Sydney, NS

1968 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


S1325-1(Acting CO)

Annual Historical Report,
Canadian Forces Station Sydney, NS
1 Jan 68 – 31 Dec 68

Sydney, NS
12 Mar 69

1. FUNCTION & ORGANIZATION

  1. Function – The role of CFS 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; also, administrative support for 726 Communications Detachment located at CFS Sydney; and,
    3. Provision of and responsible for CE services for militia buildings in North Sydney, Glace Bay and Victoria Park.
  2. Organization – The basic organization of the Station has remained virtually the same, that is, a Commanding Officer with the following five Branch Heads reporting directly to him: - Personnel Administrative Officer (PAdO); Chief Ground Environment Officer (CGEO); Station Comptroller (SCompt); Station Supply Officer (SSupO); and, Station Construction Engineering Officer (SCEO). The SSupO is also the Station Transportation Officer (STNO). Transportation and Movements functions were organized under the SSupO early in the year as scheduled. The Fire Fighter establishment was decreased by six civilian and Cpl. Fire Fighter positions effective 1 Oct. A directive from Rear Headquarters, Air Defence Command, Longueuil, PQ dated 31 Dec outlined the new Organization Concept of Base/Station Comptroller developed by CFHQ. On this authority the Station Accounting Officer position was redesignated SCompt vice SAO. Late in the year the PAdO was appointed Station Exchange Officer, responsible for CANEX operations on the station.

2. OPERATIONS – TRAINING – PROJECTS

  1. Operations – This unit took part in all major live exercises scheduled by Northern NORAD Region, also NORAD evaluation exercises in Jan and Sep. The installation of the Dial Restoration Panel and one Autovon circuit were completed in Aug. The cutover date for the Autovon System was 29 Sep. A technical inspection was conducted by Major Maxwell, ADCHQ North Bay in Jun, and a staff visit was carried out by Major Thompson, 36ND Topsham in Nov. The unit also participated in several synthetic exercises during the year. A no-notice EDP test was carried out on 22 Apr with Major Winchester, SSOND ADC, LT Boyce 41st ND and Sgt Hatfield, SOSec ADC in attendance. Unit was rated satisfactory. On 18 Jun the CO conducted a successful V Test. The Unit conducted a V Test on 24 Oct to determine effectiveness of ESF organization. The Station Search and Rescue Team participated in three missions during the year.
  2. Training – The following courses were conducted at the AN/FPS-27 School during the past year: two Transmitter courses, three Receiver and GLA-8 courses and two Supervisors courses. Trade Advancement programmes were carried out continuously throughout the year. A four day National Life Guard and Water Safety Course was conducted on the station. A Defensive Driving Course was conducted by the Nova Scotia Department of Highways. Thirty-one hours of live ECM were experienced by the unit resulting in sixty-two man hours being expended on ECM/ECCM training.
  3. Projects – In Jan MWO Clayton and Sgt. Shiers, 1 RCEO Halifax, provided assistance and advice when the deep well pump burnt out due to a power failure. On 5 May Col. Ballantyne and Major Crouse, 1 RCEO, inspected the site of the proposed demolition of a wartime blockhouse at nearby Point Petrie by #2 Field Squadron. These officers returned to view the demolition which was carried out 21 – 24 May. The CE Section undertook six construction projects during the year, five of them involved with accommodation, the two most important being the construction of the Trailer Court, and the conversion of one half the Medical Inspection Room (MIR) to a Married Quarter. The first trailer was connected to the services on 5 Dec. The conversion of the MIR was processed as an unforeseen project. Work started on 21 Oct and the MQ was occupied on 16 Dec. The other three projects were carried out as modifications to the existing PMQs. Wind shelters were built around the front porches of 59 PMQs and the louvers in 40 PMQs were modified to prevent snow entering and damaging the interior. These projects were completed on 18 Oct and 9 Oct respectively. The project to increase electrical services in PMQs to 100 amps was started 4 Nov but is not expected to be completed until late Mar 69. The only other major project undertaken was the construction of a vehicle driving range for the Militia during late spring and early summer at the site of their Weapons Range in Sydney.

3. CEREMONIAL OCCASION – HONURS AND AWARDS

  1. Ceremonies and Visits – On 31 Jan an all ranks gathering designated as the RCAF Wake, was held in the Bluenose Club to mark the official redesignation of the RCAF to the Air Element of the Canadian Armed Forces. Effective 1 Feb all integrated regulations became effective and were implemented as per CFHQ instructions. The second Winter Carnival was held during the week commencing 19 Feb and a summary of this event will be included in the Recreational Report in para 5 b. On 23 Mar the facilities of the Officers’ Mess were made available to the Provincial Air Cadet Committee as the site of a directors meeting.

The rest of this report not available.