Senneterre, QC

Secret
Appendix "B"
to AFAO 71.00/01

To conduct the support of air defence in the Ottawa NORAD Sector

1. In a Mode 1 role supporting the Direction Centre at North Bay;
2. and an NCC for the BUIC back-up of the Direction Centre;
3. providing administrative and logistic support for the Val d’Or detachment.

1. Summary of Unit Activities

During the period, the transition from the Manual System to the SAGE system of operation was completed.

(2) Operations

The change-over from Manual to SAGE operations presented many problems for the Operations personnel. These were overcome by hard work and full co-operation of all persons involved.

3. Training

With the advent of SAGE operations, training was intensified for both operations and technical personnel in order to familiarize all with the new equipment and operating procedures involved.

(4) Technical

1. Installation of all communications and radar equipment compatible with SAGE was completed during the period.
2. Construction of the Fire Hall and Ground Support Buildings was commenced at Val d’Or. In addition contracts were let for the re-construction of the runway and an addition to the Alert Hangar.

(5) Administration

There were no problems in the administration branch during the period.

(6) Organization

The following changes were made in the organization:

(7) Official Visits and Inspections

A/C Hull, Chief of Staff, toured Senneterre and Val d’Or

SOAF Inspection

A/V/M Harvey and A/C Pollard toured Senneterre and Val d’Or.

A/V/M Hendricks inspected Senneterre and Val d’Or.

Command security inspection.

Command Fire Marshal’s inspection.

Colonel Gracio and W/C Duncan of NNR inspected Operations.

(8) Recreation

A comprehensive program of recreation was carried out catering to the needs of both Service personnel and dependents.

All wire meets were entered with enthusiasm with Senneterre placing first in the RCAF Swim Marathon.

(9) Public Relations

Articles on station events were published in the Hub, Roundel and local newspapers throughout the period.

Guided tours of the station were given to members of the Val d’Or and Barraute Chambers of Commerce.

Personnel of the Fire Hall conducted a toy drive prior to Christmas and presented the repaired toys to local charities for distribution.

(10) Other

Nil.

Signed by:

(JE Goldsmith) W/C
Commanding Officer

(2) Operations

Operations consist of 2 CF-101B Voodoo aircraft being stationed on 5 minute alert 24 hours a day. During planned exercises the number of Voodoo aircraft operating out of Val d’Or may be increased to four. During the period from mid-Mar to mid-Jun inclusive the runway was closed to all jet aircraft because of severe frost heaving.

(3) Training

Operational training on Voodoo aircraft is carried out under the direction of the parent unit and is independent of the detachment Programme.

(4) Technical

Under the direction of Senneterre.

(5) Administration

The detachment is administered by F/L OJ Brigden, Officer Commanding and FS J Longhurst, Station Warrant Officer.

(7) Official visits and Inspections

On 1 August 63 Air Commodore ME Pollard and Brigadier General FB James visited the detachment.

(Remainder of visits as for Senneterre)

(8) Recreation

The detachment sponsored an RCAF team in the broomball league in town and the team has 18 members.

There are also three teams consisting of RCAF personnel in the town bowling leagues, two men’s teams and one mixed team, but they are civilian sponsored.

The detachment also built an outdoor rink with off-duty volunteer help which also maintains it for recreational skating.

Some personnel are also active in local civilian curling leagues, chess clubs and the golf club but these are not detachment organized sports as there are no recreational facilities on the unit.

(9) Public Relations

The unit PRO co-ordinated all publicity for Open House Day and the appearance of the Golden Hawks in the air show, as well as/or the visit of A/C Pollard and Brigadier General James in conjunction with the Summer Festival committee and made arrangements for the welcoming ceremonies and the cocktail reception. Other community relations also included PRO participation in radio interviews, marathon foot race award presentations, banquets, and participation in parades, all of which were in conjunction with the summer festival.

In Nov 63 the detachment participated in the Remembrance Day ceremonies held by the Canadian Legion in the town of Val d’Or.

Also during Nov and Dec 63 releases were given to the local news media concerning the safety factors incorporated and involved with the acquirement of nuclear weapons.

In Mar 63 the town was granted a charter for 728 RCAC Squadron and an air cadet liaison officer was appointed from this detachment. Air Cadet activities in conjunction with those of the detachment included participation in the Summer Festival celebrations and in the Remembrance Day parade.

Signed by:

(JE Goldsmith) W/C
Commanding Officer