Goose Bay, Labrador

1963 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division


Historical Record
641st AC&W Squadron
Goose Bay, Labrador
1 April 1963 to 30 June 1963

Section I

REQUIRED DATA

  1. Unit and Location

641st AC&W Squadron
APO 677, New York, NY

  1. Name and Grade of Commander

Benjamin M Howse, Lt. Col., USAF

  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)
  2. Air Defense Command
    26th Air Division (Defense)
    Goose Air Defense Sector
    641st AC&W Squadron

  • Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons)
  • None

  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)
  • The mission of the 641st AC&W Squadron is to conduct Air Defense Operations within area of assignment as outlined in ADC (RCAF) ASI 3/4/3, to support the Goose NORAD/CONAD Combat Center area of responsibility as described in NORAD GO Nr. 14 and CONAD GO Nr. 8 dated 13 May 1960, and to function as a Master Direction Center within the Air Defense system.

    Authority: Paragraph 1, Goose Air Defense Sector Regulation 23-2, dated 1 October 1962.

  • Personnel
  •    

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

     
     

    Assigned

    20

    214

    15

    249

     
     

    Attached

    0

    0

    15

    15

     
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
  • AN/FPS-20A – Two Channel Prime Radar, AN/FPS-6B Radar Height Finder, AN/GPX-7A Radar Identification, 10 Cummins Diesel Generators, 8 AN/GRC-27 Multi-Channel UHF Transmitter-Receivers, 6 AN/GRT-3 Single Channel UHF Transmitter, 11 URG-60 VHF Receivers, 6 AN/GRR-7 Single Channel Receivers, 11 T-5002/FRT-502 Single Channel UHF Transmitters.

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

    Operations:

    Officer manning in Operations during this quarter was satisfactory. Authorized officer strength is 13 and 14 are presently assigned. New officers arriving at this station were, Captain Wade, 1st Lt. Moore and 2nd Lt. Duncan. Captain Young, Captain Foxe and 1st Lt. Schacker were upgraded to Combat Ready Skilled. Captain O’Brien, Captain Egbert, Captain Di Angelo and Lt. Bunce were upgraded to Combat Ready Expert. Captain Delaurentis and CWO Alexander were upgraded to Combat Ready. Lt. Bunce is now TAC EVAL member. Officers departing this station for the ZI were Captain Lawson, Captain Di Angelo and Captain Usher. Current director skill levels are 3 combat ready expert, 3 combat ready skilled, 4 combat ready, and 4 in training. Airman manning in Operations during this quarter was 30 NCO’s authorized, 29 assigned; 53 airmen authorized, 59 assigned. For this quarter the station lost 10 NCO’s and airmen. New personnel arrived at this station for this quarter was 13. There were no SKT administered to Operations personnel during this period. We have 8 five level airmen on OJT and have requested that 2 NCO’s be given 7 level OJT. During this period Captain Young went TDY to Cartwright to replace officers who accompanied Lt. Bunce on project Fire Away. Weapons controllers have accomplished 433 hours of ECM and academic training, while airmen have accomplished 2500 hours of ECM and academic/proficiency training. During this quarter the Operations Section received 7028 flight plans and 785 compulsory reporting tracks were carried. We had 30 unknowns and 9 active air scrambles. We also conducted 1068 practice intercepts and recovered 722 aircraft. During this quarter the 641st participated in 5 category I’s, 5 category II’s, 1 category III, 5 category IV’s and 1 category V. The 641st also participated in 6 live missions and 2 live ECM training missions. During this period, the 641st was rated excellent by 64th Air Division TAC Evaluation Team. STP EWO and Training combined into one section for better utilization of personnel and equipment. M/Sgt McKinney and S/Sgt. McKlemurray were awarded ADC Commendation Certificates for outstanding work in Operations during the past year. All OJT phase tests rewritten and brought up to date for AFSC 27350A and 27370A. A new EWO Scope installed by M’1 position also new M’1 table constructed. Intelligence position moved by TOR position. New exhaust fan installed in Operations room to assist in lowering temperature during missions when all positions are manned. New rack manufactured for CDIF books directly in back of senior director position,. Operations hallway, radio monitor room and coffee room repainted. "We Point with Pride" board refinished. Colorful pictures and plaques installed in hallway, lounge, and briefing room. Operations hallway retiled eliminating wire trough covers. Operations office remodelled. Operations officers now have an additional new office. Both offices have new flooring, new wall panelling and all telephones rearranged. The main office has been partitioned with dividers and new desks acquired for the Operations office.

    Communications and Electronics:

    The Maintenance Coordination Center was relocated within the AN/FPS-20A Tower during this reporting period. A new large equipment status board incorporating light indicators and magnet clips (which may be placed at any position on the board) has been completed. Three (3) personnel are assigned positions at the Maintenance Coordination Center. New switchboards (Stromberg Carlson 201) have replaced those previously installed. The changeover was completed 29 May 1963. The Communication-Electronics Section has been completely rehabilitated. A Depot Level Maintenance Overhaul was completed on both radar training equipments (T-2 and T-4) 23 May 1963. Automatic equipment has been installed for the "Commanders (Telephone) Conference Loop". The equipment is located at the Trop-BMEWS building and will be contract maintained. Completion of this project and operational date of the system is estimated to be no later than 10 July 1963.

    Supply and Food Service:

    In accordance with BEMO directives the new quarterly EMBR listings have been verified against the transactions that have been initiated during the preceding quarter. Minor corrections were accomplished prior to the signing for the accounts. The main projects completed were the standardization of the beds in the airmen’s dormitories, the deletion and turn-in of 85% of our field support equipment (helmets, gas masks etc.), and the transfer of the Tropo account to the BEMO for direct support. During this period, a total of 159 601B’s. Were submitted, 28 new items were authorized and 8 items were deleted. Sixty-seven (67) items were turned in to BEMO and 42 of replacement and initial issue items were received. Disposition instructions have been received for all the teletype equipment rendered excess by the conversion to the AN/FGC-39/A system. Two (2) each M-19 teletype machines were shipped to Cape Dyer, 2 M-28 teletype machines were transferred to GADS C&E and each of the outlying stations were shipped 1 reperforator each. The remaining teletype machines with associated equipment were turned into redistribution and marketing as per disposition instructions. The new switchboards have been installed by the GEEIA team during this reporting period. The old switchboards are stored in Unit Supply pending receipt of disposition instructions. The excess screening project started in March has been completed. As a result of this measure over $9,000.00 worth of spares have been returned to the supply system. During this reporting period, 4 lettered priorities have been processed through this section. All of these requirements have been filled by lateral support of the Canadian Marconi Corporation. With the shipping season now in full swing the lack of expendable supplies has been alleviated. Within the next weeks we should received at least 60% of our back-ordered organizational property. Through close Cupertino between this section and Base Supply the long awaited juice dispenser covers have been located and issued to the Dining Hall. Among the physical improvements completed, were the panelling of the entrance hall to Tech Supply and the Administrative Office. The walls were scrubbed and the woodwork painted. The Unit Supply office was painted, warehouse has been painted and a garden tool storage rack has been fabricated. No major problems exist in Supply. Minor emergencies are dealt with as they arise to prevent them from becoming problems. The manning situation may generate difficulties in the future. T/Sgt. Shelton, who was evacuated for psychometric testing has been transferred PCS to that station. S/Sgt. Carl J prince arrived on the 27th of June to take over as NCOIC of the joint supply facilities. Personnel manning as of 1 July 1963 is as follows:

    (see the matrix at the end of this report)

    The major project completed during this quarter was the installation of new kitchen equipment. This included a new clipper, new range and a deep fat fryer. New water piping and electric conduit lines were installed to insure peak efficiency from the new equipment. The quarterly rations have been drawn and warehoused in such a manner to insure proper consumption. The Food Service Officer together with the NCOIC performed a monthly inventory as required by regulation. This inventory is maintained as part of the kitchen records. The physical improvements included the painting of the complete kitchen and cold storage area. Personnel manning as of 1 July 1963 is as follows:

    (see the matrix at the end of this report)

    Security and Law Enforcement:

    During the TacEval, the Air Police accomplished their assigned duties in a commendable manner. The Goose ADS Commander was impressed by the improvements of the check point building during his annual inspection of this station. All personnel assigned to this duty section are currently undergoing range training with small-arms as required by AFR 50-8 and in co-operation with the Goose AB Police as suggested by the 64th Air Division inspector. The duty as Security and Law Enforcement Officer passed from Captain Henry J Di Angelo to CWO Charles D Alexander on 1 June 1963. Linoleum floor covering has been installed throughout the check point building and the interior of the building has been repainted. A new desk has been built for the check point guard and the guard room has had wall panelling and indirect lighting installed. The cinder-block wall along side the entrance to the station has been rebuilt and repainted, all signs at the entrance to the station have been repainted, replaced or removed and new trees have been placed around the outside of the check point building. A cement and cinder-block porch has been built to replace the wooden steps at the front of the check point building and the top level of the porch is being enclosed with glass for the protection of the gate guard during the winter, while still allowing him to be visible to traffic passing through the gate.

    Civil Engineering:

    Military gains were Captain Brock (Base Engineer), M/Sgt. Mart (Heat Plant Supervisor) and S/Sgt Foix (Building and Crafts Supervisor), while losses were Captain Alongi (Base Engineer), T/Sgt. Pepple (Building and Crafts Supervisor) and T/Sgt. Peterson (Heat Plant Supervisor). Civilian losses were Mr. Stack (Power Production Operator), Mr. Murray (Electrician) and Mr. Power (Carpenter). Total strength is: Military – 7, Civilian – 14 and a total of 21. In the Power Plant, Unit No. 3 will not operate on Tech. Buss. Headquarters GADS has been requested to ask the installation contractor to return to correct this problem. Unit No. 6 became non-operational due to broken piston rings which scored the piston and liner. These rings broke on 16 May and caused Tropo/BMEWS to be non-operational for twelve (12) minutes due to the fact that the "No Breaks" failed to start. The failure of the "No Breaks" was diagnosed as a burned out starting timer relay coil and the sticking of another relay. As soon as permission can be obtained, the "No Breaks" will be tested weekly with a simulated power failure. The Canadian Marconi Company Overhaul Team for the Cummins Diesels in the Power Plant arrived on 17 June 1963, but due to lack of proper parts, they left and will return again when parts arrive. The Heat Plant has been in inspection order during this period. Mr. Kearns of Canadian Marconi Company made a minor revision to the start up wiring. Mr. Kearns of Canadian Marconi Company, arrived on 25 April and again on 10 June 1963 to overhaul, balance and adjust our refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The CE Cost accounting program has now been in effect for one and one-half years. The following are cumulative costs reported for this three (3) month period:

    (see the matrix at the end of this report)

    The Mobile Maintenance Team was scheduled to arrive in the middle of March, but they did not arrive until 2 April 1963. Their scheduled departure date was 1 July but they left 25 June 1963. It is hoped that the team will return in August to finish projects not completed due to the fact that their stay was cut short by three (3) weeks. The following is a list of completed and partially completed work orders accomplished by the Mobile Maintenance Team:

    (see the matrix at the end of this report)

    Follow-up action is being continually taken on outstanding supply items for the Mobile Maintenance Team. There were no fires during this period. On 14 June 1963, the Squadron completed eighteen (18) months of operation with no reportable fire incident. At the end of this reporting period, 30 June 1963, the Squadron has completed seven hundred and twenty-one (721) days of accident free operation. The ADC Life Saver Program has just been started. It is now in full swing.

    Personnel and Administration:

    The Personnel and Administrative Section processed 4 new officers in and 4 officers out during the period. Fifty-two (52) airmen arrived and 55 airmen departed. Civilian personnel was reduced to 15 – Authorized and 15 – Assigned. Major General Von R Shores, ADC, visited the squadron and presented the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award to the 641st AC&W Squadron for the period 15 July 1961 to 15 July 1962. A review of squadron records identified 657 persons eligible for the award. Certificates were requisitioned and preparations were made to forward award certificates to all eligible personnel. The Squadron Mail Room was inspected by the Area Postal Inspector and received a superior rating for the quarter. Trophies were presented to winners of the Winter Bowling League. The enthusiastic participation of all sections made possible a morale building, as well as financially successful season. The annual Savings Bond Drive was successful with 57% participation squadron wide while other charity drives were supported with 100%. The Officer’s, NCO’s and Airmen’s Open Messes were all redecorated and several new motors were procured for our squadron boats by the Special Services Section and Unit Fund. The following dignitaries visited the squadron during the period: Air Vice Marshal Harvey (Northern NORAD Commander), Major General Agan (Incoming 26th Air Division Commander), Major General Vicellio (Outgoing 26th Air Division Commander), Brigadier General Greenfield (30th Air Division Commander), Colonel MaComber (Incoming GADS Commander), Colonel Welch (incoming GADS Vice Commander), Senator Robinson (US Senate) and Senator Talmadge (US Senate). Colonel Albert D Aberson, Commander for the past two years and SM/Sgt. Clyde V Towery, First Sergeant, received reassignment orders and were scheduled to depart on 13 July 1963. M/Sgt. Robert L Webster, First Sergeant, arrived and assumed his duties while special orders were received announcing the arrival of the new Commander, Lt. Colonel Benjamin M Howse on 5 July 1963.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    Benjamin M Howse, Lt. Col., USAF

    Signature

     

    Supply Personnel Manning

     

    Authorized

    Assigned

    Losses

    Gains

    Officer

    1

    1

    0

    0

    Airmen

    4

    5

    1

    1

    Civilian

    1

    1

    0

    0

    Food Service Manning

     

    Authorized

    Assigned

    Losses

    Gains

    Officer

    1

    1

    0

    0

    Airmen

    12

    13

    2

    1

    Civilian

    0

    0

    0

    0

    CE Cost Accounting Detail

    Military Costs

    Civilian Costs

    Materials

    Total Costs

    $10,539.12

    $28,632.96

    $6,705.41

    $45,877.49

     

    Civil Engineering Project Progress

    Work Order No.

    Description

    Status

    MEL 100-63

    Repair Bowling Alley

    Completed

    MEL 101-63

    Repair floors, various facilities

    Completed

    MEL 102-63

    Repair Heat System-Station

    Completed

    MEL 105-63

    Repair Headquarters Building Orderly Room

    Completed

    MEL 108-63

    Repair Dining Hall, Patio

    10% Complete

    MEL 109-63

    Repair Corridor-28 Man Dormitory

    Completed

    MEL 111-63

    Repair BOQ and NCO Dormitory (S-1572)

    30% Complete

    MEL 112-63

    Repair Latrines – Tropo and Check Point

    95% Complete

    MEL 113-63

    Repair Mechanical Room – C Barracks

    Completed

    MEL 114-63

    Replace Overhead Door – Motor Pool

    Completed

    MEL 120-63

    Repair corridor between Operations and the Heat Plant

    Completed

    MEL 121-63

    Repair Air Conditioning Distribution System

    Completed

    MEL 122-63

    Repair GADS Sector Office

    Completed

    MEL 124-63

    Repair Heat System – A and B Barracks

    Completed

    MEL 127-63

    Repair Drains, Sewer Lines

    Completed

    MEL 128-63

    Survey Power Plant Distribution Panel

    Completed

    MEL 130-63

    Repair Roof – new Communications Center

    Completed

    MEL 131-63

    Repair CE Shop – Partitioning

    Completed

    MEL 132-63

    Repair Dining Hall – Clipper, Tables and Plumbing

    Completed

    MEL 133-63

    Cut Hole in Tower

    Completed

    MEL 134-63

    Repair Operations Offices

    Completed

    MEL 135-63

    Repair Crypto and Switchboard Room

    Completed