Historical Report
919th AC&W Squadron
1 July 1959 to 30 September 1959
Section I REQUIRED DATA |
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919th Squadron, Saskatoon Mountain Air Station, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada |
James G Barnett, Major, USAF |
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Administrative: 25th Air Division, WADF, ADC, NORAD |
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None |
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To maintain radar surveillance for the purpose of providing early warning, identification, and continuous intelligence of all air activity detected within our assigned area of responsibility and to conduct training for the effective accomplishment of this mission. |
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Officers |
Airmen |
Civilians |
Total |
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Assigned |
12 |
143 |
16 |
171 |
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Attached |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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AN/FPS-20A (1), AN/TPS-502 (1) |
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Section II COMMENTARY |
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The role and responsibility of the 919th Squadron continues to change and unfold preparatory to its eventual transition into the new Semi-Automatic Ground Environment System. Under the NORAD Air Defense Realignment Program in March 1959, the operational responsibility of the Squadron was changed from 5th Air Division (RCAF) to 25th Air Division (SAGE). In May 1959, Western Air Defense Force realigned the responsibility of the Squadron. The Squadron was changed from a Direction Center to a Surveillance Station, with M&I Function and Control Capability, and no longer has intercept direction responsibility. The primary mission of the Squadron continues to be Radar Surveillance and M&I, to provide early warning against enemy attack. Better and more modern equipment continues to be installed to enable the squadron to carry out its assigned mission more effectively. March 1959, saw the FPA-20A, Long Range Surveillance Radar, become acceptable and operational. This equipment extended and greatly improved coverage of our area of responsibility. Construction of a new HRI tower is now in progress. When completed it will house the new FPS-6A equipment which is scheduled to arrive early in 1960. When operational the FPS-6A will provide more accurate and greater height and range capability for the squadron. New equipment has also been installed to fully train operations personnel and keep them highly skilled and proficient. The AN/GPS-T2, Radar Simulator, became operational in March 1959, and provides surveillance training. In August 1959, the AN/GPS-T2A, ACTER, started providing ECM Jamming training for operations personnel. Participation in a 25th Air Division (SAGE) ORI and eight (8) 25th Air Division (SAGE) exercises has also supplemented the other training received by operations personnel this past quarter. In September 1959, the squadron was honored with a visit and inspection by Major General Von R Shores, new Commander of 25th Air Division (SAGE). Major General Shores was favorably impressed with the squadron, its housekeeping and personnel. In October 1959, Colonel George B Hooker Jr., Commander of the 4602nd Support Wing at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, inspected and visited the squadron. He stated the overall squadron was excellent and cited the C&E Section as outstanding. |
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Typed Name and Grade of Commander James G Barnett, Major, USAF |
Signature |