Beaverlodge, BC

Summary of Unit Activities

1. Summary of Unit Activities – The Stations role was maintained in a manual configuration beyond the original scheduled SAGE date of 15 Jan 64 because of technical difficulties in the primary and secondary landlines to Seattle ADS. The secondary landlines became operational 23 Mar 64 and SAGE testing began. The primary landlines became available 4 Apr 64 and after testing was completed, the unit was absorbed into SEADS SAGE environment 15 Jul 64. 57 Radar Squadron assumed the role of a NORAD Surveillance Site.
2. Operations – The change over from Manual control to SAGE operations released AS/FtrC Officers for duty at other sites. The DMCC/DOO operation introduced with SAGE was manned by aircrew list personnel who had completed Tech/Tel training. The transition in the operations environment was accomplished smoothly and the station participated in numerous 25 NORAD Region wide live exercises and SSTM’s. During several of these exercises the Unit adopted a Mode III posture and fed data to RCAF Station Kamloops.
3. Training – During the year 34 Officers and Airmen proceeded on courses of various durations and covering all phases of the unit’s activities. The majority of courses were of a technical nature that provided personnel with a knowledge of the new electronic equipment introduced with SAGE.
4. Technical – The AN/FST-2, after completing test program and having been operational in the SEADS SAGE system for two months, was formally accepted by the Unit on behalf of the RCAF. HF#0 was converted from a FPS-6 to a FPS-507.
5. Administration – The Unit ceased administrative and accounting services for Station Dawson Creek upon its disbandment 31 Mar 64. The security of the buildings and associated doppler sites became the Units responsibility until buildings and equipment were disposed of by Crown Assets Disposal Corporation.
6. Organization – The basic station organization remained the same, however, the turnover of personnel increased as expiration of yours commenced early in the year.
7. Official Visits and Inspections – Normal staff visits occurred at regular intervals during the year. The Station received its first Radar Squadron Assessment in Oct 64. The Station was honoured by a visit from Major General WE Elder, Commander and Air Commodore GH Elms, Vice Commander 25 NORAD Region. They stayed at the Unit for four hours during which time they received a briefing and a tour of the Station. Colonel WR Nevitt, Commander, Group Captain RS Turnbull, Deputy Commander Seattle NORAD Sector and party visited the Unit 24 – 25 Aug 64 for operations orientation and discussion. A dining-in night was held in their honour. Air Commodore AC Hull, Chief of Staff, RCAF ADCHQ paid the Station a brief visit 17 Nov 64. The visit included a tour of the Station and lunch with the Officers.
8. Recreation – The Station recreation program which was enthusiastically supported by personnel, consisted of organized softball, flag football, bowling and broomball leagues. Softball zone playoffs in which the Unit participated, were held in Cold Lake. The women’s bowling league participated in the RCAF Wire Bowling Competition.
9. Public Relations – The unit coordinated the flying portion of the Northwest Air Show, which was sponsored by the Grande Prairie Rotary Club and held in 26 Jul 64. The programme included a flying demonstration by the RCAF Red Knight.

Signed by:

(WJ Hynds) W/C
Commanding Officer