Resolution Island, NWT

A
History
of the
920^th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron
N-30

1 January 1956 - 31 March 1956

Prepared for the Historical Office
64^th Air Division (Defense)

Robert J Batty, S/Sgt., USAF, Historian
George D Oetting, 2^nd Lt., USAF, Historical Officer
George A Middleton, Major, USAF, Commander

The primary mission of the 920^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron is to provide surveillance of assigned area of responsibility.

The secondary mission of the 920^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron is to provide navigational assistance for friendly aircraft lost or in distress within the Squadron’s radar or communication coverage.

During the reporting period (1 January 1956 through 31 March 1956) orderly room personnel strength went from one extreme to another. At the beginning of the period the orderly room was operating far below its authorized strength. However, due to individuals returning from leave and replacements arriving it was adequately manned by the middle of March.

On an overall basis the Squadron lost 29 airmen and two officers due to rotation upon the termination of their overseas tours. Replacements during this same period consisted of 24 airmen and four officers. Of the officer personnel gained vacancies were filled in Communications, Operations, Radar and the Adjutant’s Section. Airmen replacements filled vacancies in Information Services, Orderly Room, Operations, Communications, and Food Service. Among these replacements was a new First Sergeant.

A breakdown of the unit manning strength as of the last day of each month of the period is represented in the following table:

The following figures show officers and airmen present for duty as of the last day of each month of the period:

On an overall basis for the reporting period, the squadron had an average strength of 6.6 for the officers and 95.3 for the airmen making the total average strength for the squadron 102. The average present for duty for the officers was five and for the airmen it was 91.6 with a total average of officers and men present for duty of 96.6

At one time during a specific period (8 February through 4 March) there was a backlog of approximately 30 personnel at Frobisher enroute to Resolution Island (920^th AC&W Squadron). This was due to aircraft being unable to land at Resolution because of extremely inclement weather.

The long break between 8 February and 4 March was responsible for several awkward situations within the squadron. First of all, personnel awaiting transportation out of Resolution were delayed. Secondly, there was no mail coming in or getting out. (The first mail received during this period was by para-drop on the 3^rd of March, a day before the first aircraft were to arrive). Thirdly, a delay in pay caused considerable inconvenience to many personnel. (The paymaster was unable to obtain transportation to Resolution before the 8^th of February. Therefore the pay situation was not good, the pay being one month overdue. Personnel were paid for the month of January on the 9^th of March and were paid for the month of February on the 11^th of March).

About this time the possibility of a regular schedule for helicopter service between Frobisher Bay and Resolution Island was considered. However, due to the fact that no norm could be established concerning weather conditions due to erratic, inclement weather, a regular schedule was considered impracticable. In addition to the weather there also existed the continual maintenance of the helicopters. Several times during the period (January through March) when the weather was good the helicopters were "out for maintenance". With weather conditions what they were between Resolution and Frobisher the helicopters were frequently unable to fly because of an overcast or ground fog either at Frobisher, Resolution, or somewhere in between. High winds also played an important part in disrupting the service of the island by aircraft.

When the first aircraft did arrive it brought a postal clerk. This was the first postal clerk to arrive at Resolution since before the first of the year. While here, the clerk replenished the supply of stamps at the BX (Goose Bay Sub-Exchange #5) and serviced personnel with money orders. With money orders being much needed items at the time, this provided the first opportunity for personnel to send money home by money order rather than cash.

Periods of a week to ten days without mail service were not uncommon. Incoming mail was delivered by para-drop several times during the quarter. Generally speaking the mail service was very infrequent.

Movies at this unit are a morale booster. Generally speaking, the film received here has been in good condition. The unit has received two new Bell and Howell 16 mm projectors. One arrived in the early part of February and the other arrived in, approximately, the middle of March. However, when they did arrive they came with only two incandescent projector lamps. Since each bulb lasts only approximately 25 hours, the initial supply was greatly inadequate, and continued efforts to obtain more bulbs have met with little success. As a result of this the squadron has been without movies for many days at a time. Another item of note is that all films that do arrive at this station are easily eight to nine months old at the least. There are never any first run movies. There are many English movies but these are of a rather poor grade. The theatre has recently been redecorated, new chairs have been added and a linoleum tile floor has been laid. The theatre is also being utilized for a chapel, OJT (On the Job Training), Commander'’ Call, and General Military Training (GMT).

The lack of mail, pay, and movies result in one of the biggest morale factors that has to be contended with at Resolution. However, in spite of this, morale at this station is considered to be very high.

The officer personnel at this unit (not unlike those of other units of this type) have many varied and additional duties. Although they do have quite a few of these duties, it has been found that the duties have been handled with very little difficulty.

During the period several councils and boards were set up within the squadron to facilitate various functions.

A new Ground Safety Council was organized as of 13 March 1956.

There were two accidents during this period, one involving personnel and the other a ¼ ton jeep. This was enough to mar a record that merited the award of the 64^th Air Division (Defense) Ground Safety Plaque for operating for a full year without a disabling military or civilian injury, a non-reportable vehicle accident, or a property damage case. The 64^th Air Division(Defense) Ground Safety Award was awarded to the 920^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron on 10 January 1956 for the year 1955. Instructions on first aid, frost bites care, and shock treatment have been included in GMT classes that are held weekly with mandatory attendance for all personnel.

On the 27^th of February 1956, squadron fire regulations were rewritten and put into effect. The regulations covered Fire Prevention, Fire Protection and Fire Fighting, Squadron Fire Marshal, Area Fire Marshals, and Fire Wardens, Fire Guard, and Fire Alarm System. Known fire hazards prevalent in most military installations, procedures for eliminating these hazards, and types of fires isolating each class and the extinguisher to be used on each Incident were covered. Due to a recent influx in personnel (officers and airmen) the Squadron Fire Warden was enabled to appoint additional personnel to squadron fire areas that had been undermanned due to personnel shortage. Under the new and revised Squadron Numbered Memorandums (SNMs) concerning fire prevention duties and assigned areas of each fire warden and his assistants and their responsibilities, the operation, the responsibilities, and the type of signals to be used as a fire alarm system in the event of a fire in any part of the site, were all clearly outlined. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were posted in all sections immediately upon publication. On 31 March 1956 tests involving fire wardens and their assistants were conducted. All individuals taking the tests qualified with high scores. A new type of butt can was introduced throughout the site. Previous to this, small tins half filled with sand were used for butt cans. The new cans are #10 tins (excess from the mess hall). They are filled one quarter full of water and are placed on red painted pedestals secured to the wall approximately four feet above the floor. Fire resistant waste baskets have been placed along the hallways to provide receptacles for gum wrappers and discarded candy packages that might otherwise be thrown into the butt cans. Fire extinguishers and standpipe locations have been clearly indicated by red painted squares or oblong shaped markers that would immediately indicate the absence of a fire extinguisher should one be removed for any purpose and not be replaced. A regularly scheduled inspection of all fire extinguishers is conducted by the Squadron Fire Fighter. Tags and a file are kept current indicating date and condition of extinguishers at the time of inspection. Daily checks of all areas are made for any fire hazards; fire exits are also checked at this time so that they may be kept easily accessible and so that the doors will have sufficient clearance. The fire alarm bells and warbler alarms are also regularly checked for function and clarity.

On 22 March 1956 a new Unit Fund Council was appointed which consisted of ten members and the Commander. The council meets quarterly and during this quarter it completed an inventory of all Unit Fund property. Disposition forms were completed on four items that were disposed of due to normal wear and tear. Also, an additional sum of money was allocated for magazines for the squadron. The present supply is not only too small but also lacks sufficient copies to supply equal reading facilities for all personnel.

On 1 March 1956 a new Promotion Board was appointed to replace the one previously appointed under Special Order (SO) #75, dated 27 December 1955. Promotion forms are submitted from all sections to the Adjutant. The Adjutant then submits them to the promotion board which reviews the forms and evaluates the qualifications and efficiency of individuals recommended for promotion. In January and March there were no promotions due to the fact that these months were not in the promotion cycle. However, in February, there was one airman promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (S/Sgt.), three airmen promoted to Airman First Class (A/1C), and four airmen promoted to Airman Second Class (A/2C).

On 23 March 1956 a new Character Guidance Council was appointed consisting of nine members and the Commander. The council has since increased its membership by two so that all sections may be represented. Normal activities, of the Character Guidance Council, were accomplished during the quarter.

Fluctuating mail deliveries have severely hampered incoming and outgoing correspondence, both official and unofficial. Many complications has resulted due to the necessity of complying with suspense dates. In many cases reports have been sent by electrical message in order to meet these dates. (In such cases the report is then sent out on the next aircraft leaving the island, as a follow-up of the electrical message).

The Information Services program has accomplished normal activities during the period. There were no VIP visits during this time. An Information Specialist arrived at the site during the month of January. Operation Squawk Box has been utilized to a greater extent during the period; (this is the sites closed circuit radio station WORM) however, it is still in the process of revamping its program. Greater utilization is expected in the near future. A daily log of all broadcast and frequencies of Armed Forces Radio (and TV) Service, New York has been kept. Reception was found to range from good to excellent; 15.15 megacycles was found to be the best frequency to utilize and a number of interesting programs were broadcast over the loud speakers (Operation Squawk Box - WORM) for the entertainment of all personnel.

During the month of January 1956 normal activities were conducted. The Surveillance Section completed 47 simulated intercepts, directed 48 aircraft, and ran one actual ECM.

Each time this organization experienced icing conditions, inaccurate wind speeds were recorded. This was found to be due to ice forming in the cups on the anemometers. Radar maintenance personnel solved this problem by utilizing two 500 watt heat lamps as deicing units in one of the anemometers.

In January, the surveillance section received two Search Radar Operators (27350s) and six AC&W Operators (27330s). There has been a shortage of personnel in this section and this has helped to alleviate the situation. It has been the practice to hold daily, formal, OJT classes for all three level personnel. This increases the speed with which incoming personnel may replace personnel rotating in the near future.

The target simulator has been modified to display six targets on the search and height sets. This is a big help in training new personnel and at the same time allows Directors to remain proficient.

Radar maintenance experienced no breakdowns of equipment at this site during the month of January. Only two maintenance periods were taken due to the fact that the AC&W unit at Saglek was off the air which made it necessary for the 920^th AC&W Squadron’s unit to remain on the air for 24 hours a day.

On 20 January 1956 a three element, 20 meter beam antenna was put into operation for the amateur radio station. Excellent results were obtained.

Normal conditions prevailed throughout the month of February. Fifty-one simulated intercepts were made and 53 aircraft were directed.

A building modification was made in the surveillance room to facilitate the handling of aircraft and also to eliminate confusion. A stairway was installed and the dais was extended to the full width of the operations room. A Planned Position Indicator (PPI) scope was moved up onto the dais in surveillance to give the controller a more advantageous position.

In February radar maintenance reported that a magnetron was changed in the upper beam after giving eight months service. It gave excellent results for the eight months in question but after a maintenance period it would not operate correctly. Two magnetrons were used in the lower beam during this same period.

On 6 February 1956 the last licensed operator for the amateur radio station rotated to the Zone of Interior (ZI). This necessitated the closing of the station until another qualified operator arrives at this site.

Communications maintenance reported that in February, in compliance with TO 31R2-2GRR7-501, a modification was accomplished on two R/361/6R receivers. Subject modification entails installing a fuse in the plate circuit. At the same time the modification order was received, one receiver at this station was out of operation due to the wiring in the set burning to a point where it could no longer be serviceable. The installation of subject fuse will eliminate this situation.

Communications maintenance has also constructed a 2000 volt rectifier for the purpose of rejuvenating 4X-150A tubes for a GRC-27 UHF or a GRT-33 UHF transmitter. This action was taken in the interest of economy as each tube costs $32.19, and the cost of this rectifier was approximately $40.00.

Normal operating procedures prevailed during the month of March, 1956. The unit had three directors that ran 21, 32, and 31 simulated intercepts respectively and directed 35, 45, and 48 aircraft, respectively. The 15-J-1C target simulator was operational during the entire month of March with the exception of 35 minutes for maintenance on 2 March 1956. Operations section is maintaining a three shift, seven day work week as a result of shortage of personnel. Nine radar operators rotated to the ZI during the month of March with only four replacements arriving during the month.

The radar maintenance section reported that the installation of modification kits numbers three through nine for the RW-105 and RW-106 pressurizing systems have been completed for the height finder tower. Completion of further modifications for the remaining towers is anticipated during the month of April. Two magnetron blower motors failed during March. Motor bearing failure in both was determined to be the cause. On 2 March 1956 the AN/TPS-502 magnetron failed after only two days of operation. Failure was caused by the glass seal at the transmitting point melting and breaking. The melting of the glass seal was apparently caused by arcing at the waveguide junction point which in turn was due to the mismatch created by faulty TR tubes. Normal operation was obtained after installation of a new magnetron and new TR tubes.

Normal activities were reported by the communications section for the month of March. An amateur radio license was granted during the month to a member of the section with the call letters K0DXD, thereby allowing the amateur radio facilities here at Resolution to operate once more.

On an overall basis there were normal operating activities in the Operations Section during March with nothing of an emergency status occurring.

During the month of January there were no particular problems in Air Installations (AIO).

In the Supply Section, however, the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) was sent to Goose Air Base. This was necessary because there were many requisitions that were backordered and it was deemed necessary to determine their exact status. It was the opinion of the Supply Officer that this visit should greatly improve the supply support at this site.

Normal activities continues for both the Supply Section and AIO for the month of February.

For a period of ten days during the month of March, three line starters on the Ric-Wil (the site water supply line) line failed. Two new starters were on hand and another starter was repaired to keep the line in operation. Satisfactory voltage readings were taken at each heater. Readings ranged from 200 to 210 volts. Failure was determined to have been caused by dampened starters through seepage of melted snow at conduit openings. All starters were dried and gaskets were made for all openings where seepage might occur. The floor to the theatre, located in the BX warehouse, was tiled during January, and a shuffleboard was marked off for recreational activities. Sections of the Dining Hall have been painted as well as the studio occupied by the local radio station (WORM). Hallways and Bachelor Quarters (BQ) areas have not been painted as yet due to a lack of paint. A new outside fuel tank heating system was installed, replacing the older system, which proved to be satisfactory. The entire fuel system in the power plant was also replaced during March. Leaks numbering as many as 18 at the last count were eliminated. Paint has been removed from all engines in anticipation of a complete new coat pending the arrival of more paint from Goose Air Base. During this month new fire regulations were published and a quarterly fire examination was administered to all personnel on 31 March 1956.

In the Supply Section during March there still existed a sever shortage of personnel. There was only one Organizational Supply Supervisor (64173) and one Supply Helper (64010) assigned to the squadron. The Supply Officer left for Goose Air Base to check on requisitions that have been on backorder and also to see if it will be possible to obtain material which is of immediate importance to this organization.

The following table represents a breakdown of personnel of the AIO section for the three month reporting period (January through March):

The Engineering and Maintenance Repair Section, manned personnel wise as indicated in the afore-listed tables, has been fulfilling its mission of preventative maintenance in all phases of building repairs and utilities.

Utility failures have been kept to a minimum throughout the reporting period except on one occasion. It was then necessary, because of electrical failure, to curtail the use of water throughout the site until the water line could be freed and electrical repairs could be accomplished. Use of water for shaving and showering was discontinued for a period of 24 hours causing some discomfort to personnel. However, this was not serious. A line starter of one Ric-Wil water line heater was repaired and thermostat controls of all heaters were adjusted to increase their utility in the thawing of the iced areas (moisture remaining in lines following draining and shutdown processes at the completion of pumping operations).

Electrical failure was caused by deteriorated insulation (due to severe weather and high winds) causing "shorting" and fuse action which made the Ric-Wil heaters inoperative. By raising the thermal controls to 90 degrees on all waterline heaters, the ice was thawed out and the moisture removed by forcing air through the pipeline with a portable compressor. The compressor air line was connected to the waterline at the pump house and pressure allowed to build up for a period of ten to twelve hours. The pressure was built up through the use of a wooden plug in the pipeline where it empties into the storage tank in the heating plant.

Waterline and electrical circuits are inspected at regular intervals. Sever weather sometimes makes these inspections impossible and it is then that the icing, "shorts", and other hazards become evident. An alert pump operator, while making an inspection and maintenance check, detected resistance and pressure buildup in the waterline. This prompted him to discontinue the pumping process, open the drain valve, and immediately notify AIO. This quick action prevented much more serious damage to the water supply system, as well as the excessive cost of additional repairs and the increased demand upon personnel and vehicles in transporting water to the site by vehicle.

Scheduled building inspections throughout the period have revealed settling and shifting of various walls and partitions (caused by high winds) resulting in numerous openings of widths up to one-half inch. These openings allow snow to blow into the buildings at various places and build up small piles of snow on the floors. When this snow melts it is very apt to cause serious deterioration to the floors if it is not detected immediately. When the tile on the floors was lain, non-waterproof cement was used. Leaking roofs occasionally add to this problem. Severe weather conditions and the lack of necessary equipment result in maintenance personnel being unable to repair roof leaks by covering them with roofing asphalt.

The Trane Torridor Unit Heaters, as installed, fail in supplying heated fresh air to the building. Because of excessive repairs it has become necessary to discontinue the use of the steam heated coils and use the unit as a fresh air supply for the Dining Hall and the latrines. It has been determined that the cause of this failure in the system can be traced to a design deficiency. Use of these units as a fresh air supply for some parts of the building is limited because of the excessive condensation collecting and dripping off ducts that eventually will result in an additional problem with the afore-mentioned tile flooring.

Motor Pool personnel and equipment are continually busy seven days a week. During the reporting period a very satisfactory job was done by this section; jobs such as snow removal, aircraft refueling, trash disposal, and providing transportation for personnel and supplies, were accomplished.

The installation of rust detecting devices is proposed for the Heating Plant. This is for the determination and isolation of the points in the pipe system where the greatest amount of mineral deposits and rust accumulate. This should add to the efficiency of the plant. The excessive amount of residue accumulating in the valves and fittings requires constant repair operations and subsequent replacements. This reveals the possible need for a water softener at this installation.

Lack of parts and failure of the previous air conditioning maintenance technician to stock or order spare parts has resulted in the refrigeration technician, now employed at the site, being prevented from obtaining maximum efficiency from the existing units.

From January through March 1956 the Supply Section has handled a total of 26,974 pounds of cargo. Most of this poundage has arrived by helicopter. A very small amount was dropped by para-drop. Transportation to and from Resolution has been very irregular during the period. Close to four weeks have passed at one time without any transportation either to or from the site.

During the period three airmen (one Clerk Typist, 70250, and two Apprentice Supplymen, 64151) completed their tours and were returned to the ZI. None of these personnel have been replaced.

The Supply Officer and the NCOIC both, at different times, have gone TDY to Goose Air Base in an attempt to follow up backordered requisitions and obtain necessary material for the squadron. These trips were made with no success whatever. (A good example of these backorders is the following typical example: during the month of March 1956 this unit received one fifty gallon drum of floor wax which was put in traffic for shipment to this organization from Goose Air Base during the month of August, 1955).

There has been an ever-increasing difficulty in obtaining bulbs for the movie projectors. There have been times when this has resulted in no movies at all being shown. This could result in a serious morale problem if it is not rectified.

Finally, during the period, a complete new inventory and card file on all radar and radio electronic equipment were made. This included the identifying, binning and completion of a card file on more than approximately seven to eight thousand items. Plans are currently being made to accomplish this same project for teletype and wire maintenance equipment.