Major Functions of the Unit.
The major function of this unit is to:
OPERATIONS
The Wing's CF-104 Squadrons undertook a limited operational role commencing in January. They now maintain a "standby alert" commitment on a number of reconnaissance "follow on" targets.
In January, met forecaster at-the-desk coverage was initiated to cover 24 hours every day.
During 1965, 109KU carried out 140 VIP flights in 852 hours and 35 minutes of actual flying time.
A TRN6 TACAN was installed in January to replace the TRN17 which was operationally unacceptable. In March, the TRN6 was modified and as a URN3A operated satisfactorily. After tests by CFHQ/METCOM team in July, the TRN17 TACAN beacon was declared unsuitable for use and was quarantined pending modifications. A TRN6 TACAN, on loan from the USAF, was supplied as an interim facility.
The OFTT began its programme of training flight simulator instructors from other NATO countries in February. Many new ideas were exchanged during this programme. When it was completed in June, 22 officers from NATO countries including Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Norway and Denmark were trained.
The various 1 Air Division squadron and headquarters pilots utilized OFTT trainer facilities during the year.
The annual Squadron Commanders Conference was held at 1 Wing on 8 April 1965.
Exercise Blacktop - 1 to 27 May 1965:
The flying operations of 1 Wing operated from the USAF base of Etain, Meuse, while the runway was being resurfaced. MSE, with an augmentation of only three buses (no extra men), transported most of the GHE for the aircraft, all of the AMU traffic (personnel and material) and also ran the crews back and forth between the aircraft and the Wing. 109KU also ferried aircraft and equipment to Etain AFB. The 1 Wing taxiway was used for limited T-33 operations during the exercise. While deployed at Etain in May, the ATC Air Standardization Unit visited 109KU.
On 26 May 1965, a 1 Wing section of four led the Air Division fly past over Soest on the occasion of the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
From 10 to 22 June 1965, all CF-104 Squadrons Members, in rotation, manned a CF-104 from 1 Wing which was on static display at the Paris, LeBourget Annual Air Show. A Caribou aircraft came through 1 Wing enroute to the air show. A Tudor aircraft was flown into 1 Wing aboard a Hercules aircraft. The Tudor was re-assembled at 1 Wing and flown and displayed at the Paris Air Show.
On 11th July 1965, while carrying out a Hawkeye low level mission in a CF-104, Captain Nicolas, USAF, on exchange duties, experienced a mid-air collision with an RAF Canberra. The accident took place approximately one hundred miles north west of Munich. Both aircraft struck their left wingtip, but the pilots managed to maneuver them into Baden Soellingen for a safe landing.
On 16th September 1965, Captain Summers, the Army (USA) Reconnaissance Liaison Officer at Marville, was authorized a trip in the back seat of a CF-104 (dual) with F/L E Greidanus, an OFTT instructor. At a position about 60 miles west of Lyon, France, the aircraft struck a bird which resulted in both crew members ejecting (safely) due to the engine failing.
On 12th October 1965, W/C Dunlop assumed duties of OC 441 Squadron. W/C Edwards relinguished OC 441 Squadron position and became COpsO, replacing W/C Bodien, who has been repatriated on retirement from the RCAF.
On 18th November 1965, F/L Symington and F/O G Jensen were piloting a T-33, number 21614, on a poor-weather day. While executing an approach and letdown at Phalsbourg USAF airfield, their aircraft struck some tree tops. F/L Symington took control of the aircraft and ordered F/O Jensen to eject. Although F/O Jensen successfully ejeced, F/L Symington had insufficient altitude and was killed after ejecting.
The entire Wing Operations/Intelligence Section moved from various locations on the Wing to the new Operations/Intelligence building on 24 Aug 65. Since moving, the section has been operating, organizing and co-ordinating activities from the one location in preparation for Tactical Evaluation and the assumption of full operational status. In addition, operations projects, exercises and training courses have kept Section personnel more than busy. A number of distinguished visitors have observed and been briefed on the operations conducted by the section. Among these have been Air Vice Marshal Bradshaw, Vice Admiral Dyer, Air Commodore Jacobsen, Air Chief Marshal Huddlestone (RAF) and the USAF Chief of Staff Overseas Orientation Tour.
TRAINING
The Wing Ground Training Section has been used regularly during the year on a weekly basis for TA courses and driver courses.
In October 1965, a new Audio Visual French Course (VIF) began with 94 students of all ranks. The course is broken down into small groups, who spend one hour per day, four days per week at classes held from 11 to 2000 hours.
Semi-annual trade examinations for airmen and qualifying examinations for officers and NCOs were held in the WGTO section during the year. Security training and Augumentation Alert courses were conducted throughout the year.
TECHNICAL
The year 1965 was especially busy for the Wing's Technical people. Following are some of the projects completed:
Building No. 46 occupied by Intelligence/Operations
Building No. 65 occupied by 439 Squadron
Building No. 64 occupied by 109KU
Building No. 63 occupied by Wing Instrument Flight
Building No. 85E occupied by Ground Handling
Building No. 85F occupied by T-33 Flight
Building No. 85D occupied by Engine Bay
Building No. N52A occupied by SSB site
Building No. 29 addition to PX
Building No. 73 addition to Arena
Building No. 32B addition to Swimming Pool
Installation of VASIS
Runway asphalt overlay
Also, major interior painting was done in all barracks and many other buildings, including the temporary school on the base and the Wing Headquarters. Major changes in technical staff included repatriation of W/C Sullivan who was replaced on 19 July 1965 by W/C Castellano and the repatriation of the SAEO S/L Williams on 2 July 1965, who was replaced by F/L Joy.
ADMINISTRATION
Renovations to the wing store, snack bar, swimming pool and skating rink have increased the services in these institutes considerably.
Much time has been spent by administrative staffs, along with CE, in justifying the now approved AforP for additional school rooms for unit dependents.
The Commanding Officer, assisted by the Protocol Officer, had a busy year hosting, as is evident from Appendix "B", which outlines visits to the Wing, many distinguised guests.
RECREATION
The sports and recreation programmes were active and varied again this year. Included in available leisure activities are hockey, skating, curling, golf, softball, mess activities, skeet shooting, squash and movies. The PMQ recreation programme included an active teen town group, bridge, sewing classes, bingos, Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies and cinema sessions. CFM radio also provided an opportunity for those who wished to participate in programming.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The organized Public Relations programme at 1 Wing RCAF, consists in the main of visits to the base by Canadian and National journalists, and groups of local citizens. However, a greater impact on the maintenance of good community relations comes from the day-to-day contact of the Wing's members with our National neighbours through cordial relationship and exemplary conduct.
The 1 Wing Pipe Band, the "Arrows" hockey team and other organizations make a very important contribution to Public relationships through their engagements throughout the regions.
1 Wing permits the French gendarmes from Stenay and school children from Montmedy and Longuyon to use the station swimming pool on a regular schedule. The public is permitted to attend the 1 Wing hockey games.
While the organized Public Relations programme is not over-emphasized, relations with local authorities, citizens and civilian employees are excellent. Every effort is made to ensure that Canadian newsmen and other visitors always depart 1 Wing with a favourable impression of Canadian servicemen abroad.
TERMINAL
During 1965, 5 AMU processed 39,761 passengers, and approximately 12,860 tons of freight. Since January 1965, Canada Customs officials at 5 AMU have been pre-clearing all personal effects for service personnel proceeding to Canada. This procedure greatly facilities the rapid processing of passengers on arrival at Trenton.
(AF Avant) G/C
CO 1 Wing RCAF