Lowther, ON

1960 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division

Historical Record
939th AC&W Squadron
Lowther, ON
1 October 1960 to 31 December 1960

Section I

REQUIRED DATA
  1. Unit and Location

639th AC&W Squadron
Lowther Air Station, Lowther, Ont., Canada
  1. Name and Grade of Commander

Arthur A Fox, Major, USAF
  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)

    2. 30th Air Division (SAGE)
    Air Defense Command
  • Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons)

    • None
  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)

    • To operate and maintain a Direction Center facility as part of the integrated Air Defense System of the 30th Air Division (SAGE) for the purpose of conducting air defense operations within this system. (30th ADIVR 24-6, 2 July 59)
  • Personnel
    		•
       

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

    		  
     

    Assigned

    17

    150

    7

    174

    		  
     

    Attached

    2

    0

    0

    2

    		  
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
    •

    1 Search Radar AN/MPS-7 in Arctic tower; 1 Height Radar AN/MPS-14 in Arctic tower; 1 IFF AN/GPX-20; 1 Video Mapper AN/GPA-30; 1 Telephone Equipment AN/GTA-6A; 2 Teletype AN/FGC-20; 1 Teletype AN/FGC-25; 3 Radio VHF BC640 BC639; 4 Radio UHF Multi Channel AN/GRC-27; 2 Radio HF AN/GRC-26D; 1 Crypto Account; 4 Radio UHF Single Channel AN/GRR-7; 4 Radio UHF Single Channel AN/GRT-3;

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

    1st Lt. Ralph J Maruca the Communications Officer departed for AFIT training during December. His replacement will report in January 1961. The officer and airmen manning has been very good, about 97% of the authorized strength.

    The housing situation for "dependants joined" personnel has eased. Housing is usually available after a 3-8 week waiting period.

    The 30th ADIV (SAGE) ORI was conducted 15-16 October. This unit contributed to an overall successful rating for the Division. This marks the first time that such an inspection was passed on the first try.

    The moose hunting season opened and closed during this period. Several of the station personnel now have enough meat to last through the winter.

    Snow has been relatively light but the temperature stays low all the time (below freezing generally).

    1st Lt. Jax A Baker the C&E Officer was promoted to Captain 10 October. For a promotion party, he and his wife hosted a Hawaiian party at the Officers Club.

    The Thanksgiving and Christmas-New Year season festivities included several dances in the Recreation Hall, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in the dining hall as well as many private parties.

    As this year ends the squadron enjoys excellent morale, a high degree of efficiency and excellent Community – Air Force relations.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    Arthur A Fox, Major, USAF

    Signature