Baldy Hughes, BC

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

Lt. Colonel Alfred J Naigle

AN/FPS-20A (1), AN/FPS-6B (2), AN/GPS-T2 (1), AN/GPX-7A (1), AN/GRC-27 (2), AN/UPS-T5 (1), AN/GRT-3 (2), AN/GRR-7 (2), AN/FRT-503 (1), AN/FRT-502 (2), AF/URG-60 (5).

The main item of interest at Baldy Hughes Air Force Station during the past three months has been the annual General Inspection conducted by the 25^th Air Division Inspector General in June. Each person seemed to take a personal interest in the inspection and put forth an effort to recheck the regulations covering his job to insure that all functions were being accomplished correctly. The high personal standards of job performance set by the personnel of the 918^th Squadron are attested to by the overall rating of excellent that the Squadron received and by the many individual outstanding ratings given. The ratings indicate that much work has been done since the last annual inspection.

As a prelude to the annual inspection the 4602^nd Support Wing made a Staff Assistance Team visit during April. Their assistance in problem areas was both considerable and welcomed. Their comments pointed toward favorable results in the annual inspection.

The Operations Section continues to function with no major problems. Two skilled directors departed the squadron for new assignments, bringing the director strength down to six directors. This strength level presents no problem, however, since three directors have upgraded to skilled and one director upgraded to combat ready. The 918^th continues to perform very well in the outer combat zone during live exercises. In most instances, kills have been north of the station. The use of RCAF C-119 ECM aircraft to make ECM runs on this and adjacent sites has provided much needed ECM training to both Operations and Maintenance personnel. The value of this training has been demonstrated by the excellent manner in which recent Big Blast missions have been handled. This renewal of Big Blast activity has been most welcomed by all personnel.

After several delays the new diesel generators were placed on the line in May. Shortly after they became operational, a problem arose with the experience of line surges. The problem could not be immediately isolated. A SAC/ADC Liaison Team visited the squadron in June to investigate the problem. The trouble was found to be related to the air conditioning unit and to the diesel generator voltage regulator. Permanent alleviation of the problem was not immediately possible so a temporary solution was suggested until further assistance can be received.

Armed Forces Day was observed by the squadron on May 19. Much effort went into making the day both enjoyable and profitable for visitors. The local news media was very co-operative in providing publicity for the day. This publicity included several news releases in both local newspapers, spot announcements on CKPG radio, and a thirty minute television program on CKPG-TV. The television program consisted of a NORAD film and an interview of the Squadron Commander. The 750 visitors to the squadron received a complete tour of the station and its facilities. The local militia, "A" Company of the Rocky Mountain Rangers presented a static display and joined personnel of the squadron in a joint retreat ceremony. The turnout was considered excellent and it is felt that the function of NORAD and the part that we play locally is now more appreciated by local citizens.

The squadron sports teams faired very well during this quarter. The basketball team, after winning the league championship, also won the league playoff. A base curling team sponsored by the Officers Open Mess also won the local Commercial Curling League.

The past three months has seen the melting of snow and ice and the coming of summer, the thoughts of personnel have turned toward fishing. The surrounding area provides excellent fishing opportunities. Personnel services has placed boats in the better fishing lakes. Many of the squadron have taken advantage of these excellent facilities.

The coming of summer also means rotation time. There has been a large change in personnel during the last several months. Most of the incoming personnel have been well trained and have moved into their positions with minimum difficulties.

Alfred J Naigle, Lt. Colonel