Saskatoon Mountain, BC

Contractual support was requested for renovation of Quonsets to provide recreation hall, day room, library and improvements to existing theater. Of these the improvements to the theater have been completed and the others are presently under construction. A portion of the recreation hall will be used as a special services office and storeroom.

Overhaul and renovation of the plumbing shop, supply office, and supply warehouse has been completed. Overhaul of the EIO building is programmed for FY 59.

Contractual support for the repavement on the access road and the cantonment area has been realized including concrete sidewalks and paved parking lots. Estimated date of completion for this project is 15 Sept 58. All of the above projects have been completed or will be completed as a result of "Project Windfall" money from O&M funds for FY 58.

The operations room has been modified to conform with standard ADC floor-plan.

Radar maintenance facilities have been expanded and improved.

The Airmen’s barracks and the BOQ were painted using FY 58 O&M funds. Conversion from metal shower stalls to ceramic tile walk-in type showers have been accomplished in the Airmen’s barracks. A contract is in existence to replace all floor tile in the hallways and latrines of the Airmen’s barracks. A tile covering will be placed on hallway and stairwell wainscots. New fireproof drapes have been installed in Airmen and BOQ rooms which are compatible to color schemes and furniture. Throw rugs have been requisitioned for each person occupying the Airmen’s barracks and BOQ.

Provisions have been made for separate NCO Club and Airmen’s Annex. Both have been recently renovated and redecorated. The Officer’s Lounge has also been completely redecorated.

The new administration building, replacing the one which burned in the spring of 57 is being fully utilized. This offers many attractive and convenient locations for functions such as the Branch Exchange, Dispensary, Provost Marshal Office, Orderly Room and Administrative Offices. The design characteristics and overall décor of the building is superior.

A major health improvement has been realized through the incorporation of a water filter system which had been by-passed since 1952. Prior to this year water was being polluted by organic material requiring excessive chlorination treatment and posed a difficult problem in maintaining a constant chlorination residual count. Water is now clear, safe to use, and has favorable taste qualities.

Experimental work is now in progress to bring television to the station. Encouraging response has been received and the Squadron is looking forward to this with great anticipation.

The FY 59 improvement program and funding will include complete renovation and modification of the dining hall.

Augmentation of the controller-director staff to six directors and an operations officer has improved the operational effectiveness of the Squadron and has re-established crew integrity.

Normal crew training and OJT have been revised and augmented. The necessary equipment for the operation of the Systems Training Program has been installed. More emphasis is being placed on Director training with cross-training assistance being rendered by 917^th Squadron, Puntzi Mountain, BC, Canada.

Maintenance and operational capabilities of the prime radar have been excellent. The addition of an FPS-6 type height finder is programmed for the FY 59. Improvement in our search radar is indefinite at this time.

Maximum UMD manning with the exception of operations personnel has been requested and positive response is being realized. Recent reduction in Air Police and government motor vehicle drivers is seriously impairing the security capability of the base and the driver safety program. The deletion of the Information Services and Special Services slot is directly contrary to ADC retention program and project "Shakeup".

The state of morale is considered to be excellent. Reports of staff visits have reflected favorable on this. The health and welfare of individuals has been good. Serious illnesses have been nil. Hospitalization rarely occurs.

The morale of civilian personnel has greatly enhanced as a result of the pay raise – from seven to fifty-six cents per hour increase according to trade speciality.

Augmentation Chaplain services are now being provided for Protestant and Catholic personnel on base.

Social activities have been conducted twice a month with local dignitaries as guests. Visits from General Bond, Commander 25^th Air Division and Air Commodore Ross, Commander 5 Air Division, Vancouver, BC, have highlighted our social events during this period.

Relationship of the Squadron with the local populace, RCMP, and RCAF personnel is excellent. No incidents requiring civil action by local authorities have occurred during the period of this report.