Moisie, QC

1961 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


Historical Narrative
RCAF Station Moisie, PQ
1 Jun 61 to Nov 61

4 Jun 61

Despite inclement weather, a crowd estimated at between eight and ten thousand people crowded the Sept Iles airport perimeter to witness an aerobatic display by the Golden Hawks and a static exhibit of RCAF aircraft.

8 Jun 61

S/L RJ Millage, F/Ls JW Mooers and E Fox of ADCHQ arrived on the station to discuss personnel problems.

10 Jun 61

Faker penetration exercise "Think Ahead". This involved control of three AW fighters. Results were 1 MA, 2 cancelled and 4 MI.

12 Jun 61

RCAF ECM exercise "BoneYard". This involved control of two AW fighters. Results were 1 MA, 1 MI

20 Jun 61

F/O DJ French replaced F/O CJ Strong as SAO. Tri-region exercise "STM 727". Tactical surveillance problem. F/O DG Knowles replaced F/O JR Lines as SCEO.

21 Jun 61

SAC ECM exercise "Big Echo 3" – Big Blast Mission (BBM). This involved control of two AW Fighters. Results were 3 MI. F/Ls G MacDonald and JE McCullock of ADCHQ visited this unit in connection with Ground Training Programme.

22 Jun 61

WO2 L Hilchey of Stn St Margarets reported on TD to act as FofW for one month pending arrival of the new unit FofW.

24 Jun 61

One squadron, comprising two flights, took part in the St Jean Baptiste parade in Sept Iles.

26 Jun 61

S/L JW Fiander CD handed over his command of the Station to S/L LG McAllister CD. This parade was followed by a reception in the Officers’ Mess. F/O RJ Orieux replaced F/O RRP Wilson as PAdO.

27 Jun 61

S/L LG McAllister assumed command of the station vice S/L JW Fiander who proceeded on transfer to AFHQ/DOE.

28 Jun 61

F/L PB Apperley assumed temporary command of the station during the absence of S/L LG McAllister on leave.

30 Jun 61

Total intercepts for Jun – live 79, synthetic 110. surveillance Activity for Jun – normal, approximately 2300 identified. One SOS track – engine failure, diverted to Harmon AFB, landed safely.

1 Jul 61

RCAF ECM exercise "Bone Yard" – NBS (Nil Battle Staff). This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 2 MI.

4 Jul 61

S/Ls DC Thompson and E Carrigan visited the Station Infirmary on a CHQ staff visit.

8 Jul 61

ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 4 MI. SAC ECM exercise "Dec Bride" – BS (Battle Staff Manned). This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 4 MI.

10 Jul 61

S/L LG McAllister resumed command of the station.

12 Jul 61

ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results 2 MI. SAC ECM exercise "Big Echo 6" – BS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results 4 MI.

14 Jul 61

SAC ECM exercise "Dec Bride: - NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results 1 MA, 1 Abort.

15 Jul 61

The station Search and Rescue Group assisted the civil authorities in the search for a young boy lost in the Port Cartier area – search was unsuccessful.

17 Jul 61

ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 3 MA, 1MI.

18 Jul 61

COpsO, CTSO, SSupO and Rad WO attended SAGE conference at Stewart AFB and were briefed on the CADIN program.

19 Jul 61

ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 2 MI.

20 Jul 61

Lt. Col. RJ Gettelfinger, SAC liaison officer at NNRHQ, visited the unit to brief Ops personnel on EWO procedures and SIF identification turns.

21 Jul 61

SAC ECM exercise "Dec Bride" – BS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 1 MA, 1 Cancelled.

24 Jul 61

The FPS-502 was made available to all scopes on an "as required basis" by each operator and plans were formulated to locate the transmitter/receiver A/G/A equipment inside the Ops Compound.

26 Jul 61

WO1 JA McDougall of ADCHQ arrived on the station to conduct a fire safety inspection.

27 Jul 61

RCAF ECM exercise "Bone Yard 58" – NBS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 4 MI.

28 Jul 61

SAC ECM exercise "Dec Bride Echo" – BS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 2 MI.

31 Jul 61

Total intercepts for Jul – live 131, synthetic 115. Unknowns for Jul – one IDFR late F/P. Surveillance activity for Jul – approximately 2408 tracks identified. All facilities were adjusted to Magnetic bearing. Vertical Board Polar Grid also converted to Magnetic.

2 Aug 61

Tri-region exercise "STM 727" – BS. Moderate invader traffic.

4 Aug 61

SAC BBM ECM exercise "Dec Bride" – NBS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 4 MA. The Telephone Section completed its move into the former Comm Section on the ground floor of #1 Tower.

8 Aug 61

A/V/M WR MacBrien OBE CD, AOC/ADC, conducted his annual visit and inspection of the station. A luncheon was held in the Officers’ Mess at which time officers and their wives had an opportunity to meet and chat with the AOC.

9 Aug 61

F/O PP Janega replaced F/O WR McKinnon as STelO.

10 Aug 61

A construction surveillance inspection party, composed of USAF and DCL personnel visited the unit to view progress of extension to the power plant and construction of Towers 26 and 27. RCAF ECM exercise "Bone Yard 3" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results 3 MA, 3 MI.

11 Aug 61

SAC BBM ECM exercise "Dec Bride(H)" – BS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results 4 MA, 4 MI.

14 Aug 61

Excavation started on Power Plant extension to allow for installation of five 650 KW Diesel Generators to replace the existing three 250 KW Diesel Generators. Completion of this project will increase the power output on the station from 750 KW to 3250 KW.

15 Aug 61

CPX (Command Post Exercise) "Desk Top 4" STM 604 – BS. Light invader traffic.

17 Aug 61

G/C AU Houle, Fredericton Sector Commander, visited the station on a liaison trip.

18 Aug 61

SAC BBM ECM exercise "Dec Bride (D)" – BS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 1 MA, 2 MI. Pilings for the FPS-27 Tower begun this date.

19 Aug 61

ADC/USAF exercise "Big Lobster" – Air National Guard – BS. This involved control of 6 USAF fighters. Results were 5 MA, 2 MI.

21 Aug 61

WO2 HR Gibbon, Command Hygiene Inspector, performed a hygiene and sanitation inspection of the unit.

25 Aug 61

The complete Comm Section, including transmitter and receiver equipment, has now been confined to the ground floor of Tower #2. SAC BBM ECM exercise "Dec Bride (H)" – NBS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 4 MA, 4 MI.

28 Aug 61

RCAF ECM exercise "Bone Yard 8" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 1 MA, 2 MI

30 Aug 61

Tri-region exercise "STM 661" – BS. Heavy invader traffic.

31 Aug 61

Total intercepts for Aug – live 78, synthetic 120. Surveillance activity for Aug - approximately 2069 tracks identified.

1 Sep 61

SAC BBM exercise "Dec Bride (H)" – NBS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 2 MA, 6 MI. ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS – nil fighter commitment.

5 Sep 61

Pilings for the FPS-27 Tower completed and pilings for the FPS-26 Tower started this date.

6 Sep 61

Safe and skilled driving competition held on the station whose three representatives proceeded to Station Greenwood where the Eastern Canada elimination was held. ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 3 MA, 1 MI.

8 Sep 61

SAC BBM exercise "Dec Bride (H)" – NBS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 4 MI.

9 Sep 61

ADC/USAF tactical exercise "Sioux Noose" using faker force – BS. This involved control of 4 AW fighters. Results were 4 MA, 4 MI.

10 Sep 61

F/L PB Apperley assumed temporary command of the station during the absence of S/L LG McAllister who attended a Controller Familiarization Training Course of three weeks duration at Station Cold Lake. F/O R Goodwin of the SOPA Legal Branch at ADCHQ visited the unit.

11 Sep 61

F/L KM Cady and F/O R Kellett of ADC/SOAF branch conducted a semi-annual audit on the station.

13 Sep 61

Surgeon General Rear Admiral TB McLean, A/C GD Caldbick, and G/C TJ Powell inspected the medical facilities of the station and the Sept Iles Hospital. Bi-region exercise "STM 727" – heavy invader traffic.

14 Sep 61

Pilings for the FPS-26 Tower completed this date.

17 Sep 61

One squadron, consisting of two flights, conducted a Battle of Britain Parade in Sep Iles where church services were attended in Protestant and RC Churches.

18 Sep 61

RCAF ECM exercise "Bone Yard (5)" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 2 MI. Three members of the DM Auditor’s staff arrived on the unit and conducted an audit throughout various sections. This was the first visit since Nov 59.

26 Sep 61

Bi-region exercise "STM 306". Light invader traffic.

27 Sep 61

Bi-sector exercise "STM 604". Light invader traffic.

30 Sep 61

ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 2 MI. ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS. Nil fighters committed. Total intercepts for Sep – live 32, synthetic 137. Surveillance activity for Sep - approximately 2170 tracks identified. Unknown reports – X414 unknown at 1534Z, IDFR at 1552Z, Air France 015, Faulty SIF. Selective identification features trial – 14 SIF trials conducted in Sep. Results were good with approximate total average 75%.

1 Oct 61

S/L LG McAllister resumed command of the station.

4 Oct 61

F/L JC Cottrell and F/O RC Archibald, a management analysis team of ADC, visited the unit to brief various sections on management practices and procedures. RAF Grapple Flight; ECM exercise "Western Ranger" – NBS. This involved control of 2 Aw fighters. Results were 2 MI.

5 Oct 61

F/Ls JH Cline and AD McLeod of ADCHQ arrived on the station to check SAC evaluation procedures preparatory for Sky Shield II exercise.

9 Oct 61

Mr. Andre Letourneau, Federal Income Tax Inspector, performed an audit of service pay records of unit personnel.

13 Oct 61

A soccer game between Station Bagotville and this unit was played; Station Moisie emerging the victor. Station team subsequently eliminated by Station St. Jean in the Quebec Area finals for the Pearke’s Trophy. Sector exercise "STM 727" – BS – to test threat warning.

14 Oct 61

ADC/USAF North American exercise "Sky Shield II" – BS. This involved control of 11 AW fighters. Results were 5 MA, 3 MI, 4 cancelled intercepts and 2 non-commitments. Lt Col RJ Gettlefinger, SAC liaison officer at NNRHQ was present as observer for the exercise. Very good results were attained by this unit.

16 Oct 61

A vulnerability test team from ADCHQ consisting of 2 officers and 2 Sr. NCOs visited the station for the purpose of providing training to the station Security Force personnel and to evaluate security defence plans. An infiltration exercise was conducted in conjunction with this training.

17 Oct 61

RCAF ECM exercise "Bone Yard 5" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 1 MA, 1 MI.

20 Oct 61

Station Senneterre defeated this unit’s flag football team 28 to 26.

23 Oct 61

Aircraft CF-LTV reported lost, overdue at Twin Falls. Halifax rescue centre assigned F/L Cameron as Search Master with headquarters at Seven Islands. Aircraft found at approximately 2100Z 24 Oct. The Azimuth Time Recorder was made operational with the arrival of the required data.

24 Oct 61

W/C GG Wright, Deputy Sector Commander, arrived on the unit on a sector liaison visit. One unknown track, identified 18 minutes later.

25 Oct 61

Bi-sector exercise "STM 656" – BS. Heavy invader problem.

31 Oct 61

Total intercepts for Oct – live 37, synthetic 92. Surveillance activity for Oct - approximately 2303 tracks identified.

2 Nov 61

ADC/Air National Guard tactical training exercise "Big Lobster" – BS. This involved control of USAF AW fighters. Results were 2 MI and 2 nil commitments.

4 Nov 61

Five diesel generators were unloaded at the Sept Iles docks from the hold of the "Carrigan Head" and transported to the station.

6 Nov 61

ADC/ECM exercise "Bone Yard 5" – NBS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 2 MI. F/L AW Beals of Station Chatham visited the unit on a semi-annual M&I Audit Board.

7 Nov 61

Tri-region exercise "STM 306" – BS. Heavy invader problem.

11 Nov 61

One squadron, consisting of two flights, participated in the Remembrance Day Parade in Sept Iles. Personnel on parade were entertained at an "open house" at the Royal Canadian Legion following the parade.

15 Nov 61

Bi-sector exercise "STM 661" – BS. Heavy invader problem.

16 Nov 61

At the invitation of the CO, the Sept Iles Richelieu Club were guests of the Station and were shown various unclassified aspects of ADC operations. Following their tour, they conducted their monthly meeting in the Officers’ Mess.

17 Nov 61

Unknown aircraft – identified friendly within 6 minutes.

19 Nov 61

The station provided one flight to attend a wreath-burning ceremony conducted by the Royal Canadian Legion in Sept Iles. A team of six from Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd visited the unit with their calibration van to carry out calibration tests and perform necessary adjustments to station electronic equipment.

20 Nov 61

The DM Auditor’s Inspection reports was received with a classification of "Generally Satisfactory".

21 Nov 61

Major JI Gordon, RCDC, arrived on the unit to conduct a three-week dental clinic for service personnel and their dependents.

27 Nov 61

F/O D Wagner, WO2 WR Miller of ADCHQ and WO1 WD Jullyan of AFHQ/MSE arrived on the station to check the application of the new MSE management system against small unit operations. Bi-sector exercise "STM 726" - surveillance training.

28 Nov 61

NORAD exercise "STM 604" – BS. Moderate invader problem. Mr. D Belleville of the Dept of Public Health Ottawa and WO2 J McClinchey AFHQ/DCEM arrived on the station to assist in completing the final installation stages of the new water purification system which should finally ensure palatable water for the station.

29 Nov 61

ADC/USAF tactical exercise "Sioux Pipe" – BS. This involved control of 2 AW fighters. Results were 2 MI.

30 Nov 61

Total intercepts for Nov – live 24, synthetic 115. Surveillance activity for Nov - approximately 2140 tracks identified. Construction progress: FPS-26 Tower (33%), FPS-27 Tower (28%), Power Plant Extension (17%).