Ramore, ON

1. to collect, discriminate and transmit radar data appearing within the area of coverage to the Ottawa NORAD Sector at North Bay.
2. to provide support services as detailed below.

1. Summary of Unit Activities

During 1965, the unit continued operation in its role of a Long Range Radar site in the Ottawa NORAD Sector. As assessed by the results of PEGE Flights, the performance has been satisfactory.

Participation in NORAD system exercises was frequent throughout the year.

The site was used on many occasions by higher formations, for technical experiments, resting and special projects.

In mid-year there was a change of Commanding Officer when W/C RD Forbes-Roberts handed over command to W/C DL Munro.

2. Operations

The ability of the squadron to fulfill its role was affected when the radar technician staff, due to shortage of personnel, adopted the single-shift maintenance system. This reduced the depth of response and increased the reaction time to unserviceabilities. However, this disadvantage in numbers has been offset by an improvement in quality through more experience and familiarity with the comparatively new type radars installed at this unit. Other gains have been made through attendance of personnel on many courses, both on and off the unit, through increased capability of the equipment from the installation of the latest modifications and through participation in many exercises, both live and simulated.

The results of the SAGE System Flight Checks, now being flown once a week, showed a marked improvement in flight performance by the year’s end.

3. Training

In addition to an active programme of OJT in the technical sections, the following formal courses were attended on unit:

The following personnel attended courses off the unit during the year:

1. Radar - Site technicians have maintained their equipments in good order and have installed all modifications received. Our equipment and technical facilities were used as a test site by the following visiting groups:

1. NRC - Balloon trials to explore the use of reflecting balloons to test radar operating parameters.
2. EWU and ADC - AN/ALT-501 Airborne E & G Band Jammer was operated against our radars.
3. CGE - Tests to improve the ECCM capability of the MDF channel of the AN/FPS-27.
4. Westinghouse - To try out new alignment procedures on the AN/FPS-27.
5. DOT - Spectrum analysis of the AN/FPS-27.

Twelve MRPs visited the unit to carry out inspections, take measurements, install modifications or assist with repairs. Twice during the year, Van-Cal arrived to calibrate the electronic test equipment. New directional and omni-directional antennas were installed on the SIF equipment. All radomes received a coat of paint.

2. Construction -All buildings and related facilities were kept in good order through routine and preventive maintenance. In addition the following projects were carried out:

1. Buildings were extended at the Main Guard House to provide more office space and at the Airmen’s Club to improve the washroom facilities;
2. The Sewage Plant building was extended to give more coverage and protection to the Settling Tank to prevent freezing in winter;
3. Officers were built for the NCOs-in-charge in both the FPS-26 and FPS-27 towers;
4. A new office and a classroom were built in the old scope room in the Operations Building, and kitchen facilities were improved by installing a sink and water outlet and serving counters.
5. The Crypto Room in the Message Centre was relocated to provide a greater degree of security and to prepare for the installation of the On-Line Cypher System;
6. In the Headquarters Building, a new office was built for the CAdO.
7. At the GATR Building, a porch was built to prevent cold air in winter and dust in summer from reaching the sensitive equipment installed within;
8. Outside work included the laying of sod over the water reservoir to prevent erosion, and the building of a 25 yard firing range at the old Transmitter site;
9. All five FS-7 diesels in the Power Plant were modified by the manufacturer.

Number 5 Diesel in the Power Plant suffered a major breakdown. A subsequent Board of Inquiry found that faulty manufacturer’s equipment was the main contributing factor. There was a change of Section Head in January when F/L JJR Therien handed over to F/O DE Harper.

3. Logistics

In addition to the normal supply action the following items of major equipment were handled:

1. Sold - one stake truck and two station wagons;
2. Received: one All station wagon, one A-5 staff car, two A-10 station wagons, two A-10 carry-alls;
3. To Foymount: one stake truck;
4. To Lac St. Denis: one A-5 staff car;
5. Exchanged: 40 passenger Western Flyer bus.

On the disbandment of a Tropospheric Scatter site, located 5 miles away at Kempis Mountain, this unit took over one small building, several items of furniture and some C class stores. Two vehicles were received for the Canadian Forces Recruiting Office which opened recently in Kirkland Lake.

5. Administration

In June, W/C DL Munro arrived from OUT Bagotville and assumed command of the unit upon the retirement of W/C RD Forbes-Roberts. There have been no other major changes in the administration branch and work has proceeded normally.

Medical health on the unit has been at a satisfactory level. The medical facilities of Kirkland Lake and Timmins have been used to full advantage and the local doctors continue to give full cooperation.

Chaplain services have proceeded without notable incident.

Security was tested when two local EDP exercises were held. These proved the adequacy of the Pyramid Call-Up and Alerting System, and revealed some small problems associated with adopting an emergency posture in excess of 24 hours, which have been resolved.

6. Organization

No significant changes took place in the organization.

7. Official Visits and Inspections

During the past year, the following visits and inspections took place at this unit:

Under the guidance of the Recreation NCO there was a keen participation in softball, volleyball, flag-football and bowling on the station. On numerous occasions, representative teams played against teams in the local communities.

A Broomball team and a Curling team took part in RCAF Zone Playdowns. Fishing derbies have proved to be most popular and four were held during the year.

9. Public Relations

The good relations which exist between this unit and the local communities were maintained throughout 1965.

Frequent and close contact with the adult Service Clubs and youth organizations is the main effort in the Public Relations programme. On many occasions, the Commanding Officer has been the guest speaker at Service Club meetings and many groups have been conducted on tours of the Operations Site.

This unit took part in the Remebrance Day Parade in Kirkland Lake. The Community Chest Campaign was supported and $512.00 was contributed by the personnel of this unit.

Signed by:

(GE Murray) F/L
Acting Commanding Officer