Saglek, Labrador

History of the

924^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron

1 July 1955 - 30 September 1955

Prepared By:

Carlin J Buttigig,
1^st Lt. USAF,
Historical Officer

Louis E Etheridge,
S/Sgt. USAF,
Historian

At the present time, this unit of operations is operating with a total of nineteen (19) men assigned. This total includes officers and airmen. Also assigned to the section is a Marconi Technical Representative. During the reporting period, ten airmen, three officers and two civilians were lost through normal rotation. As replacements for the losses, two airmen and one civilian were gained during the period.

The replacement outlook for personnel scheduled to return to the Zone of Interior is very bleak, with no replacements scheduled to arrive until the month of November. With only nineteen men assigned, the three crew system which was originated in the month of June has been continued. The three crews consist of six men per crew with each crew working a shift each day. To enable the section to meet minimum manning requirements until replacements arrive, one teletype maintenance man (on a full time basis) and two radio maintenance men (on a part time basis) have been loaned to the unit. Also, the men scheduled to rotate in October and November have had their tours extended for a period of thirty days, or until replacements arrive. In spite of the normal grumbling of personnel whose tours have been extended, it is felt that they are doing a wonderful job. The skill level of personnel is adequate at present. But, with the scheduled replacements being three level airmen, a highly intensive On the Job Training program will be put into effect upon their arrival.

The Operation’s Officer went to Goose Air Base for seven days during the month of July to obtain minimum flying requirements and to have his photograph made as prescribed by AFR 36-93. Again, 16 August he made the trip to Goose Air Base to obtain minimum flying time.

In July, each director was assigned a crew with which to work. This was done in order for the directors to maintain proficiency in job knowledge and to make him more cognizant of problem areas to be encountered in future assignments. The director that is working the day shift is being cross trained as Operations Officer.

A GCI overlay plate was made for the Controller’s scope to assist the director in running GCI letdowns; however, this by no means is a satisfactory replacement for a Video Map. A PPI scope was moved up on the upper dais for monitoring of air traffic by the shift supervisor. Also, a short range PPI scope was moved next to the height finder so that one operator might work both positions.

Paints to touch up the plotting board and light bulbs for the vertical plotting board have been on special requisition for several months. Several tracers were initiated by squadron supply, but to date the paints have not been received.

The additional monitor system check has been discontinued. The receivers have been moved to the upper site, resulting in greater monitoring capability. This greater capability is due to the much higher output level that can be maintained. A policy of rotating personnel to various positions has been instituted. This program has definitely increased the efficiency of the crews by eliminating long periods of duty at the same monotonous task. This is especially true during the evening and midnight shifts.

In the past, personnel problems centered about an insufficiently staffed crew. Added to these problems now is the current lack of sufficient, fully trained personnel. When the previous crew of three men rotated during the last quarterly period, they were replaced by two, five-level and two three-level technicians. As a result, an intensive On the Job Training program has been set up for two hours a day, five days a week. The program is proceeding quite well.

Present strength of the section is six military personnel and one Civilian Technical Representative. During the period one Radar Maintenance Officer and the Philco Technical Representative returned to the Zone of Interior. The other maintenance officer was assigned to the Installations Engineer to enable the Installations Officer to return to the Zone of Interior. Total personnel gain for the period was one airman with the AFSC 303520.

During the month of September, a maintenance man was sent to Thule to observe the installation of a rigid radome and another was sent to Goose Air Base for Medical treatment.

Mr. Henry P. Rooney, the Philco technical representative has completed his tour and returned to the Zone of Interior. The constant efforts on his part in over-the-shoulder training has increased the maintenance capability of our present personnel.

The TO’s for the UPA-3, which were requested in July have not arrived as of this date.

From 17 July through 8 August 1955, the AN/FPS-3C was off the air several hours each day for radome painting. Aside from its needing a paint job, the radome was found to be in excellent condition. Total time out of net was 64 hours and 25 minutes. From 7 September through 17 September, the same set was off the air for 129 hours and 24 minutes for annual overhaul. The Mark X IFF was off the air for annual overhaul for 129 hours and 45 minutes. The AN/FPS-502 height finder was out 20 September at 1730Z due to a malfunction in the receiver transmitter system. Maintenance is still being performed on it, and the date of return to operation is undetermined.

During the month of July emergency maintenance was performed on the HT radar when the inverter coil 63202 servo amplifier was found to be defective. As no replacement was available the unit was taken apart and the contacts cleaned. During the month of August, the primary search radar performed with no major malfunction. A new pulse transformer and a new magnetron was installed in the lower beam transmitter. The modification of the air intake in tower number 3 has been completed by the Installation Engineer. The duct was lengthened to reduce the amount of snow drawn into the system. Also, all test equipment was calibrated during the period.

At present, there are a total of 28 personnel assigned to this unit of operations. Five were rotated during the period and five were gained. During the months of July and August, our strength was reduced by the loss of two men placed on TDY to Detachment 8, 6631^st Radio Relay Squadron, this station. These men were placed on TDY in order to help alleviate the serious shortage of radio maintenance personnel. However, the arrival of two new radio maintenance men has brought us well up to normal strength.

A new OJT program has been started by the Marconi Field Engineer. Already, two of the men assigned have been awarded AFSC’s of 30453A as a result of test scores which arrived in the early part of September.

A critical shortage of type 4x150A tubes was experienced at this site during the month of July. However, the arrival of six tubes in August somewhat relieved the situation. Four tubes were put into immediate operation. There is still a lack of sufficient spares. A shortage of VHF antennas also exists on this site. Some of the antennas are partially shorted, resulting in a loss of efficiency on several channels. The section was informed by the Marconi Overhaul Team that the antennas were not available at the depot.

The TH-49B LF equipment has been accepted after being thoroughly tested. The results of the tests were very satisfactory and personnel are now being trained in the operation and maintenance of this equipment.

A de-icing system was devised for the marker beacon transmitter. A new beacon was to have been installed at this site on approximately 1 August, but as of yet, it hasn’t been received.

The de-icing system for the LF antenna was tested with favorable results, and at the time it was felt that the system would be adequate throughout the winter months; however, with less than three inches of ice, the safety pin pulled out causing the antenna to fall. The spreader for the down leads and one brace for down lead insulators were damaged. Since this happened with only one mild icing, it seems the system is wholly inadequate. The antenna will be required to withstand much more severe icing conditions than have heretofore damaged it. With the present system, it would be necessary to keep a constant watch on the antenna for any sign of icing. This would be a waste of manpower, since this system is used only for testing purposes. Nevertheless, the antenna was replaced on 30 September.

The Marconi Overhaul Team spent approximately 14 days at this site. The only fault to be found was the fact that this team had no spare parts for the UHF equipment. The multi-channel transmitters, that were to be sent to the depot for repair, were held over awaiting this team. The team was unable to repair the transmitters due to lack of parts, therefore they will have to be sent to the depot, with great loss of time involved.

The DOR-2 teletype bays which were located at the Receiver Site have been brought into the main site and set up in the radio maintenance shop. Future planning calls for these bays to be moved into the main frame room. The removal of this equipment, completed the removal of all equipment from the RX building and the building has been closed and locked.

The permanent personnel strength of this section is six. During the quarter five men departed and three men arrived to replace them. The scheduled arrival of an Organizational Supply Supervisor was eagerly anticipated because of the need for experienced personnel.

To this date, less than 30% of Air Force General Supplies for annual re-supply for 1955 have been received. This creates a problem, for very soon the winter will preclude all shipment except that by air, and even air freight will be seriously decreased due to bad weather.

A very critical item not presently available at the logistical support base is anti-freeze. An emergency requisition has been submitted for the item and until it is received, it will be necessary to drain the vehicles that must be left out over night.

During the month of July two ships bearing cargo for this site unloaded approximately 100 long tons in one day of operation. Ice conditions prohibited the Underwater Demolition Team from clearing the beach so that the LST could be beached; therefore, squadron personnel and vehicles were used to off-load the cargo from the LCVP craft, freight them to the upper site and to do the warehousing. This was done in such a commendable manner that the commander ordered steaks for the following evening’s meal. The LST 694 unloaded approximately 100 long tons of cargo during the month of August and the operation was very smooth and successful. The Transportation Corps personnel off-loaded and transported all cargo to the designated storage locations.

Thus far, all cargo received by water has been in disagreement with the cargo manifest and consistently, supply shipping documents have not accompanied the cargo. This matter has been reported to the officer monitoring water shipments at the logistical support base.

Adequate steps have been taken to receive all re-supply cargo in an orderly manner and to pre-plan storage and locations of all property prior to arrival. Indoor storage space has proved inadequate to accommodate the storage of all supplies so space underneath the Supply Warehouse is being utilized for outdoor storage.

Office partitions have been erected and painted in the supply warehouse so that the administrative and warehouse sections can be separated. In addition, this will eliminate the barn-like atmosphere where clerical functions are being performed. This has improved the efficiency and on the job morale of supply personnel.

Thus far, the annual re-supply of flour has not arrived. In consequence of this, flour must be ordered from Goose Bay by phone every 15 days, and it has to be shipped here via air freight which is by no means the most economical means of shipping cargo of this nature.

A shortage of military and civilian personnel is being experienced in this section. The present strength consists of 13 military and 7 civilian personnel. During this period three airmen and four civilians were assigned, bringing the section up to about 50 percent of authorized strength, a rather inadequate figure. Acute shortages of personnel exists in some specialties. There are two people assigned to snow removal, one of which is presently on annual leave. The snow removal equipment thus far received is considered inadequate to sustain satisfactory operation during the winter months. Snow removal equipment received thus far has been in poor condition upon arrival.

A team of three carpenters from Goose Air Base has arrived for the purpose of performing maintenance which was previously beyond the capabilities of this installation. A complete work schedule for them has been set up and they are being fully utilized to eliminate many of the existing maintenance problems.

A temporary 12’ x 8’ x 8’ wooden building was constructed and attached to the water pump house. This will provide shelter for the emergency pump and men on duty.

The D-8 Caterpillar tractor was completely recovered from the lake near the airstrip on 4 July 1955 by personnel of this organization. Invaluable assistance was rendered by a detachment from Naval Demolition Team No. 22.

The installation electrician installed electrical outlets in the operations building for radio receivers. The receivers were moved from the receiver site located two and one half miles from the site proper.

The preliminary inspection of the fire indicator system proved it totally inadequate for all intended purposes. The fire indicator system as installed, does not in any way enable the telephone switchboard operator to isolate the location of any fire. This situation necessitates the switchboard operator to wait until the fire has been reported from its exact location. The alarm is then sounded over the public address system to direct the fire-fighters.

An approximate flow test was accomplished on the Gardner-Denver water pumps and the results showed that the output of the pumps were considerably lower than their rated capacity. A complete check of their operation was made and it was found that the valves were badly in need of grinding and reseating. Upon completion of the reseating operation, the output of the pumps were once again checked and the rate of flow was found to have improved considerably.

The construction of two twenty-man quarters by Canadian Bell Telephone Company has been started. The space to be provided by the addition will be utilized in the quartering of personnel of Detachment 8, 6631^st Radio Relay Squadron that are presently attached to this unit.

All construction projects let to Drake-Merritt contractors for this construction season have been completed. The construction was inspected and accepted by the Goose Air Base Installations Engineer Office.

Continued difficulty has been encountered with the high line power distribution system during the reporting period. Transformer tie splices are still shorting and burning off during wet weather. A Drake-Merritt repair team is expected to arrive in the near future to completely check and repair the system.

Also, during the month of September, replenishment of the base fuel supply was accomplished. The only obstacle to be encountered was the problem of getting the sea-line established. Otherwise, the operation was very smooth.

At present this section has a total of three personnel assigned, two military and one civilian. During this period one man departed and one civilian has been assigned. The arrival of Fort Pitt personnel to winterize the vehicles is anticipated in the very near future. Also anticipated is the arrival of a snowmobile, weasel, sno-go and a grader on the next ship. Already received during the shipping season are two caterpillars and one grader. The most pressing problem facing the section is the lack of parts and lack of qualified mechanics.

The present strength of the section is one Medical Supervisor (90270). Two Senior Medical Specialist (90250) rotated in September and the Supervisor is due to rotate in October, but with no replacement in view it is imperative that he be held until some date that a replacement arrives.

The health and welfare of the troops during this reporting period was relatively good. Two hundred and eighty-six (286) cases were recorded during the period, most of which were common colds, cuts and other minor ailments. Eight men were sent to Goose Bay Hospital; five of which were for dental treatment, one for an appendectomy, one for a piloridal abscess, and one for X-Ray of his shoulder which was fractured. One diver from the US Navy Ship ARS-41 was admitted to the dispensary for "drowning, nonfatal". He remained there three days undergoing observation and treatment.

During the past three months, three men departed the Food Service Section with no replacements arriving. The total strength remains at eight airmen assigned. With the coming of food supplies, the menu has gained a new variety during the period. The arrival of the ice-cream mixer has been a great help in boosting the morale of the troops and in adding a variety to the menu.

Command of the squadron changed on 4 July 1955. Major Michael Presti assumed command on that date relieving Major Henry F Bockstage.

During this period, the section absorbed the administrative load of Training and Special Services. This was caused by the rotation of personnel previously assigned to that section. The Special Services Section of the Squadron is presently being operated by volunteers.

The squadron On-the-Job Training Program is progressing on schedule with all eligible personnel in training status. During this period, Training Manuals were received for the majority of career fields.

Reporting effectiveness has improved during this period with the squadron posting 100 percent effectiveness for the month of August. The suspense system, which was initiated in June has been very effective.

Two airmen have returned to the Zone of Interior from this section and two have arrived. The skill level is improving steadily with much time being spent on classification procedures in accordance with current directives.

One of the pressing problems facing the squadron is in the personnel area. The lack of replacements has necessitated the extension of personnel due to rotate in October and November. A few replacements are scheduled in October. The Squadron does not anticipate being up to full strength until mid-January 1956.

The extension of personnel in isolated sites during peace time has its effect in a lowering of morale. The young airmen and officers of the squadron feel that a year at an isolated site is a year out of their lives, and they do not appreciate personnel circumstances that would require an extension of their tours at such sites. The squadron, in order to counteract this natural lowering of morale tightened up its supervision of personnel at work and provided relaxed hours of recreation through movies, bingo, pool, card playing and other normal social activities of our officers, non-commissioned officers and airmen lounges.

Further, to offset further possible lowering of morale, extended airmen will be staggered out during the month of extension. This will be done in the hope that as the first men leave, the others remaining for a while longer will know that their period for going home is not too far off.