Cartwright, Labrador

922^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron,
APO 433, New York, New York

John F Buniowski, Major, USAF

AN/FPS-20A Search Radar (1ea); AN/FPS-6B Height Finder (1ea); AN/UPX-6 and AN/GPX-7 IFF/SIF (1ea); AN/GRC/27 Multi-Channel UHF Transmitter and Receiver (2ea); AN/GRT-3 Single Channel UHF Transmitter (3ea); R-361A/GR Single Channel UHF Receiver (2ea); AN/FRT-502 Single Channel VHF Transmitter (3ea); AN/FRT-503 Single Channel Transmitter (1ea); AN/URG-60 Single Channel VHF Receiver (3ea); NE-612 Telephone Central Office Equipment (1ea); SSM-7 & TT-21 On Line Encryption (1ea); TT-7 Teletype Machine (1ea).

Command:

Lt. Col. RM Winn assumed duties as Commander on 9 July 1962, replacing Major James H Moon, who departed PCS on normal rotation. On 5 September 1962, Major John F Buniowski assumed duties as Commander replacing Lt. Col. RM Winn, who departed PCS to the 924^th ACWRON.

Personnel and Administration:

There were no major problems in the administrative area. Squadron strength has averaged near 90% during this reporting period, with considerable turnover in personnel. M/Sgt. Charles M Fox assumed duties as First Sergeant replacing M/Sgt. Edwin J Harrington who departed PCS on normal rotation. The radar maintenance section is authorized seven NCOs and has 4 assigned. There are six 3 level airmen assigned in training with their expected upgrade training in the third quarter of FY 63. This gives radar maintenance 47% qualified 5 level personnel against 82% overall manning.

Operations:

The ADC Operational Readiness Inspection was held in early July with the 922^nd AC&W Squadron receiving an outstanding rating. Captain Granville N Edmunston replaced Captain EM Avera as Operations Officer on 13 July 1962. Captain Frank A Vecchio arrived in early October. As of the end of this period, all weapons controllers are combat ready skilled. The UPA-35 scope was made operational and equipped with Air/Ground radio. This increased our control capability to 3 control scopes, although increased manning is not programmed. An additional tactical control frequency was requested, but as of this date none has been received. During the ORP the additional control scope was used with the augmentation of a weapons controller from the 641^st AC&W Squadron. The number of intercepts controlled (607) has remained at the level of the previous quarter. Good flying weather and the scheduling of interceptors has allowed for a more consistent number of interceptor flights controlled by this station. The number of personnel assigned has fluctuated a great deal during this quarter. This should stabilize during the following quarter. The new AN/GPS-T2 and T4 trainers are operating very satisfactorily in their new location. Although limited operational, the T4 has been sufficient to meet all training requirements for the Operations Section. A program has been started to improve the break room for operations personnel. Modification has included a large picture window, new wall panelling, recessing of coffee urn and bookcase, and painting which has resulted in considerable more space and improved atmosphere.

Communications and Electronics:

During this period no major problems have developed however, there is the problem of personnel manning in radar maintenance previously mentioned. Considerable turnover of personnel in all areas of C&E was experienced. Key personnel lost were SM/Sgt. Harmon and SM/Sgt. Heckendorn and no replacements are forecasted. The loss of SM/Sgt. Heckendorn left this station without a licensed MARS operator. AFM 66-1 and Single Shift Maintenance are progressing well. The Maintenance Co-ordination Center is now manned 24 hours a day. Personnel from radar and radio maintenance are being utilized for this position on a rotating basis. Primary mission equipment continues to operate efficiently. Considerable difficulty was experienced on one channel of the prime search radar equipment, but did not affect our mission or capability. Some difficulty has been encountered in keeping the AN/GRC-27A multi channel UHF sets aligned. Canadian Marconi completed two projects during this period consisting of (1) Sealing by caulking and the painting of the radomes, and (2) Calibrating test equipment. They are presently engaged in replacing all AS-505 antennas with AS-1097 antennas for our air/ground radio equipment. These are enclosed in a radome and weather proof. The training devices AN/GPS-T2 and T-2A operated efficiently. The parts problem of the T-4 is still pending, however, it is limited operational (having 5 out of 12 targets operational). Message handling for the quarter was normal with 961 messages received and 300 sent. An incomplete FTA-13 manual telephone group was shipped back to ROAMA. This equipment was originally scheduled for installation during this quarter. The PCSP now calls for an AN/GTA-6 installation that is scheduled for June 1963.

Civil Engineering:

The FY 1964 O and M program and the FY 1963 Mobile Maintenance Team program were prepared and sent to Goose AD Sector. Eleven projects were submitted on the FY 1964 program and tentatively approved. Twenty one projects were submitted on the FY 1963 program and all were approved. The rehabilitation project for the TACAN building was completed and was accepted by the Air Force on 26 August 1962. Contractor default on project CAR 3-20 resulted in rental of equipment from McNamara Construction Company for completion of repairs on the Air Force dock. The Air Force took the project in mid September, and it is now 90% complete. This should provide about 25% more working space on the dock. The Mobile Maintenance Team arrived and started what should be a four month augmentation of shop forces. Dominion Construction Company arrived on 1 August to complete their 4 projects of caulking corridor panels, repairing roofs and POL lines, and modification of vehicle supply shop. Good progress has been made to date. Kaiser Industries of Canada gathered information pertinent to the FY 1963 O and M program. They will perform architect-engineering services for the three FY 1963 projects. On a station clean-up, two temporary buildings were relocated, two tents dismantled, and two temporary shacks were torn down. Monthly inspections were made by Goose AD Sector on our Fire Prevention program and deficient areas were corrected. Auxiliary Fire-Fighting Teams have been organized on a rotational basis and are trained two hours twice each week. During this reporting period 200 trouble calls were answered, 5 miles of road resurfaced, a firing range was completed, an area levelled for a softball field, and all water pumps were completely overhauled by station personnel. Canadian Marconi overhauled refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and compressors. This period saw the completion of a project to improve the overall appearance of the Power and Heating Plants. In the Power Plant, Canadian Marconi completed the 8,000 hour overhaul of 5 diesel and generator units, all exciters and switch panels. Other projects involved installation of a safety board, a security door, and voltage and frequency meters in the office. During a July inspection of the Heating Plant, it was found that some boiler tubes needed replacing; this is scheduled for early next quarter by Mobile Maintenance. Mr. Leon Hawker and Mr. Joseph Chouinard were presented with Sustained Superior Performance Awards. Siting of the new Airmen’s Dormitory and Recreation Building was done by the Air Defense Command Liaison Office from Ottawa. Target date for these FY 1963 projects is June 1963.

Supply:

This quarter found Supply considerably busy in the handling of inbound and outbound Air Force Cargo by 14 ships. Re-supply by SUNEC was started and completed. Inbound cargo, consisting of six new vehicles, (two forklifts, two track-masters, and two six-passenger pickups), base exchange, food service, POL, civil engineering, and general supplies, totalled 1,027,289 pounds. Outbound cargo consisting of excess property prepared for retrograde shipment, totalled 135,380 pounds. Supply by SUNEC has been reduced from over 1,000 line items to 76 line items. This reduction was due to satisfactory resupply by helicopter on a year round basis. The two SUNEC overhires that materially assisted in handling the annual Gap Line Resupply are due to depart in early October. Helicopter service during this period was continued as usual. Many water landing type aircraft (L-20 and SA-16) were able to land in the harbor at Cartwright. These aircraft were assisted and handled by transportation and supply personnel.

Other Comments:

During this period the bowling alley was available for use, it continued to operate at a loss. The loss is still attributed to less league bowling and increased outdoor activity. During the next quarter, the operation should show a profit as scheduled league play resumes and outdoor activity will decrease. Due to the expense and difficulty in maintaining the Unit Fund boats, one was shipped to the 641^st AC&W Squadron. Good weather and high enthusiasm contributed to the success of the annual Field Day held in August. A new gymnasium is in the planning stage, and is to be constructed under the AN/FPS-6 tower. Equipment for this room is awaiting UAL authorization. The close of this quarter finds the squadron commencing preparations for the annual Christmas Party for the Cartwright children. Enthusiasm is high and the prospects promising. Dry cleaning service to Goose Bay has been started and is handled through Supply. This has proven to be highly successful and is a great convenience to the members of the Squadron.

Morale:

Morale continues to be high. Personnel have been engaged in both outdoor and indoor activities which have included hiking, hunting, bowling, basketball, softball, horseshoes and exercising in the old 502 tower. Use of the squadron boats was somewhat limited, although many fishing trips were enjoyed by our personnel. Frequent visits have been made by the Chaplains and religious services were conducted on the station. An eight team bowling league should swing into action in the early part of the next quarter. Remodelling of both the Officer’s and the NCO Clubs have been started to improve the atmosphere and facilities of each. Other activity has been hobby shops, the closed circuit radio room (WNTS), the library and MARS.

John F Buniowski, Major, USAF