Baldy Hughes, BC

1958 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division


Historical Report
918th AC&W Squadron
1 April 1958 to 30 June 1958

Section I

REQUIRED DATA

  1. Unit and Location

918th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
Baldy Hughes Air Station, Prince George, BC

  1. Name and Grade of Commander

Major James D Lessley

  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)
  2. Commander In Chief – Dwight D Eisenhower
    Secretary of Defense – Neal H McElroy
    Secretary of Air Force – James H Douglas
    Chairman of Joints Chief of Staff – General Nathan F Twining
    Air Force Chief of Staff – General Thomas D White
    Commander NORAD – General Earle E Partridge
    Commander Air Defense Command – Lt. General Joseph H Atkinson
    Commander Western Air Defense Forces – Major General Hugh H Parker
    Commander 25th Air Division – Brigadier General Charles R Bond Jr.

  • Subordinate Units (Down to and including squadrons)
  • None

  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)
  • The reference for authority of primary mission is 25th Air Division Letter 20-2, but the 918th is governed by 5th Air Division Air Staff Instructions.
    The primary mission is to maintain radar surveillance for the purpose of providing early warning and continuous intelligence of all air activity detected, and to train continuously for the effective accomplishment of this mission.

  • Personnel
  •    

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

     
     

    Assigned

    10

    141

    22

    163

     
     

    Attached

             
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
  • Primary Search FPS-3C; Backup Search FPS-502; Height Range Indicator TPS-502; STP Trainer AN/GPS-T2; Fighter Trainer AN/GPS-T4.

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

     

    Operations:

    At the present time the 918th is primarily an early warning site. The 918th has control capabilities, but these capabilities are limited at the present time due to the allocation of fighters and the inaccuracy of the height range indicator now in operation.

    The 918th has a T-2 trainer for use in system training problems but no problems have been designed for this area.

    A renovation in operations has improved working conditions immensely. This remodelling was completed in June and gives maintenance and operations more area for necessary facilities. The remodelling in June and gives maintenance and operations more area for necessary facilities. The remodelling in June also included the renovations of the air conditioning system.

    The number of personnel in operations is increasing steadily. For example in the past two months the number of officers has increased from two to five. With an officer on each crew in the future, the morale and proficiency of the crews should improve.

    Special Events:

    Armed Forces Day was observed on Saturday May 10th at the 918th Squadron. A committee supervised by Lt. Robert H Beveridge planned the day which saw the site opened to the public from 10 AM until 4 PM.

    Visitors to the 918th received a guided tour of the cantonment area of the squadron and then preceded to operations for a first-hand glimpse of the primary operation of the 918th.

    The dining hall responded to the occasion with a special snack for the visitors. The day was a success and enlightened over 350 local civilians.

    The 918th celebrated its sixth anniversary on April 16th. It was on this date in 1952 the site was officially activated.

    Major Lessley, Commander of the 918th, received a telegram from Headquarters WADF which read: "Headquarters WADF extends its congratulations to all personnel of 918th on the occasion of your sixth anniversary, 16 April 1958".

    Accomplishments:

    During the spring the airmen have completed and opened their own Airmen’s Club. The airmen worked faithfully and willingly in building a bar and remodelling their new club.

    A small arms range was started and completed under the adept leadership of S/Sgt. William H Wooten. This was completed in June and is now being used to qualify Air Police and to familiarize officers and airmen with appropriate weapons.

    A road was constructed to MacKenzie Lake in the early summer during break time to allow persons to drive close to the lake. A picnic area has been constructed so individuals will not have to drive great distances to enjoy a day of fishing, boating and picnicking.

    Another big improvement is the trailer court in the base area. An asphalt drive is being constructed plus the addition of walkways in the area. A lawn has been sown and patios make living more comfortable for airmen who reside on base in trailers.

    Problems:

    Roads present the number one problem for most individuals at the 918th. The roads are dirt, very dusty and rough or muddy during the summer months. The life of a car is very short due to these driving conditions.

    Housing also presents a problem as there are only eight duplex type apartments on base, and these are the only permanent housing facilities other than the BOQ and airmen barracks. Off base housing in Prince George is very expensive and the drive to Prince George is undesirable as it takes 45 minutes one way plus the wear and tear on one’s personal automobile.

    Morale and Recreational Activities:

    This area offers incomparable fishing and hunting opportunities in season. Some of the best fishing on the continent can be reached from Prince George by automobile.

    Sporting equipment is readily available at the 918th. Rods, reels, outboard engines, a 29 foot cruiser, smaller boats, shot guns and moose and deer rifles are all available through Special Services.

    Competitive sports, such as golf, tennis, softball, hockey, curling, and basketball offer recreational opportunities in the city of Prince George. The 918th is now represented with a softball team in the Prince George League.

    Although the recreational activities are very good off base, there is a need for more summer and winter recreational facilities on base. For example, some of the needed facilities are a gymnasium, gymnastic equipment, tennis courts and a softball diamond.

    The morale of the 918th is very high at the present time due to the endless opportunities for participation in a variety of activities.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    James D Lessley, Major, USAF

    Signature