Grostenquin, France

2 Dec 63

421 (Red Indian) Squadron of CF-104 aircraft activated at 2 Wing.

2 (F) Wing Personnel.

A Stats/Analysis briefing on Stats Form 3603 and 3624 was presented to technical and operational staffs at 2 Wing.

Licensing of PMCs – Installation of safety belts in the front seat of all AF licensed PMCs was made compulsory.

LAC RG Cole, Ladysmith BC, received the British Empire Medal and LAC RW MaLaughlin, Moncton NB received the Queen’s Commendation.

430 (Silver Falcon) Strike/Reconnaissance Squadron of CF-104 aircraft was formed at 2 Wing with a limited number of aircraft and pilots.

The installation of the 2 Wing Armament Systems Workshops was completed during Sep 63.

85 persons, including a large number of mayors and civil authorities toured the Wing and viewed – "Sound of Security" Display. (Noise Education)

Squadron Disbandment – 421 Interceptor Day Fighter (IDF) Squadron at 2 Wing disbanded, and ferried their aircraft to Scottish Aviation Ltd. at Prestwick for disposal.

Effective 1 Aug 63, 421 (Red Indian) Squadron at Grostenquin "stood down" to re-equip with CF-104 aircraft and assume a strike reconnaissance role.

On AFHQ authority all Airwomen established positions in the Air Division were converted to airmen positions.

137 (T) Flight was moved from 30 AMB Langar to 2 Wing effective 1 Aug 63. The five Bristol aircraft were added to 109 Communications Flight of 2 Wing to form 109 (KU) Communications Flight. The move was made with a minimum of disruption.

In July the installation of TACAN in 11 T-33 aircraft was completed at 2 Wing by 6 RD MRP.

Squadron Disbandment – 430 Interceptor Day Fighter (IDF) Squadron at 2 Wing disbanded, and 25 Sabre aircraft were ferried to Scottish Aviation Ltd. at Prestwick for disposal.

Effective 1 Jun 63, 430 Squadron Grostenquin "stood down" to re-equip with CF-104 aircraft and assume a strike reconnaissance role.

2 (F) Wing Personnel.

Recreation – The 1 Air Div Sports Achievement Award Trophy went to the SU Metz in a close finish with 2 Wing. The trophy had been won by 2 Wing the previous two years.

Licensing – A new license plate bearing the name "CANADA" was introduced for use on PMC vehicles. In addition, a new Operator’s Permit and Vehicle Registration document printed in English, French and German was taken into use.

A 6 RD MRP was based at 2 Wing to install TACAN in UE T-33 aircraft. Eleven aircraft were completed ahead of schedule during February.

A group of USAF Reserve Officers toured 2 Wing.

The Expeditor aircraft located at 2 Wing was transferred from 2 Wing establishment to 109 Comm Flight establishment.

Adjustments were made to 601 Telecommunications Squadron establishments on the transfer of the unit from 2 Wing to Metz where it is occupying premises formerly used by 61 AC&W Squadron.

The laundry operator establishment at 2 Wing was increased by 12 civilians to provide staff to operate cleaning and laundry facilities for 3 Wing, Zweibrucken. 3 Wing had previously operated on civilian contract which was cancelled on 15 Jan 63.

Cancellation of Operations Orders – With the disbandment of 61 AC&W Squadron, 423 AW Fighter Squadron, and the impending decrease in the number of IDF Squadrons, several recurring exercises were discontinued. Those cancelled were Southern Belle, Street Patrol, Lane Control, Snow Shower, Twin Threat, Triple Threat, Scan Plan and Take-Over.

423 Squadron, which ceased operations 31 Jan 62, ferried their aircraft to SAL, Prestwick for disposal during the early days of January.