Saskatoon Mountain, BC

Near completion of quonset renovation in the Special Service area. The squadron now possesses a fine gymnasium; Special Services and Information Services has its own office in conjunction with the relocated Squadron Library; the new Special Services storage area is in use; and the renovation of the day room is scheduled to be completed soon. Completion of these areas consolidate Special Services and recreational facilities into one area.

Completion of tile flooring and wainscots in Airmen and NCO barracks. New throw rugs for BOQ’s and BAQ have been received. New desks and reading lamps were requisitioned for BAQ’s.

Completion of the paving project. All of the roads on the station have been paved. This plus addition of concrete and asphalt aprons leading to the buildings has eliminated the mud problem. Only two miles of access road under County jurisdiction has not been paved, however, it has been improved by adding several thousand yards of gravel.

Improvement of base telephone lines and facilities. A pay booth has been installed in the Day Room. A second trunk line to Beaverlodge is to be installed.

Completion of the TV project in time to view the world series.

Architectural plans and specifications for improvements to NCO Club and Airman’s Annex have been received. Improvements programmed for 4^th quarter FY 59.

Renovation of the appropriated fund mess hall is programmed for 2^nd quarter FY 59. Extensive repairs and improvements are included in this project.

The 919^th Squadron successfully participated in 5 Air Division Air Defense Exercises, and had important roles in the NORAD wide Exercise "Desk Top" and Exercise "Top Hand".

Installation of the new plotting board has been completed.

The operations training program has been successful. The T-2 unit for STP is installed and operational although limited to training only at this level. We expect to be participating in STP exercises sometime after the first of calendar year 59. Synthetic director training has helped to fill the gap left by the non availability of fighter-interceptors.

Installation of the FPS-20 type search radar is scheduled for the near future, and after that the FPS-6 height finder. The present FPS-3 search radar recently underwent annual maintenance. The performance of this set has been excellent.

Tactical landline and teletype outages have been frequent, however, they did not hamper mission capabilities. Most of these outages were of brief duration and were principally caused by adverse weather conditions.

During the period of this report ADC Commander, General Atkinson, conducted a visit to this station. The new 4602^nd Support Group Commander, Colonel Hooker, and his staff also visited us.

UMD still does not provide for Information Services or Special Services slot, contrary to "Project Shapeup".

Community relations continue to be good. Many newspaper releases in the local Grand Prairie and Beaverlodge newspapers have cast a favorable impression on the squadron and the USAF. Base organizations have contributed to local community organizations. Local dignitaries have taken part in Squadron social events.

The Squadron baseball team participated in the Canadian Wheat-Belt League. The basketball team is expected to be the best in the area this year as it was last. A highlight of the summer season was the Officer-NCO softball game. The personnel of the base have been enjoying the excellent duck and goose hunting which began during the period of this report.

The morale, health, and welfare of the Squadron personnel is considered excellent. Staff visits have indicated that efforts to improve the living conditions and facilities for all personnel have been outstanding.