Stephenville, Labrador

640^th AC&W Squadron
APO 864, New York, New York

John Aitken Jr., Lieutenant Colonel

Administration:

During this period this unit had three (3) new personnel assigned and lost four (4). Three to other units in the 64^th Air Division (Defense) and one man returned to the ZI for hospitalization. The Executive Officer, 1^st Lt. Walter L Smith was reassigned to Headquarters 64^th Air Division (Defense). Our replacement as Executive Officer is Captain Charles F Letsche. During this period the section processed forty-two men for reassignment and one man for reenlistment.

AIO:

A emergency shelter at the mid-way point of the road to the Site was installed in November. This shelter is furnished with fuel stove and telephone in case of stranded passengers and vehicles in the event of bad weather. As a result of bad weather conditions prevailing, exterior modifications of the Site has been hampered. Much time has been utilized by this section in snow removal, towing of truck vehicles and keeping the main road to the Site open.

No major accidents were encountered during this period. The drills were carried out accordingly and the ambulance is in top running condition.

Projects to be undertaken by AIO will be a complete interior renovation of the operations building and the building of an addition to the operations building. There were no large decreases in personnel strength to hamper its operation.

Communications:

During this period, the communications section has been in the process of installing twenty-six pair cables for the Tactical Mission Data Board located in the Operations Section. With this circuit connected with our Early Warning Sites and the Control Center at Division, there will be a quick and accurate display of Mission Results and Track Recognition. This information is of vital importance both here and at the Control Center, in order to carry out Air Defense Functions. It is hoped to be completed within the next two months.

A unique intercom system has been installed with a master station at the Transmitter building and with slave stations at the receiver building, operations and wire maintenance.

Due to the high winds and icing conditions encountered lately, six HF Antennas were down and there were power failures affecting the transmitter and receiver buildings. All replacements and maintenance was handled expediently by local personnel.

As for the personnel strength in this section, there were more losses than gains. However the high efficiency of this section was not affected to any high degree.

Operations:

Operations is presently awaiting the completion of new communications circuits to improve its combat readiness to develop more qualified intercept directors. Training of personnel has been improving with satisfactory results. Much of it has been accomplished through practical experience.

As a result of the recent Tac-Evaluation, suggestions made by this team are being implemented. This is all done to conform with ADC Standards. Navigational assistance to air traffic was in constant demand and the routine identification of tracks penetrating our complex was carried out with a minimum of unknown aircraft.

Group, Division and team training exercises went on daily, weather permitting. During the month of January, these directors will accompany the Fighter Squadron to Tyndall for the Missile meet. Information gained there will be put into practical use by the section.

Lt. Colonel John Aitken Jr., Squadron Commander of the 640^th, attended a two-day conference on the System-Training Program, at Santa Monica, California. A three week course on STP is scheduled to be attended, by two of the Officers and one NCO.

The mission of the 640^th ACWRON, has been carried out at its best, by experienced and trained personnel and equipment available.

Radar Maintenance:

Radar Maintenance has been operating at a peak proficiency of only 6% of either PM or EM charged to them. This was done with a shortage of personnel due to early outs, and reassignments. No replacements reported in during this period.

For the next three months the section will be assigned the task of installing the T-2 Trainer. This equipment will be used in conjunction with the 15-J-1C to train the Weapons Directors. Forecasted also for the next three months will be the overhaul of the VPA-35 scopes by the Marconi Company.

Supply:

Supply has been operating with limited personnel and no replacements for its losses. Once Officer and four Airmen are presently assigned to the section. Though weak in personnel strength they have continued to operate to the best of their capabilities.

Orders have been placed for parts for the AN/VPA-35 and the AN/VPA-30. Inventory and Dry Storage buildings was completed recently. Over 1,000 documents were processed by Tech Supply. All changes of the Air Force Supply System were implemented by the section.

Supply lines between the Base and the Site were improved. However, the bad weather did affect things in some instances. It is well evident that the section has enough stock on hand to supply the Squadron in cases of emergency.

Prepared By: James H Holcomb, 1^st Lt.

John Aitken Jr., Lieutenant Colonel