Resolution Island, NWT

920^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
Resolution Island AF Station, NWT, Canada

Luther W Feagin, Major, USAF

Primary equipment: AN/FPS-3(C) –1– Primary Search; Mark X (SIF) AN/GPX-7A –1.

Communications and Electronics:

The manning of the C&E Section has remained consistent with UMD authorizations during the reporting period, and there were no major changes in key positions. The section has operated without a C&E Officer since 17 Jan 61, due to emergency leave. He has since been reassigned to the ZI and a replacement is forecasted in April.

Canadian Marconi personnel overhauled the inside plant facility which included overhaul of the switchboard. Wire maintenance personnel have begun project "Golden Rod", an Air Force Wide Project to standardize and mordernize all inside plant facilities.

The HF Net, Ship-to-Shore equipment was put back into operation and is on standby. Johnson Pacemaker (MARS) equipment was received from the factory on 10 February 1961 and immediately put into operation. A total of over 80 phone patches have been made since installation.

The 15-J-1C training device was removed from operations and turned into supply for disposition. The AN/GPS-T2 is still TDIOP for a high voltage power supply.

Over 4400 outgoing phone calls and over 1300 incoming and outgoing messages were processed.

Operations:

The manning of the Operations Section has remained consistent with UMD authorizations throughout the reporting period. Key personnel gains – T/Sgt. Thomas A Combs. 27370A; losses – T/Sgt. Merle D Stuart, 27230A.

The following academic training was given during the past quarter: 13 man hours of ECCM; 8 man hours of IFF Mark X (SIF); and 13 man hours of USAF Voice Call Sign Policy.

Civil Engineering:

With the exception of a building crafts supervisor, AFSC 55270, the manning of the section has remained consistent with UMD authorizations. Key personnel losses – 1^st Lt. Carl B Murray, AFSC 5525. Captain Stuart I Warner has been assigned additional duty as Civil Engineer – Gains, one fire fighter AFSC 57150, S/Sgt. Walter R Bennett Jr.

Approximately 2590 feet of the Ric-Wil line between the station and the Pump House froze on 5 Jan 61. Emergency measures to conserve water were immediately implemented and the station water supply was closely watched. On 7 January 1961, a team arrived to assist in laying an alternate line to the station. During the emergency, water was hauled to the station by water truck. The alternate line was tied in on 10 February 1961 and water rationing was discontinued. On 14 February, the alternate line froze and water rationing and conservation measures were immediately implemented. Water was again hauled by truck. Squadron personnel performed repairs and normal water pumping resumed on 27 February 1961.

The motor pool, heating plant and power plant have been operating without difficulty throughout the reporting period.

Materiel:

There were no major changes in key personnel in the supply section during the past quarter. However, there has been an influx of "3" level personnel to fill "5" level positions. This has caused some difficulty and has been brought to the attention of the 64^th Air Division IG team and GADS. No relief from this situation is in sight; however, the section can function satisfactorily with current manning.

The following is a breakdown on airlift support for the quarter:

(see matrix at end of report)

Project Money Tree has been implemented during the quarter and supply improvement and supply discipline has been widely publicized throughout the squadron. The project is still underway and going strong.

Inspections:

Three inspections were conducted during the quarter. The 64^th Air Division IG Team arrived on 16 February 1961 to conduct the annual general inspection. All areas were found to be in satisfactory, excellent or outstanding condition except for the Airman’s Club. The Club has since been amalgamated with the NCO Open Mess and all non-appropriated funds are satisfactory. The Operations Section was rated excellent and the C&E Section was rated excellent. The squadron rated outstanding in housekeeping and appearance and has been recommended for the 64^th Air Division "A" award.

The quarterly fire inspection was conducted by Mr. Farrell from 7-11 March 1961. The results of the inspection have not been received as yet.

Major Whitenack from GADS inspected the unit for the "Most Liveable" Unit award from 14-17 March 1961. Results of the inspection have not been received as yet, but verbal briefings indicate that all areas were satisfactory.

Administration:

Personnel manning throughout the squadron has tended toward a slump throughout the quarter. Out of 96 authorized UMD slots, only 73 were filled (PFD) at the end of this reporting period. The most serious shortage in the 62250 AFSC with nine cooks authorized and four assigned. GADS is aware of the current manning situation.

The Airman’s Club was annexed to the NCO Open Mess for fund administration and control beginning 1 March 1961. This was a result of the IG inspection. The new arrangement is working very well.

Morale and Welfare:

The morale and "esprit de corps" of the unit has remained at a very high level. The chaplain’s visits and monthly Commanders calls have provided morale and spiritual guidance for assigned personnel. Various indoor activities e.g. Ping pong tournaments etc. were conducted.

Other Items:

On 18 January 1961, a C-47 with 12 people on board was forced to land approximately five miles from this station. Among those on board were Colonel Milner, GADS Commander, Air Commodore Bradshaw, RCAF and three USO Entertainers (Women). All 12 people were rescued by Mr. Ken Dempster via Otter.

On 22 February 1961, an L-20 crashed while attempting a landing here. Both persons on board were uninjured.

Luther W Feagin, Major, USAF