Moosonee, ON

Introduction and Summary of Years Events

15 Radar Squadron Moosonee is located on the south-east end of James Bay. The role of 15 Radar Squadron is to provide and operate radar, data processing, and communication facilities of the quality required to adequately support the mission of the 41 NORAD Division and its NCC.

Although there was approximately a 50% changeover in station personnel, overall squadron effectiveness was not significantly reduced or positions remained vacant, the existing staff has performed its duties satisfactorily and willingly.

Building maintenance has been satisfactory, with the same general problem encountered each year – lack of sufficient non-established help for major projects to enable established staff to carry out its routine functions.

Recreation for service personnel, their dependents and DND employees was varied to meet the needs of all individuals and was considered to be of a high standard. An excellent record was achieved amongst service personnel in the physical fitness training program conducted by Recreation Staff.

15 Radar Squadron Moosonee officially adopted its new name on 1 Oct 66. During the past year, the Operations section formally headed by a SCOO, became part of the CGEO organization. The SCOO position was replaced by a Telecommunications Operations Officer (TelOpsO) and its establishment changed from Air/RN/RO to Tech/Tel. The STelO position was changed to Telecommunications Maintenance Officer (TelMaintO) and the requirement for officer-shift manning by Duty Operations Officers was cancelled. Late in the year a new position, Squadron Standards and Training Officer (SSTO) was established; although it was not filled until Jan 67. The SSTO is responsible for Quality Control standards, studies and data collection and assumes the duties of SGTO.

The CGEO, in co-operation with other branch heads, completed a revision of the unit Emergency Defence Plan which had been published in Feb 64 and was considered out of date.

In Feb 66, ADC authorized a three months trial period of unattended GATR operation during evening and midnight shifts at the suggestion of this unit. In Nov 66 on the basis of data provided by the Squadron in the form of monthly reports, unattended GATR operation for selected LLRs was commenced ADC-wide.

During Jul – Sep, all Operations personnel were restricted to two weeks annual leave due to personnel shortages.

In Oct 66, due to a shortage of TACAN trained personnel, CFB North Bay assumed responsibility for maintenance of the AN/GRN-501 TACAN facility. North Bay technicians will visit Moosonee once per month. Two Radio Technicians with good digital backgrounds were given familiarization training on the equipment and monitor its day to day condition by making DIs. These personnel also successfully conducted a theodolite-controlled DOT flight check.

In Dec 66, the Operations Room reconfiguration was completed by removing a dias containing Operation positions for the Battle Commander, Raid Master, and four Intercept Directors which were no longer required. A larger operating area was thus achieved. In addition, authorization was obtained to replace the non-tariff operational key telephone system with a simple more modern tariff system and to move the PABX from the HQ’s building to the Operations Tower sometime before Apr 67.

The Operations staff participated in the normal Sector exercises during the year, as well as two local EDP exercises. Results were good in all cases. Unit personnel attended many courses during 1966, the major courses being: SSTS, Aircraft Fluid Handling, GKA-5/FRT-49, Pedagogy, SIT, ECM/ECCM, FST-2 Theory, WSPOL and RM Tech Field Maintenance.

Normal training was carried out in all sections for Trade Advancement purposes and to keep personnel abreast of changes.

There have been no marked technical changes on the station during 1966. A fire-gutted PMQ is being re-modelled for use as a Station Post Office on authority from CFHQ. The station was visited by two engineers and one surveyor from #1 Construction Engineering Unit who investigated the station’s drainage problem. Their report and recommendations are expected in the spring of 1967. In Oct, a Toronto roofing contractor re-surfaced the GATR Building roof. The station was fortunate that the contractor was at Moose Factory working on another project and could come to Moosonee and re-surface the GATR roof while in the area. A project to install individual fire alarms in all PMQ’s was started in Dec 66. In Oct 66 a team of seven CE Officers and Warrant Officers arrived to conduct a site visit from #3 RCEO. The purpose of their trip was general liaison, and to explain the role and capabilities of the newly-formed #3 RCEO, and to outline the engineering and support services it could offer the BCEO and staff.

Normal transfers were experienced in the following key positions: CO, TelOpsO, SAO, BCEO, N/S and TelMaintO.

The Reverend John Clarke was hired as civilian officiating clergyman (P) on his arrival as minister of the Anglican Church in Moosonee during May 66. Father Bergeron was hired as civilian officiating clergyman (RC) in Sep 66 on the departure of Father Baril who left to attend the University of Western Ontario.

15 Radar Squadron Moosonee received the following visits and inspections during 1966:

Dental team of Captain RWR Horn and Pte. NJF Hope arrived for approximately four weeks TD.

Annual SPSO inspection team headed by W/C Poirier arrived.

Visit by F/L Sharp, ASWelO.

Visit by F/L Sharp, ASWelO.

Visit by 30 students from Upper Canada College.

Visit by Captain Kingsborough, RCPC, to Station Post Office. Visit by F/L Sharp, ASWelO.

Visit by F/L Christie, Chaplain (P) from ADCHQ.

Visit by 3 RCEO team headed by WO2 McClinchey.

Visit by F/L Sharp, ASWelO.

Visit by F/L Ford and Captain Butler, ADC MSE and Post Office representatives on inspection of station facilities.

Dental team of Captain Crawson and Sgt. Dawson arrived for approximately three weeks TD. Liaison visit by Major (Nursing Sister) Hill and F/L Hatley (HQ OMR).

Liaison visit by F/L Cyr, OC CFRC, Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

F/L Smith arrived on TD as temporary SAO. ACLO visit headed by W/C Wiltshire.

MCHQ Liaison visit by F/L Hume.

Two DM auditors arrived to check DND School Records.

F/L Hind arrived on TD as temporary SAO.

Visit by F/L Sharp, ASWelO.

F/O Taylor arrived on TD as temporary SAO.

Liaison visit by Captain James (Ottawa) re Commissionaires.

Visit of Intelligence Briefing team headed by Lt. Huchberger (USAF).

SOAF Inspection headed by F/L Smith.

Visit of F/O Mowat and WO1 Fulmes from 1 CEO Winnipeg to conduct survey and drainage study.

Dental team of Major Carmichael and Pte Bernard arrived for approximately 3 weeks TD.

Annual inspection of Explosives by WO2 Calvert.

Visit of 3 RCEO inspection team from Toronto to evaluate Station facilities. Team headed by W/C Rideout.

TACAN inspection and Antenna Replacement team headed by WO2 Molik.

Visit by WO2 Falconer (North Bay) for Radar Mechanical Maintenance Area inspection.

Staff Visit (ADC North Bay) headed by W/C Munro.

Visit by Command RC Padre F/L Kelly.

The following is a resume of the major sports programmed events of 1966:

Swimming – This unit entered the ADC Swim Marathon and placed a respectable fourth with an excellent turnout of station personnel. The pool was well used during the year with many swimming classes taking place.

Basketball – The unit entered the James Bay Basketball league and was successful in its defence of the Championship it won in 1965.

Hockey – A squadron hockey team was entered in the local Hockey League with Moosonee and Moose Factory and emerged as winners of the first play-offs after finishing the season in second place.

Softball – A successful summer of softball was enjoyed with three teams taking part in a squadron league. The Headquarters team emerged as league winners.

Bowling – Men’s and ladies leagues were organized and operated during the bowling season.

Curling – Men’s, ladies and mixed curling leagues were organized and operated during the curling season with an extremely good turnout of station personnel. Curling is always one of the most popular sports on the unit.

Other sports and activities that proved very popular over the year were: broomball, boating, fishing, hunting, badminton and volleyball. A one-day winter carnival was held in Mar 66 with full participation from service personnel, dependents, and DND employees. A variety show, Sports Banquet, and Children’s Christmas parties were also held, proving to be very successful. The recreation facilities were certainly well used during the year and the sports programme was extremely well organized and highly successful.

A group of students from Upper Canada were in the area during their Easter Vacation and during their stay were given a conducted tour of the station. The boys enjoyed their visit and particularly liked the swim in the station pool in the afternoon.

Mr. John Barow, Captain of the Hamilton Tiger Cats was invited as guest speaker of the Station Sports Banquet held in May, but due to train difficulties did not arrive.

Mr. Leo Boivin, formerly of the Boston Bruins, was invited to attend the official opening of the newly-renovated Airmen’s Institute (Bar and Lounge) in Jul and was well received during his stay at the unit.

Mr. Sam Snead, of golfing fame, on a quick trip to Northern Ontario to do some fishing in September, was invited out to the Messes for an evening’s entertainment but declined the offer as he was pressed for time.

Approximately 30 writers from the American Society of Travel Writers visited the unit in Oct 66 and were given an unclassified your and briefing by the CGEO.

Missing Personnel – The body of LAC JAR Longpre, who had been missing on a fishing trip since Sep 65, was found approximately 150 miles north of Moosonee in James Bay, at the end of Jun 66. The remains were sent to Montreal for burial at Repentiguy, PQ. No trace of the other two missing personnel, LAC JFG Lamoine and Mr. R Cardin (ex RCAF) has been found.

Monthly Record of Activities – 1966

Members – The following ADCHQ/SPSP personnel arrived this date by service aircraft for a Staff Visit and SOAP Inspection.

Party departed 3^rd and 5^th Feb 66.

Visit by 30 students from Upper Canada College.

3 RCEO team arrived from Toronto for W&S Treatment Plant Inspection and Fire Alarm Inspection. Included were:

27 May 66

Sports Banquet and Dance. Food was decorated to represent various sports. Trophies were presented to individuals and teams for competition held during the past year.

Annual Fly Count started.

RCAF Annual Swim Marathon started. Ended midnight 19 Jun. Station placed fourth in final standing.

Liaison visit by Command ACLO team. Included: W/C W Wiltshire, S/L ND Cairns and S/L A Allan. Departed 18 Jun 66.

Station Golf Team proceeded to Station Trenton and competed in the Zone IV Golf Championships.

Second Annual Air Spray for mosquitoes, black flies, etc., was carried out by F/L Morris of 102 KU Trenton. Spray was very successful. First spray was lost due to a severe rain storm.

Re-opening of newly renovated Airmen’s Club. A Levee was held with all Officers and Senior NCO’s invited to attend.

Handing Over Parade – S/L DF Bate assumed Command at 15 Radar Squadron Moosonee. S/L EAE Ireland (previous CO) posted to Staff College at Toronto, Ontario.

102 KU Trenton provided Albatross to airlift 2200 pound of rations from Station North Bay to Station Moosonee due to a rail strike. The aircraft was also used to airlift an urgent medical referral to North Bay.

Station Revised Pay Structure Briefing Team proceeded on TD to CFB Toronto. Team consisted of S/L DF Bate, F/O JM Thomas and Sgt. GW Barnard.

CO called a muster parade to advise personnel on new Pay, trade and rank structure.

CH-113 Helicopter and crew from CFB Trenton stopped over for refuelling on their way to conduct a Search and Rescue operation near Fort George. The crew included:

14 Nov 66

Staff Visit from 41 NDHQ North Bay. Included were:

Departed 17 Nov 66.

Due to unavailability of RCAF ski-equipped aircraft, an Austin Airways DC-3 was charted to provide an emergency medical air evaluation to CFB North Bay.