Major Functions of the Unit.
The major function of this unit is to:
OPERATIONS
1966 was a productive year for the CF-104 reconnaissance operation. The Wing Operations Centre, and Wing Intelligence Section which had moved to their new location in the 3 Hangar complex in latter 65 quickly adjusted to their new and more efficient environment. The new communications key telephone network, installed in Feb 66, enhanced our operational capability and permitted 1 Wing to adopt a full committment to the SACEUR 4 ATAF war program.
During the year the unit was subjected to two Tactical Evaluations to measure performance under war conditions. The first on 18-19 Apr 66 was conducted by 1 Air Division Headquarters. No overall rating was given, however, the unit performed in a satisfactory manner. The second Tactical Evaluation was conducted by the Headquarters of the Fourth Allied Tactical Airforce on 8 Jun 66. The Wing performed in an outstanding manner and was the first reconnaisance unit in Europe to receive a "1" rating on its first formal Tac Eval.
During 1966 the Wing participated in numerous combat training exercises, each contributing to the proficiency of the unit and all were successful. The most significant exercise was Royal Flush XI, a 3 day competition between reconnaissance forces in Europe. The Wing functioned well throughout the exercise, however, in the overall assessment, 1 Wing stood third from the last, but was the top reconnaissance Wing utilizing Starfighter aircraft. This was 1 Wing's first attempt in the competition.
The CF-104 Squadron flew a total of 9235 hours requiring 6675 sorties all of which were combat training. There were no major flying accidents.
Wing Instrument Flight with their T-33 aircraft continued to provide instrument flying training to the CF-104 Squadron pilots, as well as jet pilots at 1 Air Division Headquarters and 1 Wing. On 1 Apr 66 the requirement for proficiency flying for personnel in non-annotated flying positions was deleted. Consequently the strength of Wing Instrument Flight was decreased from five pilots and eight aircraft to four pilots and seven aircraft.
The Wing Mission Planning and Intelligence Section continued during the year to provide all the Mision Planning, Operational Intelligence and Photo Intelligence support for the Wing's Tactical Reconnaissance Operations. In addition to daily recce training missions and alert exercises, these operations consisted of supporting a number of exercises externally tasked. Amongh these exercises were:
The photo intelligence (PI) sub-section presented daily 20 minute debriefing and training lectures for Squadron recce pilots. In addition the section presented formal week long, introductory tactical recce courses to newly arrived squadron pilots during the months of Jun, Nov, and Dec 66.
Internally, each sub-section within the Intelligence organization carried out section training periods on a weekly basis. Moreover, a number of Section personnel were selected to attend various trade courses held both in Canada and in Europe. They were as follows:
| What | Where | Length | Section Personnel Attending |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAF School Intelligence | London | 4 Wks | 2 Officers |
| Intermediate PI Course | DPIC, Rockcliffe | 6 Wks | 2 NCOs |
| Air/Ground Operations School | Ramstein, Germany | 1 Wk | 2 Officers 1 NCO |
| PI Course | DPIC | 12 Wks | 1 Officer 2 NCOs |
| Interrogaters Course | Borden | 4 Wks | 2 NCOs |
Personnel of the PI sub-section visited a number of target type complexes during the year. Among these were a first hand look at Canadian Army equipment used by the 4 CIBG at Soest, a training visit to a Nike missile site, and a large electronics site located in France.
Effective 1 Jun 66, the Section's name and personnel establishment was revised. The Section is now the Wing Mission Planning and Intelligence Section. Under the Wing Intelligence Officer the organization is divided into sub-sections with personnel establishment as follows:
During 1966, 5 AMU handled 19,476,729 pounds of Air Cargo as well as 8,503,043 pounds of Surface Freight. A total of 3,974 flights were handled by the unit. Passenger traffic for the year totaled 40,552, including VIPs.
Eleven Snow Goose flights staged through Marville during the rotation of Canadian troops in Cyprus in Apr 66, with an equal number of flights during the October rotation. Approximately 3,600 troops were moved through Marville during these two operations.
Following the phase out of the Bristol aircraft and the reduction in the Dakota fleet, the C130 Hercules commenced European operations from 5 AMU on 1 Nov 66. Since that date, Hercules aircraft have operated on a regular basis from Marville to Gatwick, Prestwick, Dusseldorf and Decimomannu.
TECHNICAL
The major events that affected the Tech Branch during 1966 were:
A and b are covered in other portions of this record.
Exercise "Tight Squeeze" was held during July, Aug and part of Sep. Seventeen CF104's and 2 T-33's were attached to 1 Wing while the runways at 3 Wing were being repaired. Personnel from both Wings were pooled to form common maintenance and servicing teams. This arrangement proved satisfactory. A Caribou Aircraft was utilized to move support equipment to and from 3 Wing for maintenance.
The only major construction projects were the "Bliss Barrier" and renovation of Bldg 15 to provide more classroom space. Both projects were completed in Aug 66.
An unusual undertaking by the MSE section during the year was the hauling of aviation fuel from the disbanded deployment sites. Personnel were transferred from Canada on TD to to the driving of surplus tenders gathered from other Wings. The operation was administered by 1 Wing and covered the months of May through Sep: in excess of 700,000 gallons of fuel were transferred.
During 1966 the vehicle accident rate was reduced to 1.0 per 100,000 miles as opposed to an average of approximately 2.0 over the past five years.
In addition the technical branch actively supported all operational exercises held during the year.
ADMINISTRATION
The administrative branch provided its normal unheralded support to Wing operations during the year. No Major organizational changes were made but all phases were extremely active especially in planning the proposed move to Lahr during the early months of 1967.
RECREATION
The sports and recreation programmes were active and varied again this year. Included in available leisure activities are hockey, skating, curling, golf, softball, badminton, bowling, swimming, judo, hobby shop, arts and crafts, mess activities, skeet shooting, squash and movies. The PMQ recreation programme included an active teen town group, bridge, sewing classes, bingos, Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies, and cinema sessions. CFN radio also provided an opportunity for those who wished to participate in programming.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The organized Public Relations programme at 1 Wing RCAF, consists in the main, of visits to the base by Canadian and National journalists, and groups of local citizens. However, a greater impact on the maintenance of good community relations comes from the day-to-day contact of the Wing's members with our National neighbours through cordial relationships and exemplary conduct.
The 1 Wing Pipe Band, the "Arrows" hockey team and other organizations make a very important contribution to Public Relations through their engagements throughout the region.
While the organized Public Relations programme is not over-emphasized, relations with local authorities, citizens and civilian employees are excellent. Every effort is made to ensure that Canadian newsmen and other visitors always depart 1 Wing with a favourable impression of Canadian servicemen abroad.