 6 MIs. Fighters out of position.

6 Apr 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 2 MAs and 2 MIs. CE.

7 Apr 59

Exercise "Two Ton" with 8 MAs.

8 Apr 59

ECM Exercise with 7 MAs and 7 MIs. 5 ECM and 2 CE.

13 Apr 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 6 MAs and 6 MIs. CE and AEF.

15 Apr 59

Exercise "Big Blast" with 2 MAs and 2 MIs. CE.

17 Apr 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 6 MAs and 2 MIs. AEF and CE.

23 Apr 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 4 MIs. Evasive action and safety reasons..

28 Apr 59

Exercise "Cold Wind", 4 MAs and 11 MIs. Three safety reasons, three CE, three GEF and two late commitments.

4 May 59

Exercise "Chain Shot" with 1 MA and 4 MIs. CE and AEF.

5 May 59

Exercise "Hot Shot" with 2 MAs.

6 May 59

Exercise "Big Blast" with 2 MAs and 6 MIs. AEF and CE.

20 May 59

Exercise "Big Blast" with 5 MAs and 1 MI. AEF.

27 May 59

Exercise "Cold Wind" with 11 MAs and 6 MIs. AEF and CE.

Signed by:

(JHL Lecomte) W/C
CO RCAF Station St. Sylvestre