Saglek, Labrador

1968 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division


Historical Record
924th AC&W Squadron
Saglek, Labrador
1 April 1968 to 30 June 1968

Section I

REQUIRED DATA

  1. Unit and Location

924th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
APO New York 09439

  1. Name and Grade of Commander

Frederick W Fieder, Major, USAF

  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)
  2. 37th Air Division
    First Air Force
    Air Defense Command

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

  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)
  • The mission of the 924th AC&W Squadron is to conduct air defense operations within assigned area of responsibility; support the Melville NORAD Control Center; function as a Surveillance Station with limited control capability in the air defense system; operate and maintain the air strip at Saglek Bay, Canada.
    37th Air Division Regulation 23-7

  • Personnel
  •    

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

     
     

    Authorized

    6

    85

    46

    137

     
     

    Assigned

    7

    83

    39

    129

     
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
  • 1 AN/FPS-93A; 1 AN/UPX-14; 1 AN/GPS-T2/T2A; 2 AN/UPA-35; 5 OA-175; 1 GPX-7A; 1 GPA-30; 4 GRC-27; 6 FRT-502; 3 URG-60; 1 BC-610; 3 SP-600I; 3 SP-600; 1 GTA-6; 1 GLH-501.

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

    Personnel and Administrative Branch:

    During the 37th Air Division Commander’s Conference, the unit was presented with a number of awards, most notably the Commander’s Trophy for the first quarter of the award’s existence, covering the period 1 January through 31 March 1968. The squadron was also awarded the VIE Program Award for fiscal year 1968 for our active Zero Defects program, the Power Plant Award for fiscal year 1968 for outstanding power plant operation, the Military Discipline Award for fiscal year 1968 for an extremely low incidence of military discipline problems and the Best Religious Participation Award for 1967-1968.

    Our new First Sergeant, SM/Sgt. Jack R Reynolds, arrived in April replacing M/Sgt. Stuart.

    The unit surpassed the 30% quarterly quota for participation in the USAF Suggestion Program, achieving 33% participation. The preceding quarter we achieved a remarkable 43% participation rate, which was the highest in the 37th Air Division.

    Communications and Electronics Branch:

    Radar Maintenance – During this quarter the Radar Maintenance Section received a QC Inspection from 37th Air Division with a satisfactory rating. On 12 June a DLM team arrived to overhaul all scopes in operations and maintenance. Also during this quarter a Test Equipment Calibration team arrived and calibrated/repaired all test equipment for the CEM section. Sgt. Lawson and S/Sgt. St. Germain rotated to the ZI during June and Sgt. Naluai arrived in the Radar Maintenance section (diverted from Hopedale) during the month of June.

    Radio Maintenance – In this quarter we received three new people in the shop, Sgt. Henderson, A/1C Hanson and A/1C McDowell. S/Sgt, Lafon from 37 MGE-Q was TDY here for approximately 30 days in April due to the shortage of personnel who were on leave or emergency leave. Radio’s QC Inspections 6 May through 9 May 1968, Radio Maintenance received no discrepancies in any area of operation. Radio was given an overall satisfactory rating from 37th Air Division Quality Control Inspector.

    Maintenance Control Center – During this quarter the MCC section received a QC Inspection from 37th Air Division with a satisfactory rating. In the month of April, the C&E section completed the work order on the MCC Maintenance Console, and the Console is now installed in the CEM office. The MCC section now functions as BSSC headquarters during Squadron exercises. During this quarter we received one new man, Sgt. Kelley from Finland AFS. He will replace Sgt. Carlsen who will rotate the first part of July.

    Wire Maintenance – During this quarter the wire maintenance section received a 37th Air Division Quality Control Inspection, and received a satisfactory rating. The latter part of June the Lower Camp cable that had been cut during the winter by a bulldozer, was repaired. The GEEIA team arrived and installed five new terminal boxes and ran the IO cable. During this quarter A/1C Richardson and Sgt. McFarland arrived and Sgt. Bradbury departed.

    Teletype Maintenance – The semi-annual Quality Control Inspection of the 924th AC&W Squadron was conducted during this quarter and Teletype Maintenance received a satisfactory rating. S/Sgt. Hellriegel from 37th Air Division conducted a Tempest Inspection of the 924th’s Comm. Center from 17 May through 22 May 1968. S/Sgt. Hellriegel co-ordinated with A/1C Paluk in replacing teletype cables and installing conduit between the Comm. Center and G670F-G650F section. These conduits pass ground and teletype wires. During his stay all discrepancies have been corrected except for the ordering of Confidence-Awaiting parts. A total of fifteen requests to correct Equipment Failure involving teletype apparatus were experienced during this quarter.

    Communications Center – The Communications Center during this quarter experienced considerable activity. In April we were visited by Captain Laure and M/Sgt. Sullenger of 37th Air Division who performed the annual COMSEC inspection, the results of which were satisfactory. In May Captain Radom and SM/Sgt. Yoder, again from 37th Air Division paid us a Staff Assistance visit. Much emphasis during this visit was placed on the administrative function of the Communications Center and numerous areas were found to be deficient. At the present time all deficient areas have been corrected with the exception of completing the Comm. Center and Crypto administrative files, screening of classified files to identify documents eligible for destruction, and reviewing the filing and maintenance procedures of AF Form 310. Shortly after the Staff Assistance Visit S/Sgt. Hellriegel of 37th Air Division Crypto Maintenance performed a Tempest Inspection of our facility. Five deficient areas were noted during this inspection. On-the-spot corrections were made in two areas and the remaining deficient areas were corrected shortly after the inspection.

    During the month of April both pieces of crypto equipment went off the air. They had to remain in this status until command assistance could be provided. S/Sgt. Hellreigel arrived four days later with a spare piece of equipment which put us back on the air.

    Sgt. Hogan and Airman Burse were reassigned during the month of April and we gained Sgt. Collins. One promotion, T/Sgt. Chavez, and one selection for Airman of the Month, Airman Bunjter, were received in the Comm. Center during this quarter.

    Supply and Services Branch:

    The following is a list of personnel losses and gains for this reporting period:

    (see matrix at the end of this report)

    The total number of aircraft processed by supply this period was: 28 DC-3’s, 8 DC-4’s and 2 civilian aircraft. The total incoming cargo including mail was 134,943 lbs. and 219 passengers. The total outgoing cargo including mail was 45,002 lbs. and 227 passengers.

    The Base Exchange had sales totalling $12,547.14 for this reporting period. Monthly breakdown is as follows:

    (see matrix at end of this report)

    Materiel Control Section processed 1 NORS and 4 pieces of test equipment was processed for calibration and returned.

    Summary – As previously indicated, Supply proceeded a large volume of cargo and passengers during this period. This was primarily due to different TDY teams coming in to perform maintenance in our different sections. Better response was received from the Goose Base Exchange in filling our requests and the results were clearly evident in the sale from 1 April through 30 June. Materiel Control continued their outstanding support of the CEM complex by maintaining 100% bench stock in all areas during most of this period. The POL situation has brightened up considerably and it looks as though we will have no problems with fuels until the annual resupply. As previously mentioned, Food Service encountered an extremely large turnover of personnel during this period. Of the 11 personnel assigned, only 2 are not first term airmen and the inexperience is evident within this section. Also, during this period Mr. Stephen St. Croix was awarded the Zero Defects Award for his outstanding job performance in the area of packing and crating.

    Operations Branch:

    The 924th AC&W Squadron Operations Section participated in twelve operational exercises, of which two were live exercises. Valuable training was received in these, one contributed largely to their success at higher echelons. In April a staff visit was conducted by the 37th Ground Environment Branch, and this section received a satisfactory report.

    Operations manning has been a problem with the loss of one NCO (27392) and a gain of one NCO (27370) during this period.

    (see matrix at the end of this report)

    The unit mission has been completed in an excellent manner due to the co-operation and hard work of personnel assigned to the Operations Section.

    Medical Services Branch:

    There were a total of 190 patients seen during this reporting period. Nine patients were referred to Goose Air Force Base Hospital for further treatment. Upon arrival each newly assigned person is given an indoctrination in respects to Temperature/Wind Index Chill Factors, and the necessary need for properly wearing of Arctic Clothing. There were no losses or gains in personnel. Presently assigned military personnel include: T/Sgt. Lawrence W Rutt, USAF, AF16349740. A90270, DEROS: 12 Jan 1969.

    Civil Engineering Branch:

    Personnel Changes – Arrivals – 1st Lt. James A McKinley, 6 May 1968, Site Civil Engineer from Hamilton AFB, California. Departures – Captain Thomas W Wersten, 25 April 1968, Site Civil Engineer to civilian life in Rochester, New York. Sgt. Robert D Lazslo, 24 June 1968, General Maintenance man to civilian life in Pennausken, New Jersey.

    Damage to the roof of building S-46 was discovered 7 May 1968. An emergency repair was initiated and a project submitted for the MMT to replace the entire roof.

    A decision was made to hold completion of projects SAG 8A-2, SAG 8B-2 and SAG 8C-2 until the contractor, Pinsent Construction Company made a final sweep of the runway. The sweeper is to arrive by boat, in July 1968.

    Contracts were awarded to Pinsent Construction Company, 26 June 1968 on SAG 2-8, Maintenance Paint Fuel Storage Tank and Lines for $19,414 and SAG 3-8 Maintenance, Paint Antenna Tower TACAN for $2,790.

    Construction on the Composite Building has reached 40% completion as of 25 June 1968. Removal of 2 of the generators from Building S-35 was completed by 30 June 1968. Removal of the third is pending in lieu of an acceptable bid from Pinsent Construction Ltd.

    Information, Education and Recreation Branch:

    During this quarter AFRTS assigned Sgt. Roger Hargens part-time to PPS to prepare the motors for our boats. The boats will be very much in demand during the short summer fishing season. In April, S/Sgt. Hart was selected as a representative of the 37th Air Division Bowling team to travel to Otis AFB, Mass. To participate in the 1st Air Force Bowling Tournament. There was no team event but Sgt. Hart finished in 12th place from a field of 48 personnel. In May, S/Sgt. Hart was selected to travel to Suffolk County AFB, New York to represent 37th Air Division in the 1st Air Force Talent Contest. After a hectic two days of eliminations S/Sgt. Hart advanced to the finals where he placed second on what three judges described as a "very close" decision. Also in this quarter the leather hobby shop was re-located from upstairs Tower 3 to downstairs Tower 3. The sales in leather projects have risen considerably therefore more space was needed to facilitate handling the added business. The AFRTS section experienced many mechanical electronic problems, prompting them to request technical assistance in June 68. The request was co-ordinated through the Goose Information Office (ADC). Headquarters 1st Air Force issued TDY orders to S/Sgt. Scott, of the Goose Bay AFRTS maintenance staff. Sgt. Scott pulled a general overhaul of this outlet’s equipment. Specifically Sgt. Scott: (1) removed, tested and replaced as needed any tubes, capacitors, etc., (2) aligned and/or adjusted the optical and electronic gear to factory specifications, and (3) repaired and adjusted both 16mm projectors, greatly improving picture quality. He worked on this job from 17 to 21 June 1968. The maintenance was pulled during "off-air" time, not affecting normal programming.

    S/Sgt. Lieb had 30 days ordinary leave during May while S/Sgt. Hart spent the month of June on emergency leave. Word was received on 15 May of the impending promotion to S/Sgt. of Sgt. Hargens.

    Key Personnel:

    The following is a list of key personnel as of 30 June 1968:

    (see matrix at the end of this report)

    Awards and Decorations:

    (see matrix at the end of this report)

    Prepared By: Ted K Hart, S/Sgt., USAF

    typed name and grade of commander

    Frederick W Fieder, Major, USAF

    Signature

     

    Supply and Services Branch Personnel Changes

    Section

    Losses

    Gains

    Supply

    T/Sgt. McPeters

    None

    Food Service

    T/Sgt. Wassam

    S/Sgt. Holcombe

     

    S/Sgt. Robinson

    Sgt. Rockafellow

     

    Sgt. Simpson

    A/1C Horn

     

    Civilian Beer

    A/1C Edwards

     

    Civilian Martin

    A/1C St. John

     

    A/1C Brugman

    A/1C Mitchell

       

    A/1C Archer

       

    A/1C Handy

    Base Exchange Sales by Month

    April sales

    $4,549.29

    May sales

    $3,649.62

    June sales

    $4,348.23

    Operations Branch Personnel Manning

    Authorized – 21

       

    Assigned - 19

       

    AFSC

    Rank

    No.

    AFSC

    Rank

    No.

    1744A

    Captain

    1

    1744A

    1st Lt.

    1

    27392

    SM/Sgt.

    1

    27392

    SM/Sgt.

    0

    27370

    M/Sgt.

    1

    27370

    M/Sgt.

    0

    27370

    T/Sgt.

    4

    27370

    T/Sgt.

    1

    27350

    S/Sgt.

    5

    27350

    S/Sgt.

    0

    27350

    Sgt.

    5

    27350

    Sgt.

    10

    27330

    A/1C

    4

    27330

    Sgt.

    6

         

    27350

    A/1C

    1

    Key Personnel as of 30 June 1968

    Major Fieder

    Commander

    Captain Duncan

    Chief, Supply and Services Branch

    Captain McKinley

    Chief, Civil Engineers Branch

    Captain Smith

    Chief, Communications and Electronics Branch

    Captain Cohen

    Chief, Personnel Branch

    1st Lt. Gregg

    Chief, Operations Branch

    M/Sgt. Reynolds

    First Sergeant

    SM/Sgt. Hanks

    NCOIC, MCC Section

    S/Sgt. MacDougall

    NCOIC, Radar Maintenance

    T/Sgt. Hanus

    NCOIC, Maintenance Quality Control Section

    T/Sgt. Hunton

    NCOIC, Operations

    Awards and Decorations

    1

    924th AC&W Squadron

    Commander’s Trophy for the first quarter of the award’s existence covering the period 1 January through 31 March 1968.

    2

    924th AC&W Squadron

    VIE Programs Award for fiscal year 1968 for our active Zero Defects program.

    3

    924th AC&W Squadron

    Power Plant Award for fiscal year 1968 for outstanding power plant operation.

    4

    924th AC&W Squadron

    Military Discipline Award for fiscal year 1968 for an extremely low incidence of military discipline problems.

    5

    924th AC&W Squadron

    Best Religious Participation Award for 1967-1968.

    6

    Mr. Stephen St. Croix

    Zero Defects Award for his outstanding job performance in the area of packing and crating.

    7

    A/1C Bradbury

    April Airman of the Month.

    8

    A/1C Buntjer

    May Airman of the Month.

    9

    Sgt. McLeod

    June Airman of the Month.

    10

    Sgt. McLeod

    Airman of the Quarter.