Cartwright, Labrador

1963 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division


Historical Record
922nd AC&W Squadron
Cartwright, Labrador
1 July 1963 to 30 September 1963

Section I

REQUIRED DATA

  1. Unit and Location

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

  1. Name and Grade of Commander

James W Knisely, Lt. Col., USAF

  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)
  2. Goose Air Defense Sector
    26th Air Division (Defense)
    Air Defense Command

  • Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons)
  • None

  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)
  • GADS Regulation 20-5.
    The mission of the 922nd AC&W Squadron is to conduct Air Defense Operations within an assigned area of responsibility and function as a Direction Center in the Air Defense System.

  • Personnel
  •    

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

     
     

    Assigned

    11

    93

    24

    128

     
     

    Attached

    0

    16

    1

    17

     
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
  • 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).

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

    Personnel and Administration:

    During the month of July, Captain Charles M Lowe assumed command of this squadron while Lt. Colonel James W Knisely was on TDY to the CONUS for Operation "Swift Strike". Lt. Colonel Knisely returned from TDY and assumed command of this squadron in August. Also during the month of August, M/Sgt. John B DeFazio was assigned as the Squadron First Sergeant.

    A Staff Assistance Team from GADS visited this organization on 9-10 September 1963 for the purpose of helping the 922nd AC&W Squadron prepare for the 26th Air Division IG Team.

    Operations:

    No significant changes in the Operations have occurred during this reporting period. Improvements in Operations included the raising of the plotting boards, the retiling of the floors, and general periodic maintenance.

    Key personnel gains for this reporting period were 2nd Lt. Alan L Stone, Weapons Controller, and M/Sgt. Claude A Castagner, NCOIC of Operations. Key personnel losses included Captain Frank A Matthes and Captain Frank A Vecchio. Both Officers were Weapons Controllers.

    The present enlisted strength in the 273X0 career field is very much out balance due to the fact that NCOs predominate. Each of the Operations crews have more NCOs than airmen. Present strength is 5 Officers, 18 NCOs, and 10 Airmen.

    Also during this period, a total of 2446 tracks were carried and reported to the 641st. A total of 3 live missions and 23 simulated missions were completed. A total of 659 academic hours were also administered to Weapons Controllers and Associated Technicians. Weapons Controllers ran a total of 560 Intercepts.

    Civil Engineering:

    During the reporting period, The Power Plant was evaluated by a Team from ADC for the Annual ADC Power Plant Award. Power Plant Safety has improved by the acquisition of ear protectors and the installation of hazard placards. The Power Plant was also painted.

    A Canadian Marconi Team installed new heater pumps in the Water Pump House. The number one boiler was cleaned internally and painted externally.

    The Mobile Maintenance Team installed a ceiling in the Motor Pool and installed a corridor in Building S-9. Dominion Construction Company repaired the roofs, and Lindsay Construction Company completed the maintenance of the building foundations.

    The Fire Department received a 2,000 gallon water distributor in August. The Motor Pool received a Dodge Travelette and a 20 passenger bus.

    Supply:

    The last annual re-supply (GAP PINE) ship arrived on 29 September 1963. Supplies received were general supplies including subsistence and package POL, 495.5 tons, and bulk diesel fuel, 14,776 barrels. Excess supplies retrograded amounted to 133.7 tons.

    The excess screening project started in June was continued through this period. The project should be completed by 30 November 1963.

    The items in the disposal yard were reported to CADC as per international agreement. CADC sold the items to Power and Company, Ltd. All items will be removed and the yard cleared by 21 October 1963.

    Communications and Electronics:

    The Canadian Marconi Company performed Depot Level Maintenance on the following equipment: AN/FPS-6B, AN/FPS-20A, AN/UPA-35, and AN/GPA-30. In Radio Maintenance, all items of test equipment were calibrated by the same company. Those items not calibrated were shipped to St. Johns, Newfoundland, for calibration. The inside plant for Wire Maintenance was completely overhauled by Canadian Marconi DLM Team. The switchboard was completely overhauled and is now 100% operational. All off-line crypto equipment has been returned to the Security Service.

    Medical:

    During the reporting period, the Medical Section treated a total of 189 AF personnel and 20 civilian employees. A total of one (1) temporary disabling injury and thirteen (13) non-disabling injuries were reported during this period. Sixteen (16) AF personnel were referred to the Goose AB Hospital for medical treatment. Of these personnel, six were for dental treatment. All were returned to duty. One hundred and five (105) influenza immunizations were administered by the Squadron Dispensary.

    Morale:

    Community relations remain excellent, and morale is outstanding.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    James W Knisely, Lt. Col., USAF

    Signature