In the spring of 1958, an AN/MPN 1C was sent to RCNAS Shearwater to introduce GCA landing systems to the RCN. Six RCN Observers Mates had just completed basic GCA training at Biloxi Miss. and were awaiting Unit qualification and certification. The Observers Mates were under the command of Lt. (N) DG Jackson and the SATCO was LCdr Blatchley.
The RCAF was approached for assistance, and F/S KD Macdonald from the GCA School at Camp Borden, and Sgt Bud Wilds, a GCA Contoller from Summerside were dispatched on TD to train the controllers, flight check and qualify the Unit, and the personnel. As stated earlier, the equipment was the MPN-1C, a unit that had been replaced at most RCAF bases by the CPN-4/MPN-11, but both instructors were experienced and qualified on the MPN-1.
The unit was set up - a classroom secured, lectures and hands on training were conducted and lo and behold, five weeks later they were ready to go. The aircraft of the day at Shearwater were Banshees, T-33's, Trackers, Avengers and HUP2 choppers. The first GCA was conducted by myself on a Tracker, call sign 3 Savage piloted by Lt (N) Quirt on 18 March 1958.
Later on, Carrier Controlled Approaches (CCA) were introduced on the RCN carrier "Bonneventure", and a former colleague Capt. Joe Wright did a tour as the CCA officer. Interesting times.
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Updated: February 10, 2005