Resolution Island, NWT

A
History
of the
920^th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron
N-30

1 October 1956 - 31 December 1956

Prepared for the Historical Office
64^th Air Division (Defense)

Richard A Roman, A/3C, USAF, Historian
Richard C Capps, Jr. Lt., USAF, Historical Officer
Roy W Van Rope, Major, USAF, Commander

The primary mission of the 920^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron is to provide surveillance of assigned area of responsibility.

The secondary mission of the 920^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron is to provide navigational assistance for friendly aircraft lost or in distress within the Squadron’s radar or communication coverage.

During the reporting period, 1 October 1956 through 31 December 1956, the Orderly Room Section was busy with regular activities. The personnel strength of this section remained the same during this quarter of reporting.

As a whole, the Squadron maintained its equilibrium personnel wise. Due to rotation, the Squadron lost twenty-five (25) Airmen and 2 Officers during this quarter. The officers lost included the OIC of Communications and the OIC of Operations. Replacements during this same period consisted of twenty (20) Airmen and 2 Officers. The two officer replacements consisted of a new Adjutant and a new Operations Officer. Lieutenant Richard C Capps, the new Adjutant, arrived here 5 December 1956, and Lieutenant George P Wharton arrived here on 6 December, for duty in Operations. Airman vacancies were filled in all sections.

A breakdown of the unit manning strength as of the last day of each month for the period is represented in the following table:

The following figures show the officers and airmen present for duty as of the last day of each month for the period:

On an overall basis for the reporting period, the Squadron had an average strength of 7.0 for the officers and 118.2 for the airmen, making the total average strength for the Squadron one hundred and twenty-five (125). The average strength of the Squadron as indicated by those present for duty during the period was 6.0 for officers and 101.1 for the airmen. On this basis the actual strength of the Squadron was 107.1.

In October of this period, there existed a backlog of approximately 8 personnel awaiting transportation to this station. In November there was a backlog of 7 personnel, and for the month of December the backlog of personnel was 6.

Generally, transportation was hindered during the month of October and November by poor weather conditions consisting mostly of high winds. During the latter part of December and at the time of this writing, transportation has been hindered due to a lack of helicopter service. The helicopters are being repaired and the lack of new parts with which to repair them requires sending to Goose Air Base for the needed equipment. The backlogs mentioned above are considered a direct result of the weather conditions and the lack of helicopter parts.

October saw the last of the shipping season bringing two ships to the Island, the Vela and the NEAC. The Vela, the first to arrive, was hampered by high winds and heavy seas during unloading operations. During this operation one Conax Box that contained valuable Base Exchange Supplies was dropped into the water, causing damage in amount of several thousands of dollars. The NEAC arrived on 26 October 1956, with a duplicate shipment of Exchange Supplies and eight enlisted personnel who were assigned to this Squadron.

The month of November was a bad one in so far as air transportation was concerned. Two helicopters arrived on the 19^th of November with mail and pay for October. This lack of transportation resulted in a backlog of approximately 36 personnel awaiting transportation from the site. One mail-drop was also accomplished during the month which also arrived on the 19^th.

The Squadron received excellent helicopter services during December. Helicopters arrived on the 5^th, 6^th, 10^th, 13^th and 19^th with many letters, cards and Christmas presents for the personnel. They also brought in supplies and removed personal and official mail and packages.

Operation Santa Claus surely was a success on Resolution Island as the helicopters carried out all the personnel who were eligible for an early Christmas leave, while at the same time they set a record for the most helicopters ever received in one month. In addition to the helicopter service, the Squadron received a para-drop of perishable goods and mail on Christmas Day.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Days were observed with Church Services for those desiring to attend. An excellent meal was enjoyed by all personnel on the two days.

The Squadron Hobby Shop opened this quarter with demonstrations in making copper wire jewelry and copper enameling. It is hoped that work in these crafts as well as future plans for leathercraft and woodworking will provide year round recreation for Squadron personnel.

During the month of October 1956, normal activities were conducted in Operations. The Surveillance Section completed thirty (30) simulated intercepts and directed one hundred and fifty-three (153) aircraft.

The 15-J-1C was operational through the entire month.

Two hours of Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) Training was conducted on the 24^th of October by one of the Operation Crew-Chiefs. Subject material studied was the ECM Brevity Code, Electronics Warfare and Jamming Effectiveness Criteria.

The construction of a Navigational Aid Board was completed this month and should increase efficiency in handling navigational aids.

In November the Surveillance Section completed twenty-five (25) simulated intercepts and directed one hundred and twenty (120) aircraft.

The 15-J-1C was operational during the entire month.

There were twenty (20) hours of formal On-The-Job Training conducted by the Training NCOIC during the month of November.

The painting and reinforcing of the vertical plotting board was also accomplished this month.

In December normal activities continued. The Surveillance Section directed ninety-one (91) aircraft and completed one hundred and ninety-four (194) simulated intercepts.

The 15-J-1C was operational during the entire month.

One hour of ECM Training and twenty (20) hours of On-The-Job Training was conducted by the training NCOIC during the month.

A great deal of navigational assistance and weather information were passed to aircraft this quarter and the new navigational air board proved itself very efficient.

Work was completed by the Wire Maintenance Section on installation of the fire alarm signal box above the switchboard in the Communications Center. The new installation will permit maintenance personnel to work freely on the switchboard without the danger of accidentally activating a relay, thereby setting off a false alarm.

Parts required to finish installation of the low frequency homing beacon were received the last week of October and the project was completed.

A testing schedule was established for radio teletype and implementation is being considered for future use as reception improves. The Communications Office, Teletype Section and Main Frame Room were painted during this period; thus, a better working atmosphere for personnel in this section was created.

The amplifier kit procured by the Unit Fund Council for radio station "WORM" was received, assembled and installed by radio maintenance personnel. The amplifier formerly used by "WORM" was then installed in the Communications Center in conjunction with the Public Address System for alerts, fire alarm notification and paging purposes.

The Communications Section OJT program was very active this period and several of the personnel will take their APT’s during the coming testing cycle.

Classes were started the first week of December for all Ham Radio enthusiasts to aid in preparing them for the first scheduled class, and it is anticipated that at least four of that number will complete the course.

The Communications Section personnel strength decreased slightly during this period but near future forecasts will return the section to 100% manning capability.

Several items of interest occurred during the month of October 1956.

One unusual trouble was encountered and dealt with this month. The IF Amplifier AN-423A, Serial No. 184, was found to be passing a little signal and almost no grass. The unit was bench checked and maximum signal was observed at the output; however, after letting the unit heat sufficiently, it was observed that the signal level was falling. Further checks indicated that R-1910, a 3.3K resister, and CR 1901, an IN43 crystal, were breaking down as they became hot. Both parts were replaced and the unit is now in normal operation.

One hour of Red Time was encountered on the 22^nd of October, on the Primary Search Set AN/FPS-3C. The high voltage light would come on but it was found that no trigger was coming up to fire the transmitters. Upon checking the Electronics Gate TD-67, Serial No. 138, no trigger was observed. While checking V5015 andV6018 both 5687'’ were found to be shorted. These were replaced and the Electronic Gate realigned. The set then returned to normal operation.

On 31 October 1956, a small hole was found in Dome number three for the AN/FOS-502 Back-Up Search set. This was immediately repaired. An OJT class was called during repair to have an actual demonstration of Dome repair work.

Three hours and twenty (20) minutes Red Time was logged on the AN/TPS-502 Primary Height Set. The cause of the trouble was found to be Blower B-0502. The input power cable to this blower had worn and shorted to the chassis. The cable was immediately fixed and put back into operation.

In November, MTI circuits of the AN/FPS-502 Back-Up Search Set were completely checked out and aligned.

During December, the upper beam magnetron of the AN/FPS-3C was changed after a spectrum indicated that it was double moding.

The installation and testing was accomplished on the "Protectowire" fire alarm circuits which were started in September. The new areas covered by the alarm circuits are the NCO Club, Airman’s Lounge, Ham Radio Station and Library.

Cleaning, inspection and installation of new materials in the sites 5000 gallon fuel tank steam heating system was accomplished during an overhaul by AIO personnel. The sites two fresh water pumps in the lake pump house were overhauled also at this time and all new parts and packing available were installed.

Preparation for the cleaning of the sites septic tank was accomplished this period. The installation for a four (4) inch pipe to dispose of solids for a distance of about eight-hundred (800) feet was necessary; however, due to inclement weather, actual pumping will not be attempted until temperatures are above freezing.

Annual requirement lists FY-57 were submitted to Goose Air Base on the 6^th of October; however, due to distribution error, lists were received late by Goose Base Supply. All sections of this Squadron were asked to participate in making up annual requirements. One hundred percent cooperation was received and as a result the Squadron should benefit supply wise during the next fiscal year.

In November, the sites main septic tank was pumped and flushed; thus, the four (4) inch line that was installed in October for disposal of solids from the site proper was utilized. The TX building septic tank was also pumped and flushed.

Two leaks in the sites main steam line had to be welded at flanges on expansion joints. Three expansion flexible system return lines had to be replaced because of excessive leaks.

The Power Plant personnel overhauled two heads on the number five (5) and number ten (10) engines during this period.

A contractor’s Caterpillar Operator’s error, caused a loss of approximately 1,500 gallons of fuel when he drove the caterpillar near the main storage tank and sheared off a three (3) inch and a two (2) inch line. Emergency connection of the two inch line was accomplished and the three inch line was plugged to await repairs as soon as the tank is emptied.

During this quarter supply back order files were checked to ascertain whether requirements still existed for outstanding requisitions. Cancellation of all back orders for FY55 was requested from the support base.

A visit was paid to the Supply Section by an Auditor from Goose Air Base during December. The visit and the results were reported very satisfactory.

The electricians continued the project of installing outlets between each set of fire doors in the corridors. A circuit was installed in the Power Plant to connect the new lathe. Parts which were broken during shipment of the lathe were repaired; therefore, a much needed piece of equipment was placed in operation.

Ten (10) helicopters arrived at this site during the month of December to help reduce the outgoing backlog of supplies and personnel and to bring in some badly needed supplies. Air Transportation is still generally poor to this station. There is still a backlog of supplies and personnel awaiting transportation to this station at Frobisher Bay.

Recently the absence of GI soap and soap powder has become a big problem for the Squadron, especially for the Mess Hall Section. A shipment of these goods is expected in the near future.