Goose Bay, Labrador

Preliminary work on what would prove to be called NEAC’s (Northeast Air Command) permanent radar system began in 15 August 1950. ConAC sent a survey party to look at sites in Newfoundland, Labrador and Baffin Island. The USAF authorized the Army Engineers to proceed on 27 March 1951 with design and construction of sites in the approved areas.

While work went ahead on the so-called permanent system, a temporary station, often referred to as lash-up radar net, was thrown up. The following detail applies to the 107^th AC&W Squadron which was to be located at Goose Bay, Labrador:

The 107^th AC&W Squadron was an Air National Guard unit that had been Federalized (called to active duty) on 1 August 1951 - exactly two years prior to becoming the 641^st AC&W Squadron. It began operations during the summer of 1952, as an Air Defense Direction Center of the Northeast Air Command Center Temporary Radar System (L-24). The 107^th AC&W Squadron radar equipment was physically located on the airfield at Goose Air Base.

Details of the NEAC (Northeast Air Command) Permanent Radar System as it applied to Goose Bay, Labrador are as follows:

Construction of Melville Air Force Station (Site N-24) began in July 1951. It was finished in November of 1954. The unit which was perched atop a prominent hill six miles northwest of the airfield, was a totally self contained facility with fire/rescue, messes, quarters, and even a bowling alley. The USAF’s 641^st AC&W Squadron part of the Pepperrell AFB St. John’s Newfoundland based 64^th Air Division (Defense), took up residence the same month. The 107^th AC&W Squadron was re-designated the 641^st AC&W Squadron on 1 August 1953,