Stephenville, NF

Subject: Historical Report, RCS: 1-AF-D2A (64-1)

To: Commander,
64^th Air Division Defense,
Pepperrell Air Force Base

Morale at this squadron continues to remain high. Much time and effort was spent during this reporting period to establish a true Christmas spirit at Table Mountain. A large tree was erected in the center of the squadron area, and the dining hall was decorated extensively, as most other buildings. On Christmas Eve the special services section placed Christmas stockings, filled with candy and small gifts, at the door of each man. Also, each section had a Christmas party, on 22 December, a party was held for the whole squadron.

So far, the winter weather here in Newfoundland has been extremely mild. There was a bad wind storm, however, recording gusts up to 100 knots. It did no damage to the squadron.

Great emphasis has been placed on fire prevention. Lt. Paul A Kankowski, Unit Fire Marshal, conducted a very comprehensive fire prevention and protection school. This school consisted of formal instruction and demonstration in the correct use of all types of fire extinguishers located in the squadron, preventative measures, and specific procedures to be followed in case of fire. All personnel were given a written test at the conclusion of the school. Several fire drills have been held and termed successful by the Commander. It is believed that during this reporting period, all practicable measures to insure prevention of a fire at the 640^th.

The strength of the squadron as of 31 December 1954 was as follows: Officers 18; Airmen 161.

As of 31 December 1954, the key personnel were as follows:

Orderly Room:

During this period the OR has functioned most adequately. There have been no problems worthy of mention.

Reassigned to the ZI was S/Sgt. Joseph F Koeing who served as Sergeant Major. The loss was regretted very much, however, he was competently replaced by A/2C Hessie F Cabell. A/1C Clenard L Stewart, AFSC – 73251, was assigned to the OR.

Training & Information:

During this period, the squadron was extremely fortunate in securing a University of Maryland professor to conduct a class in college English on the Site. His class was held once a week. The initial enrolment consisted of eighteen (18) airmen but unfortunately, before the class was finished, attendance was reduced to approximately ten (10) airmen. It is not anticipated that we will be fortunate enough to secure any further classes of this nature in the future.

Approximately two-hundred (200) catalogues, issued by various colleges in the United States, have been obtained and are now on hand as reference material for airmen contemplating return to civilian life and college. Additional United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) courses have been obtained to add to our already large supply. These courses are available to all men of the squadron. They may obtain these books on a hand receipt and keep them during their stay. This Educational Library has helped the airmen tremendously in his requirements and educational activities.

During this period, this squadron began to publish its own information bulletins. Approximately two (2) Bulletins a month are published. They are posted conspicuously in the Squadron area on specially constructed Information Bulletin Boards. The information used in their contents is gathered from material supplies by the Internal Information Division Office of Information Services Office, Secretary of the Air Force. Increased emphasis was given to hometown news releases from this squadron.

Medical Section:

The health of this unit has been satisfactory during this period.

Everyday medical problems with which we are confronted would be similar to any other unit of this type and site.

There were two accidents that required hospitalization during this period. One was a simple fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the left foot, occurring while the airman was on pass in Stephenville, caused by striking side of foot on a rock. The other accident was caused on a hunting trip. An airman was lost for approximately 36 hours and suffered over-exposure to cold, and minor case of frostbite and dehydration. The patient recovered completely.

The most common medical problems with which we are confronted are upper respiratory infections. During November one patient was admitted and transferred to Ernest Harmon AFB, for pneumonia following an appendectomy. Other medical problems that arise are: common colds, minor lacerations, bruises, sprains, and minor skin disorders.

Medical staffing is as follows - The ration of medical personnel to unit strength is three medical personnel to 179, or one (1) medic to every sixty (60) men. At present we have one 90270 and two 90250’s. One of the 90250’s arrived from the ZI in November. The personnel here are qualified and are receiving further training in their respective AFSC’s.

Professional Services – Preventive Medicine – Influenza inoculations were given all personnel assigned this unit with the exception of those on TDY or leave which were inoculated upon their return. Outpatient Care – The outpatient care of this medical installation is conducted in the following manner: Daily sick call is held in the morning so that patients who are referred to our support hospital will arrive at that installation in time to attend the regular morning sick call of that medical unit. Patients will be seen at any time at this medical installation, and need not appear only at a certain time of day.

Summary and Conclusion – It is the opinion of the medical staff of this unit that the medical services program is working very well, regarding our medical mission within this unit and to the Air Force. The medical service program is offering immediate medical service to the personnel of this unit under semi-isolated conditions.

BX:

The 640^th BX, a branch of the Ernest Harmon Air Force Base exchange, continues to operate efficiently. Mr. Pierce Cashin, is the manager, and airmen working in off duty time assist him in both the BX, and the Snack Bar. The Snack Bar is proving to be a large factor in the morale of this unit.

Air Police Section:

During the last reporting period the Air Police section was terrifically weak, personnel wise. However, this situation has been alleviated by the assignment of six (6) additional Air Policemen during this period.

There were no vehicle accidents during this period, and behaviour was considered excellent. However, a Ritina camera was stolen during December and the case remains unsolved.

One (1) civilian, a contractor employee, apparently committed suicide in October by apparently hanging himself in the contractor’s camp located on the Site. Since the victim was a Canadian citizen, his case was immediately turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Direction Center:

During the month of October the Operations Section carried a total of 2184 tracks. Of this total 112 were unknown, 48 intercepts were attempted against unknowns, 42 intercepts were completed. Four intercepts were completed by N-26. The remainder were ID by correlation or other means.

In the month of October we switched from CW to RTTY. A direct line was established to the Comm Center from the Direction Center, thus speeding up the flow of technical traffic from our Early Warning Station (N-26).

During the month three 1641’s were assigned to the section, 2^nd Lt. Charles H Penny, 2^nd Lt. Casimir I Ciborek, and 2^nd Lt. Burt W Eltzroth, Jr. However, Lt. Eltzroth has since been assigned to Unit Supply, due to the rotation of Lt. Ehmen, the former supply officer.

The Operations section received one promotion to A/1C and four to A/2C. Gains and losses in the section were three gains and seven losses for the month.

In November we carried 2827 tracks. Of the total tracks carried 86 were unknown, 36 intercepts were attempted, of these 27 were successful. The remainder were ID by correlation or other means.

In the month of November the Operations Section assumed operational control of Net 54 (voice). This enables us to have direct contact with Gander (AC&W Squadron) and Torbay (AC&W Squadron). It speeds up our overlap telling and enables us to relay traffic to St. Anthony through Gander.

Gains and losses for the month of November were 2 gains and losses.

During this period a combination lock was installed on the operations building door. This allowed the section to have another man present for duty, in the Air Direction Center operations.

During the month of December the Direction Center carried a total of 2322 tracks. Of the total tracks carried, 88 were unknown, 31 intercepts were recorded against the unknowns and 24 of these were successful. The remaining tracks were ID by correlation or other means.

Gains and losses for the month of December were four gains and 6 losses. The Operations Section received 2 promotions to S/Sgt., one to A/1C, and four to A/2C.

During the reporting period the Operations Section participated in several SAC movements. The newly assigned Directors have become more efficient through these missions and more experienced with Air Defense system functions.

Communications:

Radio Maintenance – Even though this section has been operating under a restriction for some time, due to lack of trained personnel, the resulting maintenance performed has been of a very high quality. This section has operated at less than 25% of authorized strength during this period, with three radio operators as OJT’s for this type work. Even though these three airmen had no fundamental electrical training, this was given to them by the Philco Technical Instructor and they have been able to handle quite a lot of normal and preventative maintenance.

Due to high winds and icing conditions maintenance of antennas has been very high. UHF antennas (30 each) have all been taken off the poles and modified for moisture drainage. This was done mainly by Canadian Marconi Company., but military personnel have aided them quite a bit in the removal and replacement of these antennas. The upkeep of the HF antennas has required constant maintenance to assure communications.

During this period, all HF nets were changed from voice to RTTY, with one exception. One new net (voice) was established between this station and two other stations. This net was turned over to the operations section entirely for operational control.

An interim acceptance was performed on the LF installation, but aside from tests, the only use of this equipment was a test, which proved a definite interference to other stations. The use of LF will furnish a paralleling net to the presently installed HF nets. Further aid in communication will be the "Pole Vault" installation (microwave) which is still being installed by Bell Telephone Company. Even though this organization will not take care of this equipment, and it will probably not be under our control, some of the communications maintenance personnel have spent a lot of their off duty time becoming familiar with this equipment.

Wire Maintenance – The wire maintenance crews during this period have aided radio maintenance and Comm Center by furnishing personnel at the switchboard and by assisting on antenna repair that requires pole climbing. They have also aided during power failures.

Personnel assigned wire maintenance have AFS such as Carrier Repeaterman, inside and outside wire maintenance. With two exceptions these airmen have cross trained themselves in such a manner, that they are familiar with and can do maintenance on all wire equipment used by this organization. Two airmen have accepted some fundamental training on teletypewriter maintenance. These same airmen have had two weeks training by support base personnel on cable splicing and lead sleeve wiring.

Minor changes in the NE-611 telephone plant have made full use of the flexibility of this system. This system is designed in such a manner that makes almost any kind of communications of an inside plant possible, and wire maintenance personnel’s suggestions and actions has produced exactly as operations are required.

Communication Center and Radio Operations – Operations from CW to RTTY was completely changed over during the month of October. CW Operations has, since then, been used as a backup to RTTY. This changeover placed the radio operators with the duty of tuning receivers only.

A shortage of Comm Center specialists has required a temporary consolidation of Comm Center and Radio Operations. This has allowed cross training of radio operators in Comm Center, and has taught some Comm Center personnel to become familiar with the tuning of radio receivers. The Comm Center has only 30% of authorized strength and 24 hour operation is impossible without this consolidation. Since close coordination is required between Radio Operations and the Comm Center during RTTY operations, this move has been for the better. Six airmen have been upgraded from 3 to 5 level in these fields, and four NCO’s have fulfilled requirements and passed 7 level tests during this period.

A patching system has been designed and installed for RTTY that allows the use of landlines across the island during lack of contact on HF RTTY. This patch is made through assistance of a AACS circuit and allows distant station to control our radio transmitters or receivers, and allows our station to control their equipment. This patch system has reduced outage time, considerable, for teletype nets.

Crypto and Teletype Maintenance – Rotation of the Crypto mechanic in this squadron has required the teletype maintenance man to obtain a crypto clearance and OJT as crypto mechanic. Since this man is the only teletype mechanic, also, he has been charged with the responsibility of maintaining fifteen teletype machines and crypto maintenance. This airman has been subject to 24 hour call seven days a week and without benefit of leave or passes. This type of airman performance is considered to be outstanding.

Crypto Operations – Violations and discrepancies have been at their lowest in Crypto during this period. Two operators assigned have required each airman to be 12 hours on and 12 hours off.

During this period, Captain Anthony R Nevelle rotated to CLUS for release from active duty. Captain Bernard Dick, Jr. assumed the duties of Communications Officer and Custodian Crypto material with Lt. Anthony Scarpace as alternate Custodian Crypto material.

MARS – The building which presently houses the MARS station was purchased with donations of some interested personnel of the squadron. All work was done on this building during hours of voluntary personnel.

Operations wise the station is in excellent condition. The signal transmitter leaves little to be desired and is considered to be the outstanding signal on the island, both on Ham hands and MARS frequencies. An antenna is being purchased through Squadron funds for better reception. This station handles a considerable amount of MARS traffic and almost all of the phone patch traffic. The phone patch presently in use was designed and built by an amateur of this organization, and it has proven to be very efficient in operation.

Requests for schematic, from other Hams and MARS stations, have been numerous.

Radar Maintenance:

Lt. Anthony G Scarpace was assigned as Radar maintenance Officer.

EW kit was officially reported into the net on 14 October 1954.

AN/TPS-502 was reported into the net on 14 October 1954.

A diesel was installed in tower number 3 as a source of power to the 6B and 502 radomes in case of emergency. Due to the lack of an alternate source of power in the 502 tower, an automatic switch over device was incorporated so that loss of Tech Buss in the 502 tower will be automatically compensated for if the Buda is in operation.

A warning system was installed in the 502 power circuit to alert the maintenance personnel the moment power fails in this system. The warning device is in the form of a buzzer which rings in the maintenance room thus eliminating the possibility of loss of power in this remotely located tower without the knowledge of the maintenance personnel.

A modification was installed in the 6B pressure system to alert the maintenance personnel when the pressure in the dome drops below 2.2 inches of water. This was done to supplement the device which already exists which stops the antenna when the pressure drops to 1.9 inches of water. The new device permits the section to trouble shoot the pressure system prior to the time that the pressure drops low enough to stop the antenna.

A concentrated effort has been made this period to improve the MTI operation in conjunction with the EW operation.

The AN/MPS-4 was turned in to BASO for return to Rome for depot overhaul.

The two radomes were painted during this period and as a result the domes appear to be in good condition.

Two airmen in the section were promoted to A/1C (Deroy and Holzberg).

Four 250 watt heating lamps were installed in the light sockets in the AN/CPS-5C tower. Indications are that they are very effective in keeping the components dry and maintaining reasonable temperatures in the tower thus enhancing working conditions.

A modification was installed in the AN/CPS-6B pressure system to provide a source of power direct from the Base Buss in the event of component failure in the pressure control box or to facilitate work on this unit without the interruption of power to this dome.

A new shelter was constructed for the PU-39 power unit for the AN/CPS-5C. This was necessitated by the turn in of the MPS-4 van which formerly housed this power unit.

The Philco trainer was received during this period and should be instrumental in a better OJT program.

Considerable trouble was experienced in the de-icing banks in the 6B dome due to the fact that the circuit breakers were set to trip at 70 amps and as a result the banks were continually dropping out during icing conditions. This situation was alleviated by setting all the breakers to trip at 100 amps.

A device was installed on the operations door to permit personnel knowing the combination to open the door and to warn personnel in the building when some one not in possession of the combination was trying to enter the building. This releases the section of the responsibility of assigning a man to monitor traffic in an out of the door thus aiding slightly in the serious manpower situation which exists in the section.

Training continues at a reasonable rate. Training classes are now scheduled during the swing shift to eliminate the frequent interruptions experienced during the day shift.

Unit Supply:

Personnel – Incoming Personnel – 2^nd Lt. Eltzroth, A/3C White, A/3C Robinson. Outgoing Personnel – S/Sgt. Wheatly, A/1C Heatly.

During this period the new UAL was received and is now being checked and brought up to date with the records (AF Form 1120’s). On a pamphlet from 64^th Air Division we received word to change all UME equipment. This work will be completed in the near future.

The Material Officer was moved from the Tech Supply Building to Unit Supply Warehouse. The bins in the warehouse have been re-warehoused under the supply officers supervision.

A large amount of items have been turned into the base due to unusable condition. New items have been requisitioned to replace the old items. Also, requisitions are being made to complete the authorization and requirement of the new UAL.

A physical inventory is now in progress. All items will be checked before the account is signed over to the new supply officer.

Work is still being done on the weapons room such as cleaning weapons, and getting racks made for machine guns and private weapons. New weapons cards were made and issued to the personnel of this squadron.

Technical Supply:

1^st Lt. Allen M Kushner, assistant Electronics Officer is presently working in Tech Supply in an attempt to re-warehouse technical supplies and to effect closer coordination with BASO. So far, the results of this effort have been very favorable.

Dining Hall:

The Dining Hall had four new cooks assigned to the section and three cooks rotate back to the ZI during the reporting period.

Three months rations were drawn for the Dining Hall during this period and the warehouses were rearranged to make it more convenient for storing rations.

A telephone was installed in the freezing room of cold storage warehouse to prevent the possibility of a man being locked in the room with no way of getting out.

Fire extinguisher locator and evacuation plans were posted in conspicuous places in the Dry Storage warehouse, and in the Dining Hall during this period.

Motor Pool:

T/Sgt. Graford Edwards was assigned from the ZI and assumed duties as the Motor Pool NCOIC. T/Sgt. Hoke was assigned TDY to the base Motor Pool for the purpose of supervising operation maintenance.

The Motor Pool is extremely short of personnel. Consequently, each section necessarily is required to furnish drivers for supply trips. However, some additional help has been obtained by newly assigned personnel who were waiting on security clearances before going to work in the operations section.

Other than the personnel shortage, there are no outstanding problems in the Motor Pool.

For the Commander:

Joseph B McGinty, Jr.,
2^nd Lt, USAF,
Adjutant