Puntzi Mountain, BC

917th AC&W Squadron,
Puntzi Mountain, BC

Edmund M Bouchard, Major

AN/FPS-3, AN/TPS-502, AN/TPS-6

Historical Record
917^th AC&W Squadron
1 April through 30 June 1959

Accomplishments and Commendations –

During this reporting period several events tended to show the excellent progress being made by this squadron. A primary feature which in itself was a confirmation of the superior operation being produced here was the promotion of Major Edmund M Bouchard, our commander, from the grade of Captain.

The Administrative Section was given a rating of "excellent" by the inspection team from 25^th Air Division, McChord AFB, Washington during the regular staff visit.

A new Reports Control System has been developed which will add preciseness to the submission of full and detailed reports from this squadron.

Decentralization of the Classified Files was performed in accordance with AFR 205-1. In practice this will place greater responsibility upon the action agency.

The ADC Commendation Certificate was awarded during this period to A/1C Field, a former member of this command, for his outstanding work in the field of Unit Personnel Administration.

Community Relations –

Excellent relations have been maintained with the local Canadians during this period. One event that promoted a better understanding of the presence of the United States Air Force on Canadian soil was the "Open House" held on Armed Forces Day.

Attendance by many squadron personnel at the annual "stampedes" or "rodeos" held at Williams Lake and Anahim Lake further advanced desirable community relations.

See paragraph in Operations section – concerning L-20 Search Party.

Accomplishments –

The squadron has continued to maintain a very high operational effectiveness score of 964% in exercises during this period. The principal aircraft controlled have been F-89-Js and CF-100’s.

Directors of this and other "C" sites express praise for the aircraft currently being employed in this area, but also feel that the newer high speed aircraft, namely the F-102A and the F-106A could successfully be utilized in Canada.

In the month of June a light civilian aircraft was reported missing and the aid of this squadron’s L-20 was solicited. Several hours of flying in search of the missing plane covered a wide range of rough terrain. The commander of this squadron received a letter of appreciation for the willingness and cooperativeness of our personnel in carrying out the search. The letter, from the RCAF, is attached to this report.

RCAF Letter, 14 Jul 59

Modifications – The operations section is presently receiving the quality control program for the station in order to arrive at a more positive means of station and quality control. (The present method is ineffectual due to the lack of "flight plan traffic" through our sub-sector). While an alternate solution has not been found, the operations personnel are aware of the problem and feel that a workable solution is forthcoming.

Training -

Since part of our mission is training it is of paramount importance, however any unit can be trained to a certain degree through mission motivation. Therefore, semi-competitive testing is being conducted between crews. While the tests do not become a permanent part of an individual’s records there is a maximum of interest stimulated without putting undue pressure on a numerical grade.

In addition to the informal testing, an intense program of "On the Job Training" is being conducted in accordance with AFR 52-2. Emphasis is being placed on the "trainer" – "trainee" relationship.

Radar Maintenance –

Preventative on the FPS-3C for the month of April was 26 hours. One hour and thirty-eight minutes red time on all equipment was caused by a diesel power failure. Preventative maintenance on the TPS-502 was 15 hours, 11 minutes. CAE Mobile test equipment IRAN team arrived on site and all test equipment was calibrated. SIF equipment was installed by CAE.

For the month of May preventative maintenance on the FPS-3C was 18 hours, 22 minutes and 7 minutes of red time was caused by a blown fuse in the azimuth meter starter. On the TPS-502 hours totalled 3 hours, 36 minutes. Failure of the PU-5004 converter caused 258 hours, 55 minutes ROCP. (The unit was burned because of a power surge which caused arcing at the 400 cycle slip rings). A new PU-5004 was installed by the CAE team.

For the month of June preventative maintenance on the FPS-3C was 25 hours, 40 minutes, while on the TPS-502 there was 13 hours. A UB magnetron was changed 21 June 1959 due to improper operation caused by excessive arcing.

The AN/GPS-30 (Video Mapper) has been out of commission for parts since 21 December 1958. The lack of this unit is a hindrance to operational effectiveness.

Radio Maintenance – All equipment, transmitters and receivers and components functioning properly by meter readings except GRC-27, T-282 Serial Number 2097. Equipment off ROCP, dated 27 April 1959, due to C-904 and Driver Grid Contacts.

Wire Maintenance – A move toward greater efficiency was the installation of telephones in each of the radar towers and an extension in the Radar Maintenance Section. Retractable telephone cords replaced the bothersome "dangling" ones at various dias positions in operations.

Modifications –

During the second quarter of 1959, the Supply Section experienced a complete turn-over of personnel with the exception of the supply officer. The change-over was accomplished without any difficulties due to 25^th Air Divisions policy of assigning well qualified personnel to "C" sites.

There were no unusual problems encountered during this reporting period.

Modifications –

Damaging winds necessitated repairing the roofs of the Administration building, the BOQ and two BAQ’s.

Stainless steel hoods and ventilation for the cooking in the dining hall was also completed and this improved the operational efficiency of the facility as well as adding comfort to the working conditions.

A modification to the air conditioning controls in radar operations now provides better air conditioning for that section.

Attractive floor tile was an additional effort that enhanced the appearance of our dining hall, each of our clubs, and four BAQ’s.

A much needed addition to the base trailer court was the laundry utility room.

A cattle guard was constructed adjacent to the runway to keep cattle off of the landing strip.

Modifications and Improvements -

Several improvements in the area of recreation and welfare were made during this period. The recreational facilities added to consisted of new tables, chairs, and books for the library, a new lathe, and a new enlarger for the photographic darkroom. The darkroom was completed during this period along with an outdoor basketball court and boxes for the transportation of our outboard motors. A shelter was also constructed for the storage of these motors. Items that were repaired or improved upon were the boat dock at Puntzi Lake, a band saw, additional tools for the hobby shop, and a billiard table in the recreation room.

The use of all available recreational facilities which have been provided for leisure time was re-emphasised.

A squadron softball team was sponsored and proved a healthy outlet for physical energy as well as a lift to morale in the squadron.

Although the warm weather arrived a little late this summer personnel have enjoyed a maximum of outdoor activities and good health. Morale is high and the squadron is continuing to perform its assigned mission concurrent with the best of Air Force Standards.