St. Anthony, NF

921^st AC&W Squadron
APO 864, New York, New York

James E Gable, Major

AN/FPS-3(C), 1; AN/FPS-14, 1 (Gap Filler); AN/FPS-502, 1; AN/UPA-35, 1; AN/GPS-T2, 1; AN/GPS-T2A, 1; AN/GPA-30, 1; AN/UPS-T5,1.

Command Section:

During the month of April 61 Major Sidney M Chesler, held a Dining In to honor Colonel Victor Milner Jr., Sector Commander and the arrival of his replacement Major James E Gable (new Commander of the 921).

Major Gable took over the 921^st on the 9^th of April at a change of command ceremony of which Colonel Milner attended.

The 921^st was honored by a staff visit made by Colonel Victor Milner Jr. and two RCAF officers.

Operations Section:

Changes in the direction center included numerous improvements. In addition to black entrance curtains, an overhead slim light, a softer spotlight for the ICT light, an upper dias, the direction center now sports a portable plotting board utilizing a photographic print. The board is marked with range and azimuth, latitude and longitude, and GEOREF and represents a significant improvement in hip pocket accuracy. A similar print has been provided for the Battle Commander. The TOR table has been relocated, giving the TOR team somewhat better visibility and ready access to the radar scopes and target generators. A rear projected debriefing operation was devised using a roll-up screen and providing both better visibility for the crew and more usable space on the upper dias. The main dias table has been rebuilt and sanded. The CDIF table and cabinet were sanded and stained by one of the crews. The Battle Commander’s/Senior Director’s communications were augmented with the addition of a control line to the 641^st ACWRON and a line to the switchboard.

Weekly Wednesday training sessions have continued with lectures on RCAF ADC Air Staff Instructions, Northern NORAD Region Regulations, IFF/SIF, the Pole Vault communications system, and weather sequence and symbols. Special IGT training for Supervisors and IGT’s has been conducted with monthly examinations and satisfactory grades.

One airman was promoted to Staff Sergeant and one A/2C was promoted to A/1C effective 1 June 1961.

Base Engineer Activities:

Power Plant – Normal operation and maintenance procedures were accomplished. Painting of the entire Power Plant was accomplished this quarter. On-the-Job Training classes were conducted to train newly assigned Pole Vault personnel in operating Diesel Engines in case of emergency. Installation of the PT fuel system for Pole Vault was accomplished by CMC during this period. Lubricating oil pressure was checked on all engines with the master gauge by CMC and DND inspectors. Faulty gauges and eighteen rocker boxes were replaced by CMC which increased the lubricating oil pressure to normal.

Heating Plant – Normal operation and maintenance was accomplished with no major problems. Painting of the entire plant was accomplished during this period. All boilers were inspected and cleaned.

Maintenance Shops – Normal preventative maintenance on buildings and utilities was accomplished.

During this period relocation of the base Flag and the Canadian Flag to a more suitable site was accomplished. The flag site is now between the Base Plant and Base Supply in clear view from the main road to this station from St. Anthony. The Flag site is undergoing a landscaping project. This project will be completed in the very near future with local plants growing at the base of the Flag Pole in a circular area. This project is being done by station personnel.

A multi-purpose pad for the use of Squadron Personnel has been surfaced and is in the process of being completed. Located adjacent to the NCO Club, the pad provides for horse-show games, volleyball, basketball and tennis, picnic area etc. Work on this project is being done by station personnel.

Surveillance of the area known as the "Camp Site Area" (located 1 ½ miles from this station on the main road to town) is being conducted for the purpose of constructing a "Gate-Way" to this station. Plans are in order and the actual work will be under way NLT 5 July 1961. Work on this project will be done by station personnel.

The Mobile Maintenance Team, Harmon AFB Newfoundland is now on this station for the purpose of performing exterior maintenance work. Due to inclement weather the team started maintenance work on the ceiling of the Administrative Building. The acoustic tile work is completed. The team is now working on the TX storage building, RX emergency building and exterior storm entrances.

During this quarter all interior steps and handrails on this station were completely repaired and refinished. The housekeeping appearance of the station was raised tremendously.

During this quarter the engineer personnel installed electric power, plumbing and cut material for the construction of a Snack Bar. The Snack Bar is completed and in operation having provisions for selling coffee, sandwiches, breakfasts, cigarettes, candies etc. The Snack Bar will be operated by the NCO Club.

Fire Department – Normal fire prevention activities such as inspections and drills were performed. Mr. Augustus J Critchley, Chief of Fire Prevention, Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, made a complete inspection of the station during this period. Report from Mr. Critchley was "Fire Prevention activities of this station was excellent".

Transportation:

Commercial Transportation – All commercial aircraft were met with no major problems occurring. Cargo, mail, and passengers moved by air during this period include the following:

The balance of this report is missing.

Typed Name and grade of commander

James E Gable, Major, USAF