Foymount, ON

1960 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
RCAF STATION FOYMOUNT
1 JUN 60 TO 30 NOV 60

APPENDIX "J"

TELECOM SECTION – FOYMOUNT

8 Jun 60

F/O WH Puttick of AFHQ reported in for a period of three days in connection with the forthcoming SIF installation.

14 Jun 60

A Northern Electric UHF overhaul crew under Mr. E Tooky reported in for a period of approximately one month.

20 Jun 60

WO2 Cadieux from Station Gander reported in for one week of contact training on AN/FPS-508 and 507. Mr. Wright AFHQ, Mr. Perkin DCL and Mr. Cole of Beaton, Beauchamp & Lapoint (Architects) visited the site in regard to ADCOM II installation. Mr. Schroeder of JH Locke & Sons was also in the party, with regard to the air conditioning installation for ADCOM II.

5 Jul 60

Mr. C Perkins and Mr C Maxwell of DCL visited the unit in regard to ADCOM II. At 2350 hours local time AN/FPS-6 became unserviceable due to damage of reflector and primary feed by loose rocker arm.

6 Jul 60

Mr. D Murray and Mr G Reddy of CGE arrived at 2000 hours local time for technical assistance re AN/FPS-6.

7 Jul 60

F/O WJ Blackman AFHQ, Dr SK Ghosh and Mr JG Hamilton of National Health and Welfare arrived to conduct radiation measurements.

12 Jul 60

The AN/FPS-6 was returned to service after emergency maintenance necessitated by rocker arm failure.

14 Jul 60

Mr. N Cook and Mr P Cook of NRC arrived and removed all ASTRID equipment except the Coder and Tape Recorder.

26 Jul 60

WO2 AS Ried reported in from Moisie for duty as Comm WO. WO2 Prest now becomes Radar WO.

2 Aug 60

F/O AD Sheppard and F/O SW Walker TOS from Clinton.

15 Aug 60

An evaluation report of height finding accuracy (S47-02-04 CTSO) was submitted this date. This report dealt with the inherent average error of +3800 ft at 150 miles experienced in height finding with AN/FPS-6 at Foymount.

22 Aug 60

A group of ten people under F/L Sheasby of EWU St Hubert arrived to conduct evaluation trials of the AN/FPS-508.

31 Aug 60

A successful HF radio communications test with a live aircraft was conducted in preparation for Exercise Skyshield. F/O Causier SOS on release from the RCAF. F/O Sheppard assumes duties of STelO. F/O Walker assumes duties of A/STelO.

2 Sep 60

An emergency or temporary installation of SIF was ordered by Sector Operations (S/L Bishop) for impending Exercise Skyshield. Video and power cables not yet been received.

6 Sep 60

Mr. Flindall and Mr Doler of Northern electric arrived to repair No. 2 Channel Anti-Chaff Receiver. This receiver had been reported unserviceability by the EWU evaluation team.

7 Sep 60

Mr. Cook and Mr Kenny of NRC arrived to set up the ASTRIC equipment to record the Jamming which will be experienced during Exercise Skyshield.

8 Sep 60

The CAE calibration van arrived to calibrate and service all of the section’s test equipment. At 2030 hours local time the tower power plant diesels apparently ran away when the load of the AN/FPS-508 Chan. 2 was removed by blowing of an X80 rectifier tube. The diesels were trying to accommodate the heavy load caused by the shorted X80 and when the radar circuit breaker finally opened the load, the diesels supplied a high voltage surge which caused considerable damage to one RHI and the GPS/T2 Trainer.

10 Sep 60

The continent-wide Exercise "Skyshield" was held during the early hours of the morning. The temporary installation of the SIF had advanced sufficiently to permit partial operation during this exercise. It was used mostly with "Raw Video" selected.

14 Sep 60

S/L Ultican of AFHQ and Mr Sheppard of AMC visited the section with regard to the new AN/FPS-507 installation. A team from RCA arrived to check the equipment prior to installation the following week.

15 Sep 60

F/C I Alleslev SOS to McGill University on completion of four month period of Special Duty with Telecom Section.

19 Sep 60

Mr. Nadeau and Mr Phillips of RCA arrived to commence installation of the new Height Finder.

21 Sep 60

Mr. Reddy of CGE arrived in response to a request for technical assistance for repair of the RHI unserviceable since the 8 Sep power surge. Repair of the RHI affected the following day.

28 Sep 60

The Azimuth Time Recorder was installed this date by Canadian Arsenals Ltd.

6 Oct 60

The GPS/T2 made serviceable for surveillance only this date following a period of unserviceability since the 8 Sep power surge. A poor solder joint was found to be the remaining cause of the unserviceability following replacement of a metallic rectifier, a resistor and a sweep output transformer. The RCA MRP completed overhaul of the 15-J1D trainer this date.

12 Oct 60

The EWU Evaluation Report on the AN/FPS-508 was received and examined this date.

13 Oct 60

F/L Rutherford of ADC reported in for a routine ADC information gathering visit. Technical assistance was requested from Northern Electric to inspect the AN/FPS-508 waveguide switch. This switch was suspected of causing the high VSWR reported in the EWU evaluation.

18 Oct 60

Northern Electric reported the conditions of our waveguide switch was very good. It was learned that the VSWR was within tolerance. A Steering Committee meeting of DND/IS, RCA and AMC representatives was held at the unit in regard to AN/FPS-507 installation.

24 Oct 60

Successful height trials for a new height finder were conducted and a handing over ceremony was held in the CTSO’s office under the direction of Mr. Cameron of AMC. The AN/FPS-507 came under station control at 1700 hours local time.

27 Oct 60

A simulate exercise was held and it was found impossible to provide heights with the GPS/T2.

28 Oct 60

To further the investigation in regard to Foymount’s height finding errors, the calibration for electrical zero of the AN/FPS-6 was checked and found to correlate with the antenna stamping of electrical axis 4’20" below mechanical zero.

2 Nov 60

Recalibration for electrical zero of the antenna was affected this date using the level mounted on the antenna instead of the stamping. Accurate heights were obtained, however, the extensive and concurrent maintenance and alignment checks given to the RHIs were believed responsible for correcting the inherent errors rather than any adjustments taken in regard to electrical zero.

4 Nov 60

Kelvin Hughes equipment was returned to NRC through Supply this date.

7 Nov 60

Mr. E Cook removed the ASTRID equipment.

14 Nov 60

F/O Walker (A/STelO and Tower Nuclear Defence Officer) completed a two week NBCW course at Camp Borden. A synchro receiver in the GPS/T2 was found to be defective. This was responsible for Foymount’s inability to provide T2 height information. This unserviceability is believed to have been caused by 8 Sep power surge.

15 Nov 60

A CGE technical assistance party checked the electrical zeroing of the AN/FPS-6 height finder. In their opinion stamping on the antenna should read electrical axis 4’20" above mechanical axis. This checks with Foymount’s 2 Nov re-calibration.

16 Nov 60

Dr Patton, psychologist at Sector, arrived this date re systems training. Sgt. Sanders of AMC and Mr Aldershaw of Marconi visited the unit with regard to ADCOM II installation.

18 Nov 60

F/O Maudsley, F/O Dove and Mr. Riordan reported in for the AN/FPS-507 jammer trial.

21 Nov 60

G/C Cameron and S/L Hebb of ADC visited the station and held an informative briefing on SAGE in the Tower Conference Room

22 Nov 60

The AOC visited the unit this date.

23 Nov 60

The AN/FPS-508 safety kit was installed by Mr Tooky and Mr Shiozaki of Norther Electric. Mr. Proctor, F/O Orr, Mr. Rolanson and Mr Cross of Dew AFHQ reported in to gain knowledge of MTI receivers for an ECCM project. These people departed 24 Nov after a successful visit.

25 Nov 60

Mr. Brayne and Mr Williams of CAE arrived to inspect the GATR site in preparation for the GATR installation.

26 Nov 60

Technical assistance was requested from Northern Electric for investigation into Foymount’s SIF installation. Since installed the SIF has not provided reliable decoding.

28 Nov 60

Mr. Lind and Mr Gibb of Northern Electric arrived to commence the SIF investigation and repair.

29 Nov 60

Mr. LaFrance, Mr Burrell and Mr Cram reported in to begin the SM72 retrofit of the AN/FPS-6 Height Finder.

 

APPENDIX "K"

STATION GROUND TRAINING

Period from 1 Jun to 30 Nov

30 May – 30 Aug 60

Crew Proficiency Practical Check-outs plus written examinations were conducted by the Training Section during this period. The following positions and personnel were involved.

27 candidates for Ops "B"

16 candidates for NCO i/c Ident

21 candidates for HRI Operations.

25 – 29 Jul 60

A Crew Proficiency examination covering portions of ASI’s was conducted during this period. A total of 61 personnel wrote this exam and obtained an average mark of 72.6%.

29 Aug – 2 Sep 60

A Crew Proficiency Examination covering applicable portions of NORAD Regs. was administered during this period. A total of 71 personnel wrote and obtained an average mark of 72.7%.

14 – 22 Sep 60

A Trade Advancement Course for FtrCops was held during this period. A total of 9 personnel attended this course. The results of an examination administered at the termination of the course showed an average mark of 73.4%. Annex "A" outlines the schedule of the instruction given.

29 Sep – 7 Oct 60

A further Trade Advancement course for FtrCops was held at this time. A total of 12 personnel attended this course and obtained an average mark of 75.6% on the examination conducted at the termination of the course. Annex "B" outlines the schedule of the instruction given.

17 – 23 Oct 60

A Crew Proficiency Examination covering pertinent portions of ASIs was administered at this time. A total of 80 FtrCops wrote this exam and obtained an average mark of 75.3%.

31 Oct 60

The semi-annual Ground Training Report was completed and forwarded to Command. This report contains a break down of all formal and practical trade training that was carried out on the unit for the period 1 May to 30 Oct 60. This report is included as Annex "C".

21 – 25 Nov 60

A Crew Proficiency Examination on all phases of Meteorology pertaining to FtrCops was conducted during this period. A total of 69 personnel wrote the exam and obtained an average mark of 74%.

 

APPENDIX "L"

NARRATIVE REPORT
RCAF STATION FOYMOUNT
1 Jun 60 to 30 Nov 60

3 Jun 60

On this date the night cook commenced preparing meals for shift work personnel in the tower where adequate cooking equipment has been installed. This system has resulted in excellent control over the sale of meals and coffee and it is considered ideal for Radar units.

13 Jun 60

Mr. RG Canning and Mr J Waddell, AFHQ Construction Engineers visited the unit for CCE inspection. The RC Chapel Dedication Services were held with Bishop Smith of Pembroke officiating. Other visitors included A/C Costello, Father Davignon and W/C Gallagher. Following the dedication ceremony Bishop Smith conducted a confirmation service and a reception and dinner followed in the Recreation Hall.

15 Jun 60

41 Reeves and Civil Defence officials of Renfrew County visited the station for a Nuclear Defence briefing. The CO, CAdO and SCEO conducted the visitors throughout the tour which included a briefing and films on Nuclear Defence given by F/L Gummeson from RCAF Station Uplands. The group was served supper in the Combine Mess after which they received an Operations briefing and a tour of the tower.

17 Jun 60

A Spring Formal dance was held in the Recreation Centre with the Central Command Band from Ottawa in attendance.

4 Jul 60

W/C Riddell, SOCE visited this unit for the annual inspection of CE procedures and accounting.

4 – 6 Jul 60

The Safety Supervisor and the Ontario Provincial Police officer carried out safety checks on PMCs that had not been checked earlier.

16 Jul 60

A bulldozer belonging to a civilian contractor which had been unwisely parked on a hill facing the Trailer Park was set in motion by a teenage dependent. The bulldozer caused approximately$2,000.00 damages to a trailer owned by LAC V Popple; however, there were no injuries.

23 Jul 60

This unit acted as host for NORA Tennis and Archery competitions. Trophies were presented to the winning Foymount teams.

24 Jul 60

Approximately 80 teenagers from the Civil Defence College were conducted on a tour of the station which was followed by casual sports in the gym and swimming in the pool.

29 Jul 60

The last of the five apartment blocks was accepted by the Service. These buildings provide adequate accommodation for 51 families but difficulties have been encountered regarding heating, storage and laundry facilities.

30 Jul 60

An expenditure of $6,286.80 was approved by the station fund for the purchase of furniture and drapes for the combined Airmen’s and Cpls.’ Clubs and drapes for the station snack bar. The completion of the repainting and the installation of the drapes and furniture brought about an outstanding improvement in the appearance of this institute.

9 Aug 60

Stake Truck 455B45 was received from 6RD Trenton to replace 356B45 which had been allotted to APDAL.

15 Aug 60

Construction of a new stock room in the maintenance building commenced. The project was completed on 19 Oct.

19 Aug 60

Furniture was installed in the Protestant Chapel.

22 Aug 60

W/C Evans, SOAF ADC, visited the unit.

23 Aug 60

Mr. Perkins and Mr Wright from AFHQ arrived on the unit for a DCL inspection.

25 Aug 60

Four representatives of the Mutual Aid Fire Fighters Association of Renfrew County, accompanied by a representative from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, made a public relations courtesy visit.

31 Aug 60

G/C Powell, SOMS, carried out a staff visit.

1 Sep 60

The User Section drivers had one year accident free driving.

14 Sep 60

A Nuclear Test Exercise was held. Observers from ADCHQ and Station Uplands were present. The test was successful in every aspect. Everyone including school children were able to give the observers correct answers with respect to where they were going and why. The success of the exercise was attributable to the good response on instruction and full unit co-operation.

15 Sep 60

S/L Smith, S/L Cheyne and F/O MacKay visited the unit for the purpose of studying heating requirements of PMQs and exterior paint and roofing on other structures.

18 Sep 60

Battle of Britain church parade was held in Eganville with the personnel attending Lutheran and RC Churches. Bishop Reed of Ottawa visited the station and attended a reception that was held by the Protestant Chapel Committee. Bishop Reed had conducted Confirmation services in Eganville for 10 children of service families.

24 Sep 60

16 children and 4 adults from Pembroke visited the station in conjunction with Kiwanis Kids Day. The Airmen’s Team place second in the RCAF Zone Softball playoffs which were held at Station Borden.

7 Oct 60

A/C Harvey carried out a brief station visit. The itinerary was comprised of briefings by the CO, COpsO, CTSO and CAdO, luncheon with all of the officers and an inspection of the entire station.

12 Oct 60

S/L Cheyne of AFHQ made an inspection of heating in the apartment blocks.

14 Oct 60

The Station Benevolent Fund Committee obtained a loan of $2150.00 to pay for the repairs to LAC Popple’s trailer which was damaged on 16 Jul. This loan enabled LAC Popple to have the trailer repaired and delivered.

16 Oct 60

A Canadian Red Cross Safety Instructors Course was held 15 – 21 Oct and proved most successful.

22 Oct 60

Flag Football teams representing Stations Edgar, Falconbridge and North Bay entered an elimination tournament held at this unit with Foymount emerging the winners.

28 Oct 60

Repairs were made to apartment roofs to prevent damage to hallway walls resulting from melting snow and spring rains.

31 Oct 60

S/L Osborne, Command Matron, carried out her annual visit.

2 Nov 60

The semi-annual meeting of the NORA executives was held at North Bay at which time G/C Denison presented the Commanders Trophy for the NORA summer activities to W/C Smith.

7 Nov 60

WO2 Gibbons, Command Hygiene Inspector carried out his annual inspection of the station.

10 Nov 60

The one-classroom extension to the school was accepted by the RCAF.

22 Nov 60

A/V/M MacBrien carried out a 3 hours staff visit.

27 Nov 60

Approximately 50 air cadets toured the station and utilized the Recreation Centre and Swimming Pool.

29 Nov 60

New Panel Truck 764B5 received from contractor to replace 564B5 which had been allotted to APDAL. There has been no accidents during the period reported. Miles driven during this period amounted to 126,966. Approval was received for the following A for Ps: Installation of Full Flow filters in the Ops building, covers for sewage plant drying beds and remote start pump house fire boost engine.