Red Cliff, NF

642^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
APO 862, New York, New York

George H Wolfe, Major, USAF

CPS-6B (1); FPS-502 (1); TPS-502 (1); RT-264/4PX6 (3); AN/GRC-27 (6); GPX-6A (1); 0A-947 (1).

The 642^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Commanded by Major George H Wolfe, is attached to the 64^th Air Division (Defense). It is a GCI station responsible to the 640^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ADC).

During this reporting period there has been a major change in key personnel. Major George H Wolfe, previously assigned as Operations Officer at this squadron, assumed duties on 1 August 1959 as the Squadron Commander. Major William A Nansen, formally of the 26^th Air Division, (ADC), Syracuse AFS, New York, assumed duties as Operations Officer.

Operations:

Manning continues to be a problem. Out of 43 personnel assigned only 32 are assigned to operations crews. Even with minimum leave and sick rate it is difficult to maintain normal manning for four (4) seven (7) man crews. KP and other necessary squadron activities as well as additional operations duties adds considerable hours to each mans duty hours per week. This problem has been met only tentatively as a result of a Division manpower survey which confirmed the requirement for additional personnel and provided some encouragement that relief might be forthcoming.

Implementation of Mark X SIF at the beginning of August created a situation of intermittent returns. This situation drastically reduced our capability to control interceptors during the remainder of the quarter.

The administrative function of Operations has been consolidated so as to have a more efficient Operations. In an attempt to increase early warning, improve the surveillance data flow and to aid in reducing the number of unknowns originating in the eastern portion of the 64^th NORAD Division area of responsibility, an interim agreement was initiated between 64^th NORAD Division and COMBARLANT, Navy Argentia. This agreement was implemented on a test basis for a period of sixty (60) days. The 642^nd AC&W Squadron was designated the responsibility of receiving BARLANT surveillance information from 64^th NORAD CC on aircraft carried by the barrier units, which indicated movement inbound to Canada or North America; for pre-plotting such data; and for providing identification correlation when such traffic is picked up by our radar.

The test period ending 18 August 1959 revealed several problems that needed to be resolved if this agreement is to be continued. Receiving the air surveillance information on time together with accurate amplifying data was the primary problem encountered. Because of delays and the apparent unreliability of the amplifying data, this squadron was only able to correlate twenty-two (22) tracks using BARLANT information. This represents only a six percent (6%) correlation rate. It is highly probable that all or most of the aircraft would have been identified under the existing procedures and cannot be regarded as a basis for determining the trial period to be a success. The following recommendations were submitted by this organization:

(1) A system of providing single track designator for aircraft carried by the barrier units is essential. (2) "Drum Major" (BARLANT CC) should analyse track information to prevent wasted effort on traffic that will not penetrate the 64^th NORAD Division area of responsibility. (3) Barrier plots must be received by this squadron at least every 15 minutes in order to insure accurate information, which is the basis for correlation.

Personnel:

The Supply Section, authorized: 8, assigned: 7, is short one Airman Second Class, 64151, however, it is performing the mission satisfactorily. No problems exist in the smaller sections (i.e. Air Police, Fire-fighter, Laundry, etc.), however the complete Installations Section has been moved to Pepperrell AFB although it remains on our Unit Manning Document. This problem creates a hardship on the unit in that the support we receive is entirely inadequate.

Our training program is satisfactory, however training programs, booklets and standards are not being received when needed.

Equipment Performance:

The Communications and Electronics Section of this squadron has seen a complete turnover of key personnel. Captain Leroy Pellonari now heads the Section vice Captain Joe Blosser. Also within the section, Captain Robert D Stewart replaced 1^st Lt. William Fence as Communications Officer and 2^nd Lt. Robert Genge replaced 1^st Lt. Theodore Strickland. The section was reorganized to follow more closely the criteria stated in ADCM 66-6.

A turnover of the radar technicians was seen during the past reporting period. The contract to furnish civilian technicians was awarded to the Philco Corporation of Canada, Ltd.

The antenna drive system of the primary search radar developed trouble which resulted in the equipment becoming ROCP for an antenna drive motor. The equipment returned to normal after the motor was replaced.

The IFF/SIF operation became erratic to a point that was unacceptable. The efforts of assigned personnel failed to correct the difficulties and Depot assistance was requested. The trouble seemed to have been in the receiver band width.

Facilities:

No new programs are in effect at this time, however it is anticipated that the Airman’s Lounge will be remodelled in the near future. This project has been pending for some time.

Maintenance and Supply Problems:

The Supply Section had a change in Supply Officers during the quarter. Captain David H Henshell was replaced by Captain Jack B Kennedy. The annual inventory was accomplished with satisfactory results. The section remains one position unfilled. No projection has been received for the vacancy.

A project of re-warehousing was initiated whereby all electron tubes will be stored in approximately the same storage area.

Morale:

The status of morale in this squadron is excellent. It is felt that a continuous improvement of facilities such as recreation, athletics, and living quarters are a contributing factor for the high morale that exists in this squadron.

There are no other significant items of historical interest for this period.

George H Wolfe, Major, USAF