Stephenville, Labrador

1963 – Historical Report – USAF Historical Division


Historical Record
640th AC&W Squadron
Stephenville, Newfoundland
1 October 1963 to 31 December 1963

Section I

REQUIRED DATA

  1. Unit and Location

640th ACWRON (ADC)
APO 864, New York, New York

  1. Name and Grade of Commander

William F Will Jr., Lt. Colonel, USAF

  1. Chain of Command (Superior Echelons)
  2. 640th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, APO 864, New York, New York
    Goose Air Defense Sector, Goose Air Base, Labrador
    26th Air Division, Stewart Air Force Base, New York
    Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, Colorado

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

  • Mission (Give authority and brief statement of primary mission)
  • The mission of the 640thAC&W Squadron is to conduct air defense operations within the area of assignment as outlined in (ADC) (RCAF) ASI 3/4/3, and function as a NORAD Control Center within the Air Defense System.

  • Personnel
  •    

    Officers

    Airmen

    Civilians

    Total

     
     

    Assigned

    16

    138

    22

    176

     
     

    Attached

    0

    0

    0

    0

     
                 
  • Equipment (Give official nomenclature and quantity of mission-type equipment)
  • Radio Telephone – 1 each FTA-13 Telephone Plant, 2 each M-19 Teletype Machines, Classified GRC-27 A/G UHF Radio, Classified GRT-3 A/G UHF Radio Transmitter, Classified GRT-7 A/G UHF Radio Receiver, Classified FRT-502 A/G Radio Transmitter, Classified URG-60 A/G UHF Receiver.
    Radar – 1 each AN/FPS-20A, 1 each AN/FPS-90, 1 each AN/GPX-7A, 1 each AN/GPA-30, 1 each AN/GPS-T2A, 7 each 0A-175 PPI, 2 each UPA-35 PPI, 5 each 0A-99 PPI, 1 each AN/GPS-T-4, 1 each AN/GPS-T2, 2 each OA/929 HRI.

    Section II

    COMMENTARY

    Operations:

    During the period 4 through 7 Nov 63 this station conducted an ECM exercise with the RCAF Electronic Warfare Unit. The mission proved beneficial to both units. On 10 Dec 63, this unit participated in Part I of Desk Top VI. The operations plotting board has been repainted and the grid squares enlarged. All renovation projects in the operations area have been completed.

    Security:

    The Squadron Main Gate was manned on a twenty-four hour basis starting 3 Oct 63. Security Control Section was moved to the Orderly Room on 15 Oct 63. Security Control radio was moved to the Main Gate with a backup at Operations. PA system was moved to Operations on 15 Oct 63. Security Operations Plan was submitted to 26th Air Division on 26 Nov 63. Limited Access Certificates were submitted to HQ ADC on all civilians working in the Power Plant. The Commander’s Security Test was conducted on 10 Dec 63 and completed with a high degree of success.

    Communications:

    26th Air Division awarded the Crypto Section an outstanding rating during the November inspection. The antenna and main station for the non-tactical vehicle radios were moved from the old security control area to the Main Gate. M-28 teletype machine was installed for training operations personnel. Wire Maintenance Section assisted GEEIA Team install cables to provide additional service and replace drop wire now in use to buildings 1530, 1534, 1538 and 1546. A new log for placing and controlling morale calls has been put into effect for squadron personnel. The variable modifications on the AN/FPS-6B was installed making it the AN/FPR-90. The anemometer was repaired and installed in Operations. New color coded cards have been installed on the Switchboard to reduce accidental disconnects. Workload control center is now located in the Communications and Electronics Office. The Squadron AFRS was installed. A new patch panel has been installed by Teletype Maintenance. This has given the Communications Center a more efficient operations and the capability for maintenance to patch test equipment with each piece of equipment within the Communications Center.

    Radio Maintenance:

    The following projects were completed by this section: Three RD-142A tape recorders were installed in the Wire Maintenance Section. Entrance and stockroom of Radio Maintenance Building were painted. Plans have been made for the relocation of the AN/GRC-27 Radio Set from the Operations Training Office to the Wire Maintenance Storage Room.

    Unit Supply:

    The Unit Supply and the Material Control functions were combined during December. Excesses from Tech Supply functions were turned into our host unit. Approximately 3,200 line items were removed.

    Motor Pool:

    Motor Pool now has two operational Track Masters. During a bad storm in December the main door of the Motor Pool was destroyed. A new door has been installed during this period. Major Zentz assumed the duties of OIC of the Motor Pool.

    Civil Engineering:

    The Civil Engineering Section accomplished the following projects: The Operations Dias Lights were installed; Posts were installed for the high wind ropes; Road markers were installed between Operations and "J" curve on station access road; The class C inspection was completed in the Heating Plant; Feed-water and condensation tanks were replaced and the Heating Plant was repainted. The TACAN power cable was completed and all painting completed in the Power Plant. Water pumps and controls were overhauled. Dining Hall ducts were cleaned during the month of November.

    Food Service:

    The Dining Hall windows and hallways were painted in November. The Dining Hall sign has been painted and placed on the building entrance. New absentee rates have been established IAW AFR 146-13. The Dining Hall has continued to operate within the prescribed authorized allowance.

    Personnel:

    The Squadron’s personnel manning is normal for this report. Lt. Colonel William F Will Jr., from HQ ADC, has assumed command of this squadron vice Lt. Colonel Logan C Atterbury. New arrivals to the squadron are: Captain James C Ellis replacing Captain Horace Brame in the Civil Engineering Section. 2nd Lt. Herbert G Frazier replacing CWO William H Godec and 2nd Lt. John Gilbert replaced CWO Marvin H Riley in the Operations Section. Promotions for this reporting period are as follows: S/Sgt’s. Reginald H Livingston, Edward L Denato and Howard M Kaminer were promoted to T/Sgt. T/Sgt. Mervin Schreoder was promoted to M/Sgt. A/1C Charles T Truitt and Anthony Scheffers were promoted to S/Sgt. A/2C Bruce K Fowler and Lawrence D Ferrer were promoted to A/1C. A/3C Anthony Tenofski was promoted to A/2C

    Awards and Decorations:

    Air Force Commendation Medals were presented to: Major Anthony W Palmeri, Captain Victor J Carlino and M/Sgt. John L Dehnart.

    Morale:

    The morale of this squadron is satisfactory.

    Typed Name and Grade of Commander

    William F Will Jr., Lt. Colonel, USAF

    Signature