Stephenville, Labrador

640^th ACWRON
APO 864, New York, NY

Charles E Hall, Lieutenant Colonel

Radio Telephone – 1 each FTA-13 Telephone Plant, 10 each M-19 Teletype Machines, 1 each M-28 Teletype Machines, Classified GRC-27 A/G UHF Radio, Classified GRT-3 A/G UHF Radio, Classified FRT-502 A/G VHF Radio Transmitter, Classified VRG-60 A/G VHF Radio Receiver.
Radar – 1 each AN/FPS-20A, 1 each AN/FPS-6B, 1 each AN/GPX-7A IFF/SIF, 1 each AN/GPA-30, 6 each 0A-175 PPI, 2 each UPA-35 PPI, 8 each 0A-99 PPI, 1 each AN/GPS-T2A trainer, 1 each AN/GPS-T-4 trainer.

Summer, now, seems to be just around the corner, a recent Spring type, heavy rainfall has melted a large amount of the snow and the present temperatures are high for this time of year. This area has experienced a mild winter in comparison to past years. The squadron is eagerly looking forward to continuing this beautification project started last year by voluntary help. This includes new lawns, plants, trees and shrubs.

Operations:

No major problems were encountered. A 64^th Air Division Tactical Evaluation was conducted 19 through 21 March. The results were satisfactory. A workload summary shows that 3,733 flight plans were received for a daily average of 41.47. We also processed 155 tracks daily. 12 System Training Missions were conducted with excellent results. Captain Marvin E Mullin, Captain Roger D Tarr, and SM/Sgt. Raymond E Borum were key losses, while CWO (W-2) LaMoyne Sands was the only key gain.

Personnel:

The personnel picture has remained very good during this period and we have enjoyed almost a full complement of personnel. The Goose Air Defense Sector Manpower Office conducted a survey to determine the feasibility of converting some Military UMD spaces to civilian. The results of this survey are not known at this time. In the promotion area, Lt. Kenneth L Fraze, our new Communications Officer, was informed enroute to this station, that he had been promoted to 1^st Lt. Effective 19 Feb 62. Airmen promotions effective 1 Feb 62, are as follows: to S/Sgt. – Eugene R Soucy; to A/1C, the following A/2C – Thomas A Clayton, Horace H Hamilton, Jr., William R Faulkner, David G Kellogg, George E Leppa, Frank K Mohon, Ronald O Pinn, Robert M Piazza, James S Takara, Rodney O Pelson. The following A/3C were promoted to A/2C: Ronald C Butturini, Richard A Hayden and Bruce R Lear.

Equipment Performance:

Depot level modifications in both the AN/FPS-20 and AN/FPS-6B radars was accomplished by Canadian Marconi. Under project ""id Gloves", a committee was formed to investigate the authorization and use of test equipment. Their findings and recommendations were forwarded to GADS. Mr. Frazer of Canadian Marconi, arrived to check on the squeal in the variable rod mechanism of the AN/FPS-6B radar. His recommendation of changing a major assembly was beyond the capability of squadron maintenance personnel. Canadian Marconi gave technical assistance in installing a pulse transformer for channel one of the AN/FPS-20 radar. Facility Acceptance Certificate (AFTO Form 87) was completed on the new CW 396A/GPS Rigid Radome for the AN/FPS-20 as directed by GADS. Canadian Marconi completed an overhaul of A/G UHF antenna. Excess AN/FTA-13 equipment was forwarded to Depot for overhaul and then shipped to the 641^st ACWRON. A total of 31 breaks occurred in the TACAN power line due to heavy coating of ice on the lines. Harmon AFB (SAC) supported the squadron Civil Engineer Section in de-icing the overhead lines to prevent additional failures.

Facilities:

The atmosphere of the squadron dining hall has been brightened by the purchase of long playing records and colored pictures. Also, a new steam table has been received for the serving line. Project "Shape Up" continues with the dining hall, CE Office, Communications Office, Motor Pool Office and the Special Services Office being remodelled. The interior of the operations building also received a coat of new paint.

Maintenance and Supply Problems:

A complete screening of all document control registers, completed documents and suspense cards was accomplished to insure that all documents were on hand and properly filed. Budget requirements for the 4^th quarter, FY 62, were reviewed with budgeting personnel from Harmon AFB and Goose Air Defense Sector. Project "Money Tree" has surged ahead with a present participation of 141%. The biggest project in Tech Supply was ordering additional spares for the T-4 Trainer. There were approximately 250 line items ordered for this piece of equipment. Much effort has been expended by unit supply personnel to have the UAL reflect correct and current information. During this reporting period, the squadron vehicles were driven a total of 16,533 miles, mostly in inclement weather, without an accident.

Awards and Decorations:

The squadron received the proverbial "feather in its cap" when the squadron dining facility received the 64^th Air Division Award in Category Two for the Hennessesy Trophy.

During the 64^th Air Division Commander’s Conference, Lt. Colonel Charles E Hall, our Commander, was presented with a Certificate of Achievement for outstanding Fire Prevention for the period July through December 1961.

Lt. George T Deken was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as Intercept Director, Reno Air Defense Sector, Stead Air Force Base, Nevada. (see the citation at the end of this report)

Results of Inspection:

M/Sgt. Triplett of Goose Air Defense Sector, visited this squadron for the purpose of making a fire inspection. The results were satisfactory. Captain Hunter and Mr. Nicholson, Goose Air Defense Sector, conducted an inspection of the Power Plant. Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Tiffany, 64^th Air Division, visited the Civil Engineer Section on a follow up inspection on the IG Report.

Morale:

It is estimated that morale at Stephenville Air Station is at a very high level. This is noticeable in the manner with which the preliminary mission has been accomplished and the pride that has been displayed in maintaining the squadron in inspection order.

Charles E Hall, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF