Saskatoon Mountain, BC

1961 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division

Historical Report
919th AC&W Squadron
1 October 1961 to 31 December 1961

Section I

REQUIRED DATA
  1. Unit and Location

919th AC&W Squadron (ADC), Saskatoon Mountain Air Station, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
  1. Name and Grade of Commander

Jack E Williams, Major, USAF
  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)

    2. Administrative: SPADS, 25th Air Division, ADC, NORAD
    Logistical: 4602nd Support Group (ADC)
  • Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons)

    • None
  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)

    • Maintain radar surveillance and report surveillance information to appropriate SAGE Direction Center for identification and action. Exercise control with the limited capability provided, as directed by the SAGE Direction Center.
  • Personnel
    		•
       

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

    		  
     

    Assigned

    11

    112

    16

    139

    		  
     

    Attached

    1

    2

    0

    3

    		  
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
    •

    GPS-T2 (1), GPS-T2A (1), UPA-37 (2), AN/FRT-502 (1), AN/URG-60 (1), AN/FRT-503 (1), AN/FRT-501 (1), CR-91A (1), T-282 (1), T-217 (1), R-36/C (1), R-278B (1), FPS-6B (2), FPS-20A (1).

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

    Operations:

    During the period 1 October 1961 through 31 December 1961, the 919th participated in (6) six live exercises and (11) eleven Simulated Training Missions.

    In October we took part in Exercise "Sky Shield" as well as one no notice exercise against the 25th NORAD Region. Then in November we were active in (1) one SPADS live exercise and (2) two 25th NORAD Region Exercises. December was a slack month with (1) one NORAD Region Exercise.

    On 24 October Captain Robert B Barkus became the new squadron Operations Officer, taking over from Captain Paul O Geske who assumed the Squadron Executive Officer'’ slot.

    The Operations Section accelerated their training program, under the new training section supervisor, Captain Jack R Crawford, in preparation for the February Tactical Evaluation.

    Communications and Electronics:

    No new major equipment was installed during this quarter; however, we did receive the AT-309 antenna for IFF. During October and November the 919th C&E section had the highest percentage of equipment availability of any site in SPADS. Manning has remained good, but we will soon lose many of our present NCO’s in the 303XX field. SAGE contracts have been let and 3 OD are remaining firm. Nevertheless we do not believe that they will be met as no actual work has begun, Our magnetron in HF #0 is now over 7,000 hours and we will soon have used this "maggy" for one year.

    Installations:

    During this period the access road was repaired and reinforced with ¾-0 crushed rock. The main gate was reconstructed with a new sign and flood lights. In the motor maintenance building a new service entrance and counter was constructed as well as the remodelling of this office.

    Construction was begun to modernize the mess facilities.

    General:

    The quarterly Spokane Air Defense sector Commander’s Conference was hosted by the 919th AC&W Squadron. This was the first time a Commander’s Conference had been held in Canada.

    Twenty-seven (27) Conferees arrived 9 October. The 10th and 11th were spent in conference with the commanders discussing their many problems and seeking solutions through their combined experiences.

    The evening of the 10th the Squadron had a formal Dining In. Cocktails were hosted by the Non-commissioned Officers. The guest speaker was Mr. Ira McLaughlin, the Grande Prairie Representative to the Alberta Legislature. His topic was the Provincial Legislature and was very informative to the United States personnel. Scottish Pipers from Dawson Creek provided the evenings entertainment.

    On the 11th the Conferees took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Dawson Creek Mid-Canada Line Station. After a complete tour and briefing, liaison between the Mid-Canada Line and Sector was strengthened.

    The conference was a complete success.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    Jack E Williams, Major, USAF

    Signature