Metz, France

NARRATIVE REPORT

Organization and Establishments

Apr 63

The title of 1 Air Division Combat Operations Centre was amended to read: "1 Air Division Operations Centre".

1 Dec 62 to 31 May 63

During the period 1 Dec 62 to 31 May 63, the Operations Centre was commanded by S/L RJ Millage who holds the position of Director of Operations Centre. This period was one of considerable change, involving disbandment of 61 AC&W Squadron, the four CF-100 AWF Squadrons and five of the F-86 IDF Squadrons. In addition, a major change over of officer rank personnel occurred resulting in the replacement of 5 F/Ls, 3 F/Os and the arrival of 2 S/Ls to the staff of the Operations Centre to replace officers who were transferred last summer. Furthermore, the introduction of the CF-104 Strike/Recce aircraft has given the Operations Centre new tasks associated with low level operations. This will continue to become an increasing commitment as the CF-104 Squadrons build up to full establishment.

With the demise of 61 AC&W Squadron on 31 Dec 62, it was necessary to provide alternative radar control for operational training requirements of 1 Air Division aircraft. Arrangements had previously been completed with the American and French GCI sites at Langerkopf and Drachenbronn respectively, to provide radar scope time for this purpose, with the Operations Centre acting as a liaison agency, responsible for issuing the necessary Frag Orders to 1 Air Div units. This arrangement has proved entirely successful.

The introduction of the Strike role for 1 Air Division has vested the Operations Centre with the responsibility of low level route approval, co-ordination of low level training flights, and acceptance of low level flight plans for onward transmission to MOD Bonn. In the interests of flight safety it was found necessary in Feb 63 to institute a low level flight planning and Notam section, within the Operations Centre organization.

In January 1963 the Operations Centre was given the responsibility for the operation of Line 1000, a reporting system designed to provide the Battle Commander with the necessary vital data for the conduct of a battle and disposal of forces under his command. The primary means of transmission is by telephone in plain language. In order to operation Line 1000 during exercises and wartime, the Operations Centre is augmented by 18 other ranks divided into three shifts and each commanded by a junior officer from the Operations Centre staff.

During the period of this report, the Operations Centre participated in the following major exercises:

1. CO-OP. 26 Feb 63. This is a large scale Aircent sponsored exercise, designed to practice Air Defence procedures.
2. GRAND SLAM 26 to 28 Apr 63. This is a combined CENTAG/4ATAF exercise to practice procedures of command control, communications, etc. During this exercise the Operations Centre was manned for Line 1000 reporting.