Beaverbank, NS

Section II – Commanding Officer

The following is an outline of the activities of the Commanding Officer for this period.

RCAF station Beaverbank has been subject to no changes in either its role or its organization in the past six months. 22 AC&W Squadron is the only unit located on this station and no major changes have taken place in this squadron’s establishment.

The period covered by this diary was basically one of routine occurrences and no outstanding accomplishments or functions of particular public interest occurred. One event that drew rather exceptional interest from the local newspapers was a bicycle rodeo held on the unit on 14 Sept 57. This activity was designed to interest the children, and at the same time make them safety conscious by learning the rules of the road and practice safe driving habits, was sponsored by the PMQ council.

The occasion of F/O Rehder’s and F/O Wach’s marriage drew a great deal of interest. This with the retirement ceremonies for F/L Little, the former CAdO and normal mess functions made the officer’s mess very active in the fall. Many new honorary members were made and their interest in the mess has been fair.

Monthly station dances in the Recreation Hall still remain to be most successful, and Don Messer’s orchestra still draws the largest attendance of all the local name bands. In all, the station, and Messes provided excellent recreational facilities during this period. No attempt was made to show moving pictures since they were discontinued in May.

The accommodation problems have improved considerably in the latter half of 1957. The extension to the officer’s and NCO’s quarters and Fire Hall were handed to the station in September and October respectively, and alleviated considerable congestion in the Mobile Equipment Section and the Airmen’s Quarters. The completion of the Administration Building and the ME Maintenance building is expected in March.

The operational status of the station remains the same with the exception that a systems trainee has been installed. Unfortunately the training films and synthetic data has not been produced to put this piece of equipment into practice. Maintenance and operation have been kept at a satisfactory level, although the operational strength is still under establishment.

Ground training remains active, and although the high percentage of passes recorded in the last diary is unexpected, the results should prove satisfactory.

With the exception of the ME, ADC Inspection reports all were considered satisfactory or better. This includes the Deputy Ministers Audit. The ME problem can be traced mainly to numerous changes in the NCO’s in charge over the past year and two small a staff for the commitments. Now with an increased establishment and facilities, there should be no reason for anything but a satisfactory report in the future.

The following is an outline of the activities of the sections under command of the CTechO.

Mr. A Bishop and party of workmen from Firestone Tire and Rubber Company completed repainting of the radomes.

Mr. T Lajeuneusse visited this unit to carry out an inspection of the SICARD snow blower.

Mr. RB Able of DCEF (AFHQ) and Mr. NS Morrison of Defence Construction Limited, Halifax visited this unit to check on progress of new constructions. MFS RS Powell and a crew of three airmen arrived from ADCHQ to evaluate the AN/FPS-502 screening angle.

FS MJ MacIntyre, Sgt. LW Masterton and three airmen arrived to conduct a DME (AFHQ) Electronic Trades Training Study. The estimated duration of this study is four to six weeks.

Mr. P Gagne of DCL (Ottawa) visited this unit to inspect new construction.

WO1 C Grovestine of ADCHQ carried out an annual inspection of the VME section.

Mr. Ian Todd of Canadian General Electric arrived with eight technicians and commenced overhaul of the primary radar equipment.

The VME section establishment was amended by the addition of 1 Cpl. and 3 AC OpMME, and the addition of 1 AC ME Tech. During the month of June work commenced on additional sports and recreational facilities. A new softball field is under construction. Contracts for sodding, seeding and building a backstop have been demanded. Work on a sports track field has also commenced.

Sgt. RA Irving of ADCHQ visited this unit to carry out an inspection of the Central Heating Plant. Mr. WA Campbell of Defence Construction Limited visited this unit to discuss roads and grounds improvement.

The CGE party under Mr. I Todd completed the overhaul of the primary radar equipment.

W/C JF Flemming of AFHQ carried out an inspection of the supply section.

F/O AW Conrad of 2405 AC&W Squadron, Halifax was taken on strength for a two week period of summer employment. LAC RC Bouchard, ME Tech of this unit was killed in a private motor car highway accident approximately 12 miles from this unit.

F/L H McPhail and F/O D Oakley, Tech/Tel Reserve Officers of 2405 AC&W Squadron, Halifax reported for 9 days of summer duty.

Mr. R Smith and a party of nine technicians from RCA commenced overhaul of the secondary radar equipments.

Mr. AC McDonald of Maritime Tel and Tel arrived to take over the duties of assistant to the Wire Chief.

Mr. FT Moore returned to Maritime Tel and Tel upon completion of his tour of duty with the RCAF.

WO1 L Aucoin of ADCHQ visited this unit to inspect the operations building power plant. Cpl. JN McKinnon was TOS and took over the duties of NCI i/c Photo Section from Sgt. P Pangborne who was transferred to Dalhousie University, Halifax.

Mr. D Loomis of AFHQ visited this unit to inspect new construction. The AN/GPA-30 Video Mapper was received this date for incorporation into the radar system.

WO1 HB Liddle, Tel M Supt.(G) was TOS and assumed the duties of Comm O.

Mr. F Graham and Mr. D Waller of the Department of Health of the City of Halifax visited this unit to inspect the Pump and Sewage Plant.

The Deputy Minister’s Audit Board arrived this date.

The video mapper (AN/GPA-30) was installed but not connected pending receipt of cable instruction from AMCHQ.

FS AG Hellard, OpMME arrived on transfer from Station Penhold and assumed the duties of VMEO.

The new fire hall and extension to the airmen’s quarters were taken over from the contractor by Mr. RB Abel of AFHQ.

The fire section moved from the VME building into the new fire hall thereby relieving a serious space problem for both sections concerned. F/O J Cowell, Command Fire Prevention Officer, carried out an inspection of the station and fire fighting equipment.

Mr. Hermann Boltic of Union Switch and Signal Company arrived to install the AN/GPS-T2, Rand Systems Trainer.

The period 6-12 Oct was declared National Fire Prevention Week. This unit conducted an extensive publicity program with posters, leaflets, films and an "Open House" at the station fire hall.

Mr. RJ Morrison of Canadian General Electric arrived to carry out an inspection and evaluation of the UHF Antennae.

A/C EM Reyno, Deputy Air Officer Commanding Air Defence Command, visited this unit.

F/L RO Marcotte and Sgt. JAP Prefontaine of ADCHQ began the annual command supply inspection.

Mr. D Loomis and F/O L Bushel of AFHQ visited this unit to carry out an inspection of new construction.

Mr. RB Abel of AFHQ visited this unit to check on progress of new construction.

The following is an outline of the activities of the Spec/Ftr Controller section for this period.

Weekend training and interceptions carried out by Controllers of 2405 (Aux) Squadron and aircraft from Chatham. Synthetic exercise "Cabot Grape" was successful.

Jamming was experienced at this unit on "X" and "S" band.

Navy informs, that 4 aircraft are armed and are on 15 minutes for Operational requirement only.

ECM from a/c in Founder area strength one.

Seven practice interceptions completed.

ECM experienced at 300-310 degrees all condition one. Controllers of 2405 (Aux) Squadron accomplished ten interceptions with a/c from Chatham.

ECM continues at 345-360 degrees condition "one" to "four".

Jamming experienced with "Fricassee 100" ground type jammer.

ECM at 330 degrees - 60 NM condition "One".

ECM with counter measures employed.

ECM with primary equipment, back-up switched on jamming ceased. Exercise successful.

Electrical and Mechanical jamming experienced at this unit. Used anti-jamming methods not too effective.

Mohawk requested us to try and contact Venus 23 and 53, two B 47’s to determine their destination. Unable to contact Venus 23 and 53. Mohawk informs time on Exercise "Silver Lining" will be 24 hours earlier at 7 0001Z.

Sector Duty Controller reports Over Fly slated for 1630Z, 5 a/c coming from SE (Overseas) heading NW over top of 22 AC&W Squadron. Classification SRDC (Smoke Ring Delta Charlie). Intercept action may be taken.

Navy helicopter # 300 made emergency landing at Wellington Station due to fog. Attempted to fly to this unit. Forced down and crashed landed about 6 miles away due to poor visibility and weather. No casualties.

Mechanical Jamming experienced in this sectors area a/c jamming the navy. Electronic Jamming 150 degrees condition 4. Practice interceptions with Navy.

ECM condition "One". ECM (E) Condition one azimuth 160.

Canned exercise from Loring Air Force Base.

Navy chopper 223 Pancake at this unit.

No fighters for Interception from Chatham due to Chatham’s commitment.

Picked up 1000 cycles note (Distress). Later reports confirm one CF-100 lost between North Bay and Goose.

1000 cycle note received this unit. Further check other units in Eastern Canada received same. Source unknown.

871 Squadron will have 2 a/c and 2 pilots on 1 hour (for emergency scramble only).

Mohawk wishes information on 3 ships sighted at 4259N - 6551 W, heading 159 degrees by Ajax 21. Dock yard Operations advised they have a task force of six ships doing an exercise with the Albacore, a US submarine.

Chaff reported - Ident Big Photo out of Westover. HAL-Canso from Jennings Lake sighted 8 to 10 red flares 5105N - 6727W at 2330Z. GObC report a/c very low, losing altitude with engine skipping. No smoke. No further information.

Electronic & Mechanical Jamming experienced this date. Electronic Jamming Condition 1-5 on Search. Mechanical Jamming (Internal drop) on search. Fricassee 2 called and said he was the Jammer a/c.

Weekend training and Interception carried out by controllers of 2405 (Aux) Squadron and a/c from Mohawk.

Weekend training for 2405 (Aux) Squadron from Mohawk.

Security Alert sounded - All clear sounded.

ECM reported - Tactical reports 1-11 sent in.

Air Defence Warning test by ADC AOC guards and personnel on duty.

Weekend training from 2405 (Aux) Squadron.

Weekend training for 2405 (Aux) Squadron and a/c controller by Auxiliary Officers.

ECM Mechanical Jamming experienced this date.

Mohawk called an Air Defence Warning test. Originated by 64^th Air Div. & 34 Air Div. 1650Z authenticated.

Mohawk advises Russian aircraft due off Goose at 2250Z - B 47s escort off Portsmouth 2245Z direct to Goose.

Radar units to assume responsibility of separation between B 47 and CAMEL a/c. Mechanical Jamming 255 degrees 150 miles to 170 miles. Jamming a/c Ringbolt 52 AW.

Air Defence Warning test from ADC COC through Mohawk.

Mechanical Jamming experienced on this unit also painting remains of Chaff dropped by Ringbolt a/c.

Tracked Soviet a/c TU 104 on this date.

Synthetic exercise "Cabot Date" successful.

Air Defence Warning Test from COC originated by NORAD at 1951Z.

Mechanical Jamming - source a/c two Ringbolt 18. Aircraft will not penetrate Canada. TU 104 will be late. Time not known. Garfield escort will wait for TU 104. Garfield 55 SOS. Aircraft crew bailed out. S&R dispatched to area from Capable. Garfield 45 still in general area.

Exercise "Cabot Grape" began at 0600Z. Weekend training for controllers of 2405 (Aux) Squadron.

Mechanical Jamming at 260 degrees 150 miles by B47 Rainbow 12. Exercise with Founder.

Electronic and Mechanical Jamming received. Conditions "one" throughout exercise.

One Comet picked up - 50 minutes ahead of flight plan.

Report seeing Russian satellite low in altitude, traveled at flashing speed.

"Cabot Cedar" exercise commenced. Mohawk controller commended crew on efficient disposition of exercise.

Bagpipe requested telling on exercise to Red Tape for their training. Exercise with Bagpipe very satisfactory.

Redtape on Cocked Pistol at 1425Z. Redtape experienced canned exercise. Redtape on condition Snowman. Cocked Pistol ceased at 1534Z. All clear sounded. ECM Jamming commenced on Search, strength one - azimuth 070 range 50. Electronic Jamming ceased on Search. Mechanical commenced. Solid drop, strength 1 to 3.

Cocked Pistol at 1405 hours. Normal operations at 1415 hours. Station security alert called. Full guard and security measures taken.

Air Defence Warning Test by ADCHQ at 0020Z. Canned exercise.

Royal flight "Speedbird" picked up and carried through sub-sector.

ADC advising that ADC reverts to Standard time at 0001 27 Oct 57.

Exercise "Cabot" began at 0800Z and terminated at 0940Z.

Canned exercise initiated by COC commencing at 0610Z. Results - splashed 3. 6 M/A. Canned exercise terminated at 0740Z.

Synthetic exercise "Cabot Hickory" being run in sector.

Received report on UNFO from Bagpipe.

Received an UNFO from Bagpipe.

COC initiated a canned exercise to begin in Redtape area at 0635Z. Sector scrubbed all tracks.

Mechanical Jamming 280/85. Source a/c 97 dropped the chaff.

Unidentified object reported. Aircraft scrambled. Later identified as weather balloon.

Synthetic Exercise "Cabot Grape".

Chaff observed HP 3040. Exercise a/c in Wild Bill’s area.

Navy scrambles 2 Banshee a/c for intercept against B 47’s at 1530Z for practice intercept purpose only.