Saskatoon Mountain, BC

919th Squadron, Saskatoon Mountain Air Station, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada

James G Barnett, Major, USAF

AN/FPS-20A (1), AN/TPS-502 (1)

Throughout the period of this report a continuing emphasis has been placed on Squadron improvement consistent with "Project Shape-Up" goals. A constant effort is out forth to effect these improvements and to ensure that high standards of cleanliness and neatness are maintained.

The ADC Welfare Fund Grant money was received and all of the recreational equipment for which it was intended has been purchased. This includes a speed boat and 35 hp motor, a 14 foot fishing boat, 3 outboard motors, 3 television receivers, and a high fidelity record player.

The woodworking hobby shop has been completed and is now in use. Sufficient hand and power tools are available that personnel might attempt any woodworking project.

Plans are being made and equipment is being set aside for an automobile hobby shop needed at this installation due to the high cost of repairs and the problems of keeping an automobile running during the long, cold winter months.

The dining hall renovation is in process at the present time.

New washing machines and dryers have been installed in the Airmen’s quarters.

The trailer park utility house is near completion. It will adequately serve the laundry needs of the entire trailer park which itself is soon to be enlarged.

The installation of the new FPS-20A search and the CPA-27 equipment has greatly increased our operational capabilities. We are now better equipped to fulfill our role of early warning and aircraft identification.

The new SIF equipment was installed during the period of this report.

The transfer of the four USAF manned radar sites in Western Canada to operational control under 25^th Air Division at McChord Air Force Base has been completed. This has eliminated some old problems of coordination with 5 Air Division at Vancouver. At the same time new problems were created; however, they in time should be eliminated.

The integration of the Systems Training Program into the chain of Canadian sites has been a valuable training asset. Such training was badly needed at this station due to the low density of air traffic.

The squadron successfully participated in Teamwork and Big Blast missions. More Air Defense missions are expected under 25^th Air Division Operational Control.

Two directors were sent to RCAF Station Cold Lake for intercept control proficiency training. The training was considered valuable in that both accomplished about 150 intercepts in less than two weeks.

This year was begun with the annual Commander’s Reception on New Years Day. This event was enjoyed by the entire officer core and their wives.

Winter sports were enjoyed by many squadron personnel. Sports participated in were ice skating, curling and tobogganing. Many became faithful followers of the local ice hockey teams. The squadron basketball team finished at the top of the local league and participated in the 25^th Air Division Tournament. The intramural basketball tournament was won by the Communications Section. With fishing season under way, many of the squadron personnel are getting out the rods, reels and lures. Although the ducks are back, we won’t be able to use our shotguns until next fall.

Public Relations has featured a weekly column "Mountain Chatter" in the Grande Prairie Herald Tribune.

Two squadron personnel were featured in a piano concert in Beaverlodge which was attended by over 300 of the local population.

Health, morale, and welfare of Squadron personnel is recognized to be good. The Squadron is highly respected by the local communities due to its unselfish aid and support of community and welfare projects.