Lowther, ON

1981 – Historical Report – National Archives of Canada

1325-1 (Commanding Officer)

Canadian Forces Station Lowther
Kapuskasing, Ontario
P5N 2Y7
12 March 1982

National Defence Headquarters
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2

Attention: Directorate of History

ANNUAL HISTORICAL REPORT
CFS LOWTHER - 01 JAN 81 TO 31 DEC 81

References: A. CFAO 71-7

    1. Aircom Winnipeg DCOS PERS 310 dated 121430Z Nov 81
  1. In accordance with reference A and B, the subject report is submitted.
  1. UNIT TITLE

Canadian Forces Station Lowther

UIC 2400

  1. MAJOR CHANGES

The function of CFS Lowther remains the same. A few changes occurred during the year 1981.

    1. The transition from 23rd NORAD Region to 21st NORAD Region Hancock Field, Syracuse NY in Sep 81, was done very smoothly. To be able to accomplish the transition, GATR personnel were involved in a major frequency change for our radios; no problems were encountered during the change.
    2. A good amelioration occurred in May 81, in the Data Maintenance Control Centre (DMCC). The acquisition of two UPA-62Cs was a great asset especially for Level V operations.
    3. The access to the Operations Compound was secured by having an electronic gate installed in Jun 81.
    4. COMM DET switched to the new Samson system and thus entered the computer age.
    5. Over $60,000 was spent for renovations. I.e. buying new furniture and office equipment.
  1. MAJOR PROJECTS

One of the prime projects that finally came to reality was the conversion of the entire Station to commercial electric power in August 81.

Another project that finally came about after a long waiting period, was the Station receiving five new MHMQs which permitted five more families to move from Kapuskasing to the Station.

  1. PARAMILITARY ACTIVITIES

There were no paramilitary taskings for CFS Lowther during the year 1981.

  1. SOCIAL OCCASIONS

Once again during 1981, CFS Lowther was invaded by several dignitaries who decided to brave the Great White North. Mess dinners, luncheons or receptions were organized to host our visitors. The particulars are as follows:

01 Apr 81

Brigadier General Les Price and his wife Ruth. Deputy Commander of 23rd NORAD Region.

15 May 81

Lieutenant Colonel Hatfield - Air Command Chaplain (Protestant).

13 - 14 Oct 81

Brigadier General Stewart Deputy Commander of 21st NORAD Region.

17 Nov 81

Brigadier General Ferguson (USAF) Commander of 21st NORAD Region with Colonel Hannigton.

  1. MAJOR LOSS OR DAMAGE

An accident severely damaged one of our new Panels which was written off. No injuries occurred from the accident.

  1. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
  1. CFS Lowther participated in the Diamond Jubilee Parade in Kapuskasing, on 01 July 81. We supplied a marching contingent consisting of two flights plus a colour party. We also put in a float and arranged for the SAC Band to march in the parade.
  2. Since Air Defence is the prime function of CFS Lowther, the following exercises were conducted in 1981.

For Air Defence training purposes: 7 Live Exercises, 20 Simulated Exercises including 13 Formats Exercises only, 29 Electronic Counter Measures Demonstration and 3 Emergency Defence Plan Exercises.

A good point of interest is CFS Lowther had its first maximum participation exercise with 87 Fighter Interceptor Squadron (12 hours duration) in a Level V configuration (Autonomous Operation).

Signed by:

CC LeBlanc
Major
Commanding Officer

Attachment:
Annex A List of Officers on strength and number of other ranks on strength.

 

 

Equipment Changes That Have Been
Implemented In The Past Year

 

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