Sydney, NS

1966 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


S71-59-06

Annual Historical Report
221 Radar Squadron Sydney, NS
1 Jan 66 – 31 Dec 66

Sydney NS
10 Mar 67

1. FUNCTION & ORGANIZATION

  1. Function – The role of 221 Radar Squadron Sydney is:
    1. collection, discrimination and transmission to a designated SAGE Centre, radar data appearing within area of coverage;
    2. provision of support services for 204 University Squadron St. Francis Xavier College and Det 14 CFRC, both located in Sydney NS; and,
    3. provision of and responsible for CE services for militia buildings in North Sydney, Glace Bay, and Victoria Park, previously maintained by Det 6 Works Coy.
  2. Organization – The basic organization of the Unit has remained virtually the same, that is, a Commanding Officer with the following five Branch Heads reporting directly to him: - Chief Administrative Officer (CAdO), Chief Ground Environment Officer (CGEO), Senior Accountant Officer (SAO), Station Logistics Officer (SLogO), and Station Construction Engineering Officer (SCEO). The SLogO is also assuming the position of Base Transportation Officer (BTNO) due to organizational changes brought about by integration. There were changes, however, in the CGEO/DMCC organization; ADCI 3.01/6 issued in October refers. Abolition of officer manning in DMCC was effected and functions of three Tech/Tel Officers were reassigned/redesignated as follows: - STelOO became TelMaintO, SCOO became TelOpsO and SGTO became SSTO (System Standards Training Officer). Provision was made for a senior NCO technician to assist the SSTO in carrying out his function.

2. OPERATIONS – TRAINING – PROJECTS

  1. Operations – The Unit took part in all major live exercises scheduled by Northern NORAD Region. In June Bangor Sector was redesignated 36th NORAD Division Air Defence under NORAD configuration 4164 System. A vulnerability test was held in January. An ESF exercise was held in October. This Unit was evaluated during the ORE of 36th NORAD Division in October by F/L Legare, a representative from NNRHQ. The Unit had a satisfactory rating. This Unit participated in the live exercise which was used to evaluate the 36th NORAD division during their ORI. This Unit had a satisfactory rating. The Control groups assembly for the FPS-6B and the OA2325 modification were both re-positioned from Building #6 to the DMCC area. The Unit Search and Rescue Team participated in at least four missions during the year.
  2. Training - In September, F/L Chita and F/L Reider, EWU, St. Hubert, arrived to conduct ECM training course for GE personnel. In October, a two-day Klyston Course was held at the Unit’s FPS-27 School. It was attended by 11 ADC officers and NCOs, plus two civilians. In November, a programme of flying scholarships training for local air cadet squadrons commenced and was attended by 15 cadets from four squadrons. During the year the Unit’s FPS-27 School conducted six (six-week) radar courses; three courses on Receivers and GLA-8, with a total of 36 personnel trained, three courses on Transmitters and Ancillary Equipment, also with a total of 35 personnel trained. Trade Advancement Programmes continued throughout the year. Safety films and lectures were presented during Safe Driving Week.
  3. Projects – In July, WO1 Schliehauf, CFHQ/DMPC arrived to conduct manpower inventory study on MSE. In October, Mr. Webb, Mr. Cipperley, and Mr. Day of Canadian Marconi conducted a radar maintenance study investigation.

3. CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS – HONURS AND AWARDS

  1. Ceremonies and Visits – Royal Cape Breton Air Force (RCBAF) Mess Dinner was held in February. Guests included A/C Newson and W/C Lomas, a former CO at Sydney. On 7 Mar the AOC, A/V/M Lister, Mrs. Lister, G/C Hovey (SPSO), W/C Pudney (SOAF), and S/L Flynn (AOC/PA) arrived for AOC farewell visit. An Honour Guard under Guard Commander F/L SW Reeder received the AOC on the Unit. The AOC visited the Sgts.’ Mess in the afternoon and later in the evening attended an informal dinner at the Officers’ Mess. Madame Vanier visited the Unit on 25 May and toured the dependents school and the Radar Compound. She attended a Tea in the Officers’ Mess. On 8 Jun A/C AC Hull, Acting Commander, ADC, arrived on a staff visit and was given a briefing by the CO before commencing the Station Tour. An informal lobster buffet dinner was held that evening in the Officers’ Mess. A/C Hull departed the next morning. On 11 Jun a wet, blustery day, Armed Forces Day was held. An integrated display in the Rec. Hall involving local Army Militia, Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, the CFRC, and the Unit was well received by the 245 guests in attendance. On 5 Jul Handover Ceremonies were conducted at the Recreation Centre on change of Commanding Officer from W/C PB St Louis to W/C RW Wright. Fifty-six dignitaries and their wives were in attendance. Following the ceremonies, guests attended a reception in the Officers’ Mess. On 6 Jul W/C St Louis departed Sydney on posting to EWU St Hubert. On 8 – 9 Aug A/C WFM Newson, Commander 36 NORAD Division carried out a staff visit. A concluding luncheon was held in the Officers’ Mess. On 19 Aug, seventeen youths on a Centennial Youth Programme of youth education visited the Unit and toured all sites. Local Teen Town representatives entertained the group at a dinner and then a dance in the Recreational Centre. On 19 Oct Col. R. Gehrig 36 NORAD Division Bangor arrived to carry out a visit to the Ground Environment. On Remembrance Day the CO participated in ceremonies at North Sydney and the CAdO participated in the Sydney ceremonies. A 30 man flight commanded by the SAO represented the Unit in the Sydney parade. On 29 Nov S/L B Madill and Mr. L Hutt, Gov. Centennial Program Committee representatives, visited the CO to discuss Centennial programmes proposed for this area. On 11 Dec, sixty air cadet representatives of Cape Breton and PEI Squadrons RCAC attended a one day ACLO Conference conducted by S/L Nicholson, Maritime Command ACLO.