Cartwright, Labrador

922^nd AC&W Squadron, APO 677, NY, NY

Philip J Blais, Major, USAF

AN/FPS-3C Search Radar (1ea); AN/FPS-502 Search Radar (1ea); AN/FPS-14 Search Radar (3ea); AN/TPS-502 Height Finding Radar (1ea); GRC/27 Multi-Channel UHF Transmitter and Receiver (4ea); GRT-3 Single Channel UHF Transmitter (4ea); GRR-7 Single Channel UHF Receiver (4ea); FRT-2 Single Channel VHF Transmitter (4ea); FRT-503 Single Channel Transmitter (1ea); URG-60 Single Channel Receiver (5ea).

During the period of this report, the Operations Section had the following operational summary:

Total Tracks: April 1125; May 1261; June 1507
Unknowns: April 51; May 42; June 54
Training Missions: April 23; May 21; June 6
Total Intercepts: April 33; May 79; June 31

Four new intercept directors (AFSC 1644) arrived on 11 April, two being immediately assigned to detachments as temporary commanders.

Radar operations personnel operated normally during the period and, with the fine performance of the AN/FPS-3C, succeeded in maintaining a good radar surveillance program. Radar quality controls averaged well above 100% for this equipment. The other search radar equipment functioned normally during the period and increased performance was noted from the AN/TPS-502 height finder.

Annual overhaul of the majority of the equipment was begun on 23 June by Canadian Marconi, and is expected to continue until 11 July. The overhaul of the AN/FPS-502 has already been completed, and the performance of this set has increased markedly.

Radio Transmitters and Receivers were moved during June from the base of tower 1 to the remote transmitter building. The maintenance section of the Squadron effected this move in an effort to alleviate radio troubles arising from the location of the radio antennas in the radome. At this time results of the move indicate increased range and dependability of equipment.

Supply difficulties continue to hinder normal operation of the Squadron. A large backlog of cargo was diverted from air traffic to water shipment in June, arriving from Goose Air Base on the first ship of the current season. Resupply figures for the period are as follows: (see matrix chart at end of this report)

Open house was observed by the Squadron on 30 May, in conjunction with Armed Forces Day. After a low altitude fly-over by two F-89J aircraft, military vehicles brought residents of Cartwright to the station for tours through the non restricted areas. A slide presentation on the NORAD Story was given to the adults, with cartoons shown to the children. Ice cream and cake were served in the dining hall and then the residents were returned to Cartwright. Attending were some fifty adults and two hundred children, and all were very pleased with the day.

With the advent of summer months, the work load increased, with various paint and cleanup details scheduled. However, the increase in outdoor sporting activities has more than taken up the slack in morale. Fishing weather thus far has been excellent, with large numbers of sea and fresh water trout being caught in the area surrounding Cartwright. Volleyball and softball are being played, and hiking trips are being made to various scenic areas.

On the whole, the period has been productive and a healthy outlook exists for the months ahead.

Philip J Blais, Major, USAF