Parent, QC

1958 – Narrative Report – National Archives of Canada


Narrative Report
RCAF Station Parent
1 Dec 58 to 31 May 59

1 Dec 58

Overhaul of AN/TPS-501 Height Finder by RCA personnel.

4 Dec 58

Mr. M Reid, Personnel Selection Officer, Civil Service Commission, Ottawa, visited the Unit. This was also the inauguration of this Unit’s transfer from the Ottawa CSC district to the Montreal district.

8 Dec 58

Results of the October Trade Examinations were received. Approximately 70% of the candidates were successful.

20 Dec 58

The annual Christmas Party for the children was held, following the presentation of a Children’s Christmas Party. (Annex 1)

27 Dec 58

F/O ET Keasley, Radar Officer, departed on transfer to Flin Flon, Manitoba.

31 Dec 58

Operations - A total of 2,030 tracks were plotted for this month. 61 aircraft were given flight following and 21 unknowns plotted. A total of nine synthetic exercises were held. There were 328 practice intercepts with 90 MIs; 57 operational intercepts with eight unsuccessful. Exercises were Cue Ball, Full Force, Big Blast, Shakeup, Chainshot and Whopper B.

1 Jan 59

Three Flying Officers were promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant; one was granted a permanent commission.
The annual "Snow Bowl" East-West football game was won by the West. (Annex 2)

6 Jan 59

A break in the cable from the Power Plant to the TX site occurred. Power from the village of Parent was supplied to the Station.

15 Jan 59

The 5BX League, consisting of ten teams was formed. In conjunction a swimming survey was conducted and compulsory classes begun.

22 Jan 59

High winds damaged AN/FPS-6 height finder antenna. Technical assistance was supplied by Canadian General Electric Company.

31 Jan 59

Operations - A total of 2,821 tracks were plotted. 67 aircraft were given flight following. Eight systems training program synthetic exercises were held. Practice intercepts totalled 192 with 16 unsuccessful. Chainshot exercises had results of 2 MA and 8 MI. Other operational intercepts had results of 21 MA and 13 MI.

14 Feb 59

A competitive Sports Day between the Station airwomen and the PMW ladies was held.

16 Feb 59

G/C DH Gwinn, Senior Ground Environment Staff Officer, ADCHQ visited the station.

28 Feb 59

There were 2,274 tracks plotted during the month. 105 aircraft were given flight following. 11 synthetic exercises were held. Practice intercepts totalled 447 with 105 unsuccessful. Operational intercepts totalled 41 with 14 unsuccessful. Operational exercises were Big Blast, Cue Ball, Anchor Pole and Chainshot.

5 Mar 59

RCA Victor Company installed Rigid Radome on the Arctic tower.

11 Mar 59

RCA Victor representatives visited the Station to discuss positioning of terminating equipment for Status Omnibus 9002 and Weather Circuit 9006.

19 Mar 59

First attempt was made to utilize a commercial radio station on a Broadcast Control exercise.

24 Mar 59

The changeover to one floor operation was completed with 40 hours off the air time.

31 Mar 59

A total of 1,789 tracks were plotted this month; 46 aircraft were given flight following. Systems Training program, consisting of three exercises (synthetic) was carried out. There were 251 practice intercepts with 117 unsuccessful. Operational intercepts included Chainshot exercise with 5 MA and 12 MI. There were 11 other operational intercepts, 4 successful. Exercises were Big Blast, Chainshot, Shakeup and Whopper B.

1 Apr 59

Airmen’s promotions were as follows: 1 WO2; 1 Flight Sergeant and nine Corporals.

3 Apr 59

The Wire Bowling Championship Tournament was held.

6 Apr 59

25888 F/O EW Gaffray, Radar Officer, arrived on transfer from Beaverbank.

11 Apr 59

The Station Volleyball champions traveled to RCAF Station Lachine for the Zone finals, but were unsuccessful.

23 - 29 Apr 59

Annual Station Badminton Tournament was held.

30 Apr 59

Operations - 2,409 tracks were plotted and 55 aircraft given flight following during the month. Practice intercepts totalled 172 with 105 successful. Operational results were 193 MA and 103 MI.

1 May 59

Pest Control operations commenced with the spraying of streams and lakes within a three mile radius.

8 May 59

SKITS-SO-FRANTIC, a Station Variety Show was presented. Attending was G/C RE McBride, S Plans SO, ADCHQ. (Annex 3)

11 May 59

Work started on the Power Plant on the replacement of two diesels.

12 May 59

Overhaul of AN/FPS-3 Search Radar gear by Northern Electric Company commenced.
30027 F/L AJ Slugoski replaced 14970 F/L JR Jolley and Chief Administrative Officer.

16 May 59

RCAF Station Parent was presented with the Mynarski Trophy. The Commanding Officer and the Unit Recreation Specialist attended the Annual RCAFA dinner and was later presented with the Trophy by the Chief of the Air Staff. (Annex 4).

31 May 59

Operations - This unit was off operation for the period 4 - 9 May. For the month, 979 tracks were carried and 48 aircraft given flight following. Three synthetic System Training exercises were carried out. Other exercises included ECM exercises with Boneyard 1 and 2 and Exercise Private Eye.

Signed by:
(CS Yarnell) W/C
CO, RCAF Station Parent, Quebec