Pagwa, ON

195 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division

Historical Record
913th AC&W Squadron
Pagwa River, ON
1 April 1958 to 30 June 1958

Section I

REQUIRED DATA
  1. Unit and Location

913th Squadron, Pagwa Air Station
Pagwa River, Ontario, Canada
  1. Name and Grade of Commander

Howard M Namur, Major, USAF
  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)

    2. 37th Air Division (Defense)
    Detachment #1, Headquarters ADC
    Eastern Air Defense Force
    Air Defence Command
  • Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons)

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

    • Authority: 37th ADIV Regulation 24-16, dated 16 January 1958
    Mission: To operate and maintain a Direction Center facility as part of the integrated air defense system of the 37th Air Division (Defense), for the purpose of conducting air defense operations within this system.
  • Personnel
    		•
       

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

    		  
     

    Assigned

    14

    160

    4

    178

    		  
     

    Attached

    0

    0

    0

    0

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

    Radar and Communication Equipment

    AN/FPS-3C (phased out); AN/FPS-20 (installed) AN/FPS-502; AN/TPS-502; AN/GRC-27 5ea (two added); AN/FRT-501 4ea; AN/FRT-502 2ea; AN/FRT-503 1ea; AN/GRR-7 2ea; AN/GRT-3 2ea; CR-91A 3ea (1 to depot).

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

    Due to the efforts of Headquarters EDAF, our assigned versus authorized strength figures are compatible for the first time. A realignment of our authorization by AFSC was received but no drastic changes were affected. The last month of this period brought a Master Sergeant in the AFSC 73270 for which no authorization existed. Prior to his arrival only two 73250’s were assigned and their job knowledge did not encompass the answers to many of our personnel problems. The ADC mission known by the code name of "Wex-Val" gave this unit priorities in the assignment of qualified radar maintenance personnel that had previously been very difficult to obtain. Although this quarter showed considerable change in the assignment of numbers of personnel, the chief improvement noted was in the efficiency of all sections to handle their individual mission more effectively.

    In preparation for operation "Wex-Val", a Bendix Installation Team arrived here on approximately 10 Jun to begin installation of the AN/FPS-20A and to remove the AN/FPS-3C. On 20 May installation of the UPA-35 scopes had already begun to implement the OA-99 and OA-175 scopes already installed. The installation and stocking of parts for this new equipment created many supply problems never before experienced. Due to the fact that only two trains arrive at this station weekly, a delay was encountered in getting parts.

    Technical Supply had to be moved from Tower #1 to the make shift gymnasium to allow space for the installation of the AN/FPS-20A. This included disassembling parts bins in the tower and reassembling in the gym. A total of 4200 line items were moved. A special requisition was made to obtain the necessary test equipment for the new gear. Approximately 400 new line items were added and all stock control levels had to be adjusted accordingly. To furnish these items, approximately 900 requisitions were submitted to Canadian and Air Force Depots for required items.

    A complete inventory of the base property was accomplished in June and the new Supply Officer assumed responsibility for the property pertaining to this organization.

    During this quarter, installation contracts on the facilities of the station were being accomplished. These contracts included: A complete modification of the Operations Building; modified hot water booster in the Mess Hall; a complete renovation of the shower stall in all of the barracks; construction of a hangar for the L-20 aircraft; installation of a deaerater and steam flow meter. Along with these contracts AIO personnel of this station accomplished extensive repair work on the connecting breeze ways between the tower, built side walks, repaired draining ditches, graded roads, and built an aerial spray apparatus for installation into the L-20 for spraying the base area. Insects at the close of this period have been quite troublesome and aerial spraying is one of the best methods for combating them.

    In June the C&E Officer was moved from Tower #2 to the Operations Building. This change was necessitated by the moving of the Technical Supply to Tower #2. The present office space for C&E in the Operations Building is not sufficient and a request has been sent to the Logistical Support Group for remodification of the present office.

    A Commander’s Conference was held from 4-6 June in Ottawa, Ontario for all of the Pinetree Site Commanders. It was learned at this time that approval had been given for construction of the multi-purpose recreation building and also for the additional barracks although the construction would not begin until the summer of 1959.

    A closed circuit radio station, WBR, has been constructed from non-approved funds and is now in operation. Since radio reception is almost negligible at this station, this construction was considered essential. Personnel for this station are being paid from Unit Fund. Musical programs are played on this system from 1800 hours until 2400 hours. Depending on volunteers, music is played at other times during the day.

    Community relations and morale remain excellent and no immediate problem areas are foreseen.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    Howard M Namur, Major, USAF

    Signature