Cartwright, Labrador

922^nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron,
APO 433, New York, New York

Daniel A Leonesio, Major, USAF

AN/FPS-20A 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-502 Single Channel VHF Transmitter (4ea); FRT-503 Single Channel Transmitter (1ea); URG-60 Single Channel Receiver (5ea).

Squadron plans for temporary Mess facilities during the repair of the dining hall were never put into effect. The TDK Rooney Company was unable to begin construction during the summer months, and the renovation has been postponed until next season.

The Rooney employees arrived at this station in early June 1959. Receipt of tools and materials was slow as the CNR Bergio was irregular in its arrivals. As of this date the Rooney Company has completed the roofing of the Pole Vault building and is at present renovating Latrine #1.

The Ric-Wil water line which has been in poor shape since last Spring has been temporarily repaired. A mobile maintenance team is still awaited to insure proper maintenance and repair.

The 1959 SUNEC Season has brought to light that the dock is in definite need of repair and grading. At present the dock is slowly sinking and being washed away by the tides. A project for fiscal year 1960 has been submitted to 64^th AD (D) for the necessary repair. As yet this Squadron has not received a project number.

The bulk of the water shipping season has fallen within this reporting period. The plans made in advance for receiving and inchecking of the SUNEC 1959 items proved worthwhile. "Shot Gun" riders were provided for 11 trucks to prevent unnecessary loss between the dock and the site. Incheckers and various detail crews were in place and ready to take charge as the loads arrived. As a result there was very little loss or damage reported.

USNS Sagitta – 12 July 1959 – 30 Long Ton (117 Mean Ton) of general cargo.
USNS Towle – 24 July 1959 – 345 Long Ton (800 Mean Ton) of general cargo.
USNS Sagitta – 28 July 1959 – 3 Long Ton of general cargo.
USNS Sagitta – 28 August 1959 – 14 Long Ton (35 Mean Ton) of general cargo.
USNS Bondia – 28 August 1959 – 100 Long Ton (170 Mean Ton) of food and BX supplies plus 30 Long Ton (117 Mean Ton) of general cargo.

One of the problems which occurred was the anchoring of the USNS Towle in the outer harbor. This made it necessary for the LSM’s to ferry the entire cargo around the point to the dockside warehouse. This greatly increased the unloading time required and further created a rather hazardous operation due to the extremely heavy tide which runs between Earl Island and the point on which the village is located.

The Squadron’s performance of its assigned mission has remained high during this quarter. The reasons for this are twofold. First we have received a large number of new airmen of an average or above average degree of skill and qualifications as evidenced by the fact that at the end of the period we has 23 airmen with "50s" against an authorized 11. This skill level reflects itself further in that our crews tend to be somewhat top heavy, with 4 NCO’s assigned to each crew. The second reason our capabilities have remained high may be found in an intensive formal training program for personnel of all levels in Operations. Results of this training have already become evident. We have three (3) directors Combat Ready – Skilled and two Combat Ready – Qualified as well as the Commander who is also Combat Ready – Qualified. The Crew Chiefs have had an intensive period of formal training covering all pertinent regulations in operations and they in turn are training their respective crews in this material.

Among the problems encountered during the period was a lack of confidence in the TPS-502 Height Finder. To overcome this lack of confidence and the resultant poor showing of this piece of equipment a Quality Control System was set up and put into action. The results beginning to show toward the end of the period were more consistent and reliable pickups with the range surprising many who had little trust in the TPS-502.

As mentioned above we have at present an overage in personnel. This overage (27 airmen and 2 officers in Operations) is due to be alleviated in 30 to 60 days. At present however, in addition to filling out a 11 crew and easing our manning the presence of these additional people has caused problems. The principal problem has been housing. At present we have 14 airmen sleeping in tower number 3 behind the Operations Section, as well as 1 or 2 sleeping in the hall between Operations and the tower.

This period has been an important one in changing of key personnel. Major Daniel A Leonesio replaced Major ID Siegel on 21 August 1959 as Commander of the 922^nd AC&W Squadron. Major Leonesio’s previous assignment was with the 703^rd AC&W Squadron, Texarcana, Arkansas.

Others who have arrived during the reporting period are: Captain Robert R Virgin to replace Captain Paul Holland in supply; Captain Thomas L Wright to replace Captain Richard S Kauffman as C&E Officer; Captain Robert W Hopkins replaced Captain Jack T Martin as Operations Officer.

Change of command at the detachments included: Captain Norbert A Hoerl was replaced by Captain Richard L Anderson at Detachment #1; Captain Von E LeVan replaced Captain Chester H Wheeless at Detachment #2; and Captain Charles P Walker replaced Captain Charles Neuendorf at Detachment #3.

The 922^nd took possession of its new AN/FPS-20A on 11 September 1959. Captain Parks and Mr. Davidson of the 64^th AD (D) MEL were the inspecting and acceptance officials. The 20 was installed during the month of August 1959 by a team from the Marconi Depot out of St. John’s Newfoundland.

Daniel A Leonesio, Major, USAF