Sioux Lookout, ON

1961 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division


Historical Report
915th AC&W Squadron
1 October 1961 to 31 December 1961

Section I

REQUIRED DATA

  1. Unit and Location

915th Squadron (ADC), Sioux Lookout AS, Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada

  1. Name and Grade of Commander

Thomas E Ashinhurst, Lt. Colonel, USAF

  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)
  2. HQ – USAF
    HQ – NORAD
    HQ – ADC
    HQ – 30th Air Division (ADC)
    HQ – Duluth Air Defense Sector

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

  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)
  • Duluth ADS Regulation 24-7, dated 5 October 1960
    The mission of the 915th Squadron is to operate and maintain a radar and communications facility as a Manual Air Defense Direction Center for the Air Defense of the North American Continent.

  • Personnel
  •    

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

     
     

    Assigned

    18

    142

    22

    182

     
     

    Attached

    0

    2

    0

    2

     
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
  • AN/FPS-20A (1 ea.), AN/FPS-6B (1 ea.).

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

     

    Operations Section:

    During this period we have had one new director assigned to the Operations Section, CWO 2 Parent. Mr. Parent has been assigned duties as a 1741A Duty Director on Alpha Crew. This section participated in exercise "Sky Shield" on the 14th of October 1961 and performed all of its functions in a satisfactory manner. During the past three months a number of improvements have been made to enhance the appearance of the Operations Room and give easier working conditions to the personnel. The middle dias floor and the training room floor have been completely retiled. The communications system in operations has been completed. It was revamped and is set up for more efficient use. Intensified training has been accomplished in areas of the field which is the result of a new training program. A/2C Walker was nominated as Pinetopper of the Month, for the month of November 1961.

    Communications and Electronics:

    On 7 October C&E started a review of all equipment and systems to bring them up to maximum efficiency for operation "Sky Shield II". The equipment was successfully maintained 100% operational through the operation. On 16 October 1961 work was started in wire maintenance to rewire all the operations internal communications, and replace individual wire runs with cables which would allow for future expansion. On 18 October the cryptographic equipment became inoperative, and a crypto mechanic came in from Armstrong to repair it. On 20 October Airman Burrill reported for duty. A depot level maintenance team arrived on 2 November to install outstanding modifications on the FPS-6 and FPS-20 radar sets. Lt. Colonel Zwink, Director of Communications, 4602nd Support Wing, made a familiarization inspection of C&E facilities on 9 November 1961. On 12 November 1961 the power was shut off from 1300 to approximately 0200 13 November in order to change the switching panel in the power house. On 20 November 1961 T/Sgt. Richardson was assigned to wire maintenance and T/Sgt. Romero to the C&E Office due to a 30 day emergency leave taken by S/Sgt. Ferguson, C&E Clerk. On 5 December 1961 the C&E Office was moved to the training room.

    Unit Supply:

    The ADC project "Money Tree" continued in effect during this period. The first "Acorns" report in conjunction with project "Money Tree" was submitted in October and continued in November and December. Six "Acorns" were submitted during this period. Project 082X equipment for the FST-2 started arriving in December with automatic distribution from supply depots #1, 5 and 7. All FST-2 test equipment was removed from the UAL and requisitions on US depots were cancelled. Equipment forecast for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 62 was forwarded to the 4602nd Support Wing (ADC) Ottawa, for approval. AF Forms 84B for IEO and Motor Pool type items were activated during this period. Bench stocks for Radar Maintenance and Communications section were reviewed and levels adjusted as were the AF Forms 84B in the Tech Supply Section.

    Air Police Section:

    The Air Police Section lost four airmen through normal rotation during this period. Two replacements are forecasted for January 1962. The installation had a very good holiday record. There were no vehicle accidents or personal injuries. The status of discipline for the Squadron remains very good. There were no serious incidents during the reporting period. Section morale is high.

    Food Service Section:

    One cook reported during October 1961. Alterations have been completed in the old Airman’s Lounge and it is now being used as the new Dining Hall. A new NCO Dining Hall is now in operation. 6,820 rations or 20, 462 meals were served during this reporting period. No major problems were encountered during this period.

    Motor Pool Section:

    The motor pool received one new man in December 1961. The engine in the shop truck Jeep Pickup, #60B11906 was replaced. The engine in the Grader, W54D37 was replaced. The new tire changer was received and mounted.

    Installations Section:

    From 1 October to 31 December 1961 were three very quiet months as far as new projects were concerned. Contractors completed the interior painting of building 9 and 27 in November. The section was very busy getting ready for the coming icy winter months by stock piling gravel, getting the snow removal equipment in top shape and cleaning, repairing and storing equipment used during the summer. Water lines were drained and outside water taps where exposed to the elements were removed.

    Special Services:

    The Personnel Services Section was quite active during this quarter of the Historical reporting period. At the beginning of the period all squadron boats and motors were picked up from various locations by the IEO Section. Most of the equipment was found to be in relatively good condition with the exception of torn life jackets, split oars and minor damages to boats and motors. The Curling season opened during this quarter after a great deal of time and effort was spent in preparing the ice. Lounge chairs were transferred from the Multi-Purpose building to the Curling Rink in order to make the spectators more comfortable. With the winter came ice skating, and once again thanks go out to IEO for preparing the rink. The Squadron ice skates have been released to a number of individuals who will brave the cold. One planned activity that was expected to be completed this quarter, but was not, was the workout room. It was decided that setting up a conditioning room in the basement of the dining hall would be undesirable, due to possible damage from condensation. At the present time, plans are being made to place equipment in one of the rooms in the barracks, with the steam bath in the adjoining washroom. The most outstanding accomplishment during this quarter was the completed inventory of the Squadron Library and associated equipment. A great deal of time and effort went into this endeavor, which has made our section a well run and organized educational system.

    Administrative and Personnel Section:

    During this reporting period the Personnel and Administrative sections were visited by the following inspection teams: USAF Resident Auditor Mr. David Drebsback (Duluth Municipal Airport) on 1 through 6 October 1961; Legal Assistance Visit, 10 October 1961 by Staff Judge Advocate Captain Robert L Atwood (DUADS); Personnel Staff Visit Lt. Colonel John Dietz (DUADS) 29 October through 1 November 1961; OJT and Retention Staff Assistance Visit S/Sgt. James Denice and S/Sgt. Charles Danzl (DUADS) 21 November 1961 to 22 November. A/2C Lowell T Cooke, and A/1C Carlos R Martinez rotated to the ZI, and T/Sgt. William E Best was assigned to this section during this period.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    Thomas E Ashinhurst, Lt. Colonel, USAF

    Signature