Major Greenough arrived in Sioux Lookout shortly after the station had become fully operational. One of his major objectives was the development of good relations with the civilian community. He seemed to have succeeded fairly well in this respect. No major operational changes were experienced nor were there any major projects started. Major Greenough's prime concern was to develop the brand new radar station into the most efficient operational unit possible. Major Greenough died of a heart attack in his home in New York in 1970.
Major Nash arrived to commence duties as Commander of the 915th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron in July 1955. In 1956 Major Nash instituted "Operation New Look". This included the setting up of a mobile home park to accommodate 18 privately-owned mobile homes. Another five trailer pads were procured from the contractor for a total of 23 pads. The Commander's Office and Administration building were situated where the Junior Rank's Mess is now (1978). The Officer's Club was where the Officer's Mess is now (1978) and the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess was referred to as the Enlisted Club (Other Ranks) and housed all ranks. The Recreation Hall, Canex outlet and the Special Services Personnel (Physical Education and Recreation Instructors) were located in what was the Headquarters building in 1978. "Operation New Look" renovated it into a combination chapel with adjoining pool tables and recreation area. In the fall of 1956 Major Nash began the building of the curling rink. In 1957 Major Nash was posted out of Sioux Lookout. He is now (1978) Lieutenant Colonel Nash and is retired and living in Orlando, Florida.
Major Lucas arrived to commence duties as Commander in July 1957. During his tour at Sioux Lookout he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. His major concerns were to improve personal supplies and community relations. As part of the latter, he completed the station curling rink with the aid of townspeople. An art club for the town was also organized by station personnel, while the wives' club put together a variety show called the "Pine Tree Review". The living quarters on the base were redecorated to help morale and many other projects, both major and minor, were completed during Lieutenant Lucas' tour. In July 1959 Lieutenant Colonel Lucas was posted to Colorado Springs; he is now retired (1978) and living in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Lieutenant Colonel Ashinhurst arrived in Sioux Lookout in July 1959. While he was in command, a new FPS 20 radar system was installed. When he arrived, the site was fully manual; towards the end of his tour the site was going into Semi-Automatic Ground Environment. The station participated in many community activities, the biggest being the "50 for Sioux in 62" celebrations. The station supplied men to march in the parade as well as arranging for a United States Air Force Air Show. In October 1962 Lieutenant Colonel Ashinhurst handed over command of the Sioux Lookout radar site to the Royal Canadian Air Force. The now (1978) Colonel Ashinhurst is retired and living in Oklahoma City.
Wing Commander Ratcliffe arrived in Sioux Lookout in October 1962 to take over command of the radar site from the United States Air Force. At that time, the site was renamed 39 Radar Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force Station Sioux Lookout. At the time he took over, the site was still operating in manual mode; however in early 1963 the site became fully data tied to Semi-Automatic Ground Environment. Also at that time, the newly built FPS 7 Search radar and the data link gear became operational. Recreational and social activities were improved with the building of a softball diamond, skating rink and rifle range. Also, Mrs. Ratcliffe organized an all ranks wives' club. Wing Commander Ratcliffe is now retired (1978) and living in Sidney, British Columbia.
Wing Commander WC Kent arrived at RCAF Station Sioux Lookout in mid-August 1964. Housing was critical since there were only 20 trailer pads. Also, the recreational facilities were limited to the curling rink, a softball diamond and an outdoor rink. Despite all these setbacks, morale was extremely high. This was attributed to the area and the good relationships with the town. During Wing Commander Kent's tour a ski club was formed in 1964 and the Hobby Shop was opened in 1965. This improved the recreational facilities. To improve even more, the good relationships with the town, associate mess memberships were initiated. Finally, a station post office and gas station were opened for the convenience of station personnel. Wing Commander Kent is now (1978) retired and living in Owen Sound, Ontario.
While Wing Commander Bullock was here the station went to full implementation of BUIC Phase II. This resulted in the abolition of Manual Mode III capability. Also, an addition was built to the Construction Engineering building. The usual curling and other sports activities occurred. As well, the unit became more involved in the sport of cross-country skiing. The 39 Radar Squadron established a team to represent Zone 3 in the Canadian Forces National Ski Championships at Valcartier, Quebec in 1967. Also in 1967, the station designed and arranged a garden in the town of Sioux Lookout as a Centennial project. Finally, 1967 almost saw the end of the existence of the 39 Radar Squadron. A fire of undetermined cause (suspected man-caused) necessitated the evacuation of the station and the surrounding area. Wing Commander Bullock is now (1978) retired and living in London, Ontario.
Several major events happened while Wing Commander Twambley was here. The first was the 1967 fire which occurred shortly before his arrival. As well in 1967, the unit created and presented a floral garden/park to the town of Sioux Lookout as a centennial project. The second event took place throughout the three forces of Canada. In 1968, through unification, the Canadian Armed Forces was born. January 31, 1968 marked the last day of existence for the Royal Canadian Air Force. At that time Wing Commander Twambley assumed the new rank of Lieutenant Colonel and the 39 Radar Squadron Sioux Lookout became Canadian Forces Station Sioux Lookout. In 1968 the Canadian Biathlon Championships were held in Sioux Lookout. Another noteworthy event was the presentation of the Steinhardt Trophy to the station; the first radar station to receive it. Lieutenant Colonel Twambley is presently (1978) serving as Base Administration Officer at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell assumed command of CFS Sioux Lookout in July 1969. During his tour, the station maintained its high standard of operations and morale. Construction of Pinetree Trailer Park commenced during this period and, before his departure, a few families were already living in these quarters. On the operational side, preparations were made to replace the old FST-2 Data Processor equipment with the compact FYQ Common Digitizer computer. At the same time, plans were developed to convert the space from the large FST-2 into a new office complex containing six offices and a coffee room for all Operations personnel. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell is presently (1978) working as the Director Personnel Career Administration Other Ranks, National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Ontario.
Lieutenant Colonel Hallowell took command of CFS Sioux Lookout in July 1971. The highlight of his tour was the completion and official opening of Pinetree Trailer Park on 3 September 1971. In the fall of 1973, eight more mobile homes were acquired; three were placed in Ojibway Village on the station and the remaining five in a civilian trailer park in town. It was also during this period that plans for construction of a gymnasium/recreation centre were approved. Lieutenant Colonel Hallowell is now (1978) employed as Operations Officer at CFB Comox, BC.
Lieutenant Colonel Norenius arrived in July to take command of the station from Acting Commanding Officer Major Ron Ismond. Shortly before his arrival, the station has sponsored the "Sam Lake Streakers" relay run to Winnipeg. While he was in Sioux Lookout, the station obtained six additional mobile homes, one of which was modified to become the official Commanding Officer's residence. In the spring of 1975, a mobile home in Pinetree Trailer Park was gutted by fire; the shell of this trailer eventually became the CANEX Minimart. Also in the spring of 1975, the FPS 26 Tower was closed out. During his tour there were several activities, some of which included the development of a station cross-country ski trail; a Snowbirds Air Show; a 35-day adventure training canoe trip; opening of Ojibway Gardens, the new gymnasium; the commencement of the station's wilderness recreation area at Blando Bay; the opening of the CANEX Minimart in Pinetree Trailer Park and the hosting of the Prairie Region Cross Country Ski Championships. Lieutenant Colonel Norenius is now (1978) working in Colorado Springs at NORAD Headquarters.
Lieutenant Colonel Morrison arrived in September 1976 to take command from the Acting Commanding Officer Major Walt Beazley. While he was here he was greatly involved in the improvement of station facilities. Some of these included expansion of the CANEX Minimart, obtaining automatic pin setters for the station's bowling alley and laying the groundwork for the expansion of the Pinetree Trailer Park. He also encouraged station participation in community activities such as the renovation of the Sioux Lookout Arena, the Scouts and Guiding Movement and minor hockey. The only incident which marred his stay at Sioux Lookout was the burning of the Junior Ranks' Mess after it was struck by lightning. However, the building was not completely destroyed and plans were immediately activated to construct a new mess. After leaving Sioux Lookout, Lieutenant Colonel Morrison attended a six-month course at the Joint Services Staff College in Australia. On his return to Canada he assumed the position of Base Operations Officer at CFC Moose Jaw.
Major Hoffer was the first CO to serve with the rank of Major. The CO's position had previously been filled by Lieutenant Colonels. Some specific recollections during his tenure include: Polar Panic Days, Galactic Games, headquarters renovations, the 25th Anniversary celebrations, the move of trailers from the station to Pinetree Park, the threat of forest fires, late night NORAD exercises, financial restraints, fencing the Operations site and the acquisition of more trailers. Upon retirement and leaving DFS at NDHQ, Major Hoffer has been employed with Transport Canada at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in the Airport Operations Management field. He and his wife hope to return to Ottawa some day on their final move and ultimate retirement.
Major Wawryk arrived to take command in July 1980 from Major Hoffer. During his tour, the Station maintained its high standard of operations and morale. While he was in Sioux Lookout, Major Wawryk was involved in the initiation of many worthwhile Station and community projects such as a dry TV/lounge and a library for living in personnel, installation of five new 14-foot wide trailers, an extension to the Station gymnasium, and rebuilding of the ball diamonds in town. He oversaw the initial plans for rebuilding the curling club. This project was designed in three phases with the final phase being completed in 1983. This allowed Station and town personnel to enjoy, once again, some of the fine curling bonspiels which have taken place over the years, especially the Radar Open. Upon leaving Sioux Lookout, Major Wawryk attended Staff College for one year. He is currently (1983) employed at Boston, MA. He and his family have journeyed back to Sioux Lookout for a visit and some fishing with the many friends made during their stay at this unit.
Major Snow arrived in July 1982 to assume command of CFS Sioux Lookout from Major IJ Wawryk. After his arrival many of the projects that were in progress were completed and new undertakings which were started have also been completed. One of the major activities on the Station during his tenure was the 30th Anniversary celebrations. This involved an air show, static displays, open house with tours of the station, inter-branch sports day challenge and a Freedom of the Town parade which involved townspeople, Station personnel and cadet corps from the surrounding area. Energy management has been a great concern at all levels in the CF. Major Snow was involved in many projects on the Station such as re-insulation of buildings, replacing flat roofs with sloped or peaked roofs, and the "off-oil" conversion to propane fired boilers and furnaces. The Major encouraged station personnel to become involved with local community activities such as minor hockey, minor ball, Boy Scouts of Canada, cadet corps, town museum and a day care centre. As a result, the Station received excellent support and continued to have an excellent rapport with the surrounding communities. Major Snow was scheduled to depart Sioux Lookout in the summer of 1984 for the Staff College in Toronto.
