1882nd History Report 1966

1882nd CS History Report 1966

Administration

At the beginning of this reporting period there was only one 70250 assigned to the Orderly Room. At the end of July a second 70250 was assigned to the Orderly Room.

Publications are still a problem with most of them still on order. Late in the reporting period they started to come in. A special order was made to the 1964th Comm Gp for publications in the Personnel field. These publications have not been received as yet.

A staff visit by Capt Goode, from the 1964th Comm Gp was conducted in the middle of November 1966.

Lack of typewriters have hampered the operation during most of this reporting period. At the very end we received an additional typewriter.

An inspection of the Classified files by the Unit Security Officer, indicated little improvement was required. A forms program was established on 1 October 1966 with the local DO.

On 12 December 1966 Capt William E. Dussetschleger, FR71217, was assigned additional duty of Administrative Services Officer.

Personnel

During this period the 1882nd Comm Sq increased from 90 enlisted personnel to its present strength of 130. These figures also include TDY and attached personnel. CMSgt Minter was replaced by SMSgt Elmer Pfenner as 1st Sgt due to PCS of CMSgt Minter to CONUS. Close liaison was still maintained with the 366th Combat Support Group which was redisignated to 35th Combat support Group during this period.

Personnel of the 1st Mobile Comm Gp were still TDY this unit but were relieved on a one for one basis as PCS inputs arrived. Additional personnel from 1st MOB were placed TDY to this unit in AFSC 291X0 due to slow input of PCS personnel during this period. They were originally TDY for approximately 120 days but were extended 99 days due to shortages. Acceleration of PCS inputs was requested due to known losses of PCS and TDY personnel. These replacements are due in during the months of January and February.

Major Charles W. Arnett, the original Commander of the 1882nd Comm Sq was reassigned to 1876 Comm Sq and replaced by Capt Frederick L Swedberg on 5 October 1966. Capt Swedberg in turn was relieved by Major Frank C. Czerny on 5 December 1966.

Additional assistance for personnel in AFSC 272X0 was requested due to a large number of PCS losses during January and February 1967. This coupled with the operation of the new Tower made this request one of an urgent nature. Replacements, as they arrive in Tan Son Nhut's 1964 Comm Gp are to be diverted to this unit in order to maintain maximum efficiency in the operation of the control tower and GCA unit.

Training

The training section was established early in 1966, but did not become truly active until July of 1966. It was at this time that the Unit Training NCO was assigned training as a primary duty, remaining in this status until such time as the unit programs became truly activated and operational.

The Training NCO attended a training class at Ton Son Nhut Air Base in July 1966.

A survey of the Squadron, conducted in July, determined that all personnel were proficient in their assigned duties. However, this fact had not, in most been recorded in appropriate records. A total of eighteen personnel were on Upgrade Training Status.

August and September saw the establishment of training records and the initiation of proficiency training programs. Currently held records were brought up to date.

The last of the proficiency training programs and outlines were completed in October. Further refinement of a major portion of the Squadron's program was accomplished in November.

A total of eight personnel were upgraded to the next higher skill level during this period. We have enjoyed a 100% passing rate for Specialty Knowledge Tests. Twenty-two personnel are presently on Upgrade Training Status. 95% of assigned personnel are completely proficient in current duties.

Plans and Programs

Plans and Programs Section had at the beginning of this FY, 32 active CEM schemes for Phan Rang Air Base. This progressively increased to 46 CEM schemes to date.

The first scheme to be completed was the FAA ATC tower CEM 0303A6K-TDTK-LK4A12R-2201. This scheme was engineered and furnished by FAA. GEEIA Installation Team began installation 25 July 1966. AFTO Form 88, 88A and 88B were signed 13 Aug 66. The tower was operational at this time. The only exceptions to the FAA tower were 1each OA-477/FGA-4 and 1 each 102A Key System Telephone. Cable for the tower was provided and installed by the Outside Plant as a self-help program.

The weather pads to be constructed by BCE had to be re-surveyed because RMK placed a drainage ditch where the AN/GMQ-13 Detector and Projector was sited for installation. A meeting with Major Campbell BCE and OIC Weather Detachment Col Ferr, AFRCE , and a resiting for the TMQ-11 was accomplished by the Weather personnel. An agreement was made in October between Major Campbell BCE and Col Ferr AFRCE for the construction to be completed by BCE. Construction of the weather pads was not started until December 1966. The pads for the AN/GMQ-13, was completed by 15 December 1966. The pads for the AN/GMQ-20 and AN/TMQ-11 are not completed.

A CEM scheme 230AK6 was originated for a TACAN AN/TRN-17 for Phan Rang. This scheme was changed to a dual TACAN CEM scheme 1163A6K-R2-TDTE-FV4405R, on 15 August 1966. The Construction completion date for the dual TACAN is June 1967. The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing requested a resiting on the dual TACAN. This request was forwarded to 1964th Comm GP on 13 November 1966 and the 1964th Comm Gp forwarded it on 3 December 1966. PACCOMM AREA requested PAC GEEIA provide a new site survey for the TACAN site, Phan Rang AB, 13 December 1966. No further action has been received on this survey.

A BWTSDS updating for Phan Rang, 101st cantonment area was forwarded 28 December 1966. TACCOMM AREA requested a scheme number from PAC GEEIA REGION 20 December 1966.

The Base Communications Building was completed and signed for by BCE on 25 November 1966. The Base Comm Center will house the Inside Plant C752AK6-TDTE-XQ2A22R-0011. This is a 1000 line Telephone System. The CEM scheme C752A6K has been received at Base Supply. PAC GEEIA and 485 GEEIA Cam Ranh Bay were notified. A pre-installation team consisting of SSgt Kinsey and SSgt Schoenbuger from 485 GEEIA checked the equipment room of the Base Comm Center and requested accomplishment of necessary support work for the installation of the Inside Plant. This work consisted of a door between the Equipment Room and the Battery Room and three cable holes nine feet from the floor. A work order was originated by the 1882 Comm Sq on 26 December 1966 to BCE to have this work accomplished. The CEM schemes O488A6K-TDTE-6656 and O716A6K-TDTE-6656 was received by Base Supply in December. The O488A6K is the patch panel for the Flight Line Comm Center. COMSEC Equipment was called out for CEIP's 1B50Y, 3A22R6 and 359A13R, 10 November1966. This equipment was called out for 25 December 1966. The building for the Interim Autodin was constructed August 1966. At this time Autodin Equipment was scheduled by CEM scheme O687A6K-TDTE-3000 for November 1966. The equipment for O687A6K will be placed in the Base Comm Center rather than the Interim Facility.

Plans: The Plans Section requested plan indexes from PACCOMMAREA and SEASIA RGN. Indexes were received and appropriate plans have been requested.

Manpower: The UDL is reviewed by each section. Programs were surveyed and a manpower request was forwarded by Maintenance for a UDL change. Flight Facilities requested a re-alignment from the UDL and RUMD to make both documents the same requirement. The Telecommunications requested additional spaces for their added requirements in Switchboard and Teletype.

Flight Facilities

July - December

During the last six months many improvements to Air Traffic Control Facilities and associated Airdrome Facilities have been made. This has resulted in improved ATC services to the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing.

A new 65 foot permanent Control Tower (Joint FAA/USAF project) was completed and commissioned on 14 September1966. The Mobile Tower (MRN-12) was decommissioned and was recovered by the 1st Mobile Comm Group.

An AN/MPN-13 GCA unit was commissioned on 1 October 1966 and it replaced the AN/CPN-4 which was recovered by the 1st Mobil Comm Group.

The new 10,000 foot by 150 foot concrete runway was opened on 12 October 1966. This gave us dual runway capability since we already had a 10,000 foot by 102 foot AM-2 matting runway.

On 14 October 1966 the AN/MPN-13 was realigned for right hand operation for the new concrete runway. After alignment it was evident that the unit could provide adequate PAR radar coverage for PAR approaches to both runways, 04 Left and 04 Right. Both approaches flight checked satisfactory full PAR service is provided for both runways without having to physically realign the unit.

After extensive research and study by the flight facilities section and the Deputy Commander for Operations Office of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, the decision was made to lower the GCA glide slope from 3 degrees to 2.5 degrees. A 2.5 degree glide path is more compatible with the operational characteristics of the F-100 aircraft now operating from this base. After official flight check on 19 December 1966, the glide path was officially changed to 2.5 degrees.

Traffic count for this 6 month period:

	July	August	September	October	November	December
Tower	11,676	14,058	14,137	13,450	14,317	14,383
GCA	1,229	1,857	1,578	1,388	1,515	1,480

Operations

Jan-Jun

Teletype Operations:: The Teletype operations has shown the greatest growth among the various squadron section during this period. This rapid growth is resultant from the massive growth of the host base facilities throughout the second the second half of 1966. The traffic originated by the RUMSAP tributary increased by 54% from June to December, the terminated traffic increased by 49%. Error rate constantly dropped. This drop in error rate is especially noteworthy. The RUMSAP tributary station was among the "Top Five" tribs in the region during four of this periods six months. Circuit efficiency also increased from 84.1% overall to 95.7%; The only difficulty experienced by this section was defective KW-26 equipment. The defective equipment was replaced in August and no further problems erupted. Personnel shortages (AFSC 291X0) were, near the end of the period, threatening the successful operation. If sufficient replacement personnel aren't assigned during January 1967, operations will be seriously affected.
Telephone Operations:: The telephone section began this period under a severe burden created by massive host base expansion and lack of sufficient cable pairs. The anticipated additional telephone center mentioned in the Historical Report covering January - June 1966 arrived late in the first quarter of FY 67 and became operational on 10 August 1966. A second Long Distance trunk to Tan Son Nhut was added. This eased subscriber call backlog for that area. A problem area which was of great annoyance prior to the installation of the subject second circuit. In-use telephone extensions nearly doubled during the period. TDY augmentees from the 1st Mobil Comm Group remained attached to this unit throughout the reporting period. Their expected loss in mid-January will create a serious manpower shortage unless sufficient replacement personnel arrive.
SSB/MARS Operations:: The single sideband traffic volume has shown a sharp decline during the period. The advent of additional Long Distance telephone circuitry and improved conditions on existing circuits eliminated the requirement for primary radio communications.; The MARS station, however, left the initial stages of operation and became one of the finest in SEA, passing over 3000 stateside phone patches during the six month reporting period.; Utilizing constructed from on-hand materials, the MARS station obtained "next door" clarity during this period. Inclement weather (high winds) destroyed the antenna three times during the period. Each time, squadron maintenance personnel, working with the cooperation of host base activities, replaced the antenna within 48 hours. A beam was on hand at the close of this period. The erection date was set firm at that time.

Maintenance

The following narrative is the highlights of events for this reporting period.

July
NAVAIDS Monthly Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/CPN-4: 97%
AN/TRN-6: 98.5%
AN/FRN-13: 100%

Communications Equipment Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/TGC-20: 99.5%
S/B: 100%

5 Jul telephone service was completely re-installed for the 35th Dispensary Orderly Room in its new location.
26 Jul telautograph installed and was in operation. Locations of equipment Weather Station, Command Post, and Base Operations.

28 Jul 1st Mobil Communications Group installed the AN/TTC-4 (Switchboard) on the Flight Line. 1882nd Communications Squadron Outside Plant Maintenance and Inside Plant Maintenance assisted in the installation. The AN/MSC-2 van was installed for tape cutting and run-off position.

August
Navaids Monthly Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/CPN-4: 99.6%
AN/TRN-6 99.9%
AN/FRN-13 99.9%

Communications Equipment Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/TGC-20: 99.7%
S/B 100%

September
NAVAIDS Monthly Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/CPN-4: 99.1%
AN/TRN-6: 93.8%
AN/FRN-13: 92.4%

Communications Equipment Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/TGC-20: 99.7%
S/B: 100%

14 Sep FAA Control Tower was commissioned.

24 Sep installation of 25 pair cable. This was run aerial to the cantonment area for telephone expansion.

27 Sep AN/CPN-4 was decommissioned and AN/MPN-13 was put in place.

October
NAVAIDS Monthly Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/MPN-13: 98.2%
AN/TRN-6: 93.6%
AN/FRN-13: 99.9%

Communications Equipment Maintenance Effectiveness.

AN/TGC-20: 99%
S/B: 100%
Control Tower: 92.4

1 Oct the AN/MPN-13 successfully passed its flight check and was commissioned in green condition. 12 Oct recorder cables were installed between the control tower and GCA unit. This giving the control tower the capability of recording all GCA transmissions.

November
Maintenance effectiveness reports not available from PAC Communications Area.

10 Nov Command Post was completely rewired for telephones and a new installation of an intercom system was accomplished.

12 Nov This organization received the AN/?R?-20 Runway Supervisory Unit. It lacked crystal for the ???-9 communications equipment.

December
Maintenance effectiveness reports not available from PAC Communications Area.

12 Dec a major cable break occurred. The main 02 cable (100pr) was cut between the main frame and the flight line at 2345Z Cause was a tractor without trailer from the 525 Transportation Company went into a ditch and severed the complete cable.

13 Dec at 0200Z the 02 Cable was fully restored.

22 Dec AFRS on the air at permanent site.

Base Attacks

1966
Attack				Aircraft		Personnel
Seq No	Date/Time	Type	Rounds	Destroyed	Damaged	KIA	WIA
Total Phan Rang		0	0	0	0	0	0
Total AF Vietnam		8	449	3	98	12	149
Phan Rang Percentage		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%

AIR BASE TOTALS FOR 1966
BASE	Attacks	Inbound Rounds	Aircraft		Personnel
BASE	Attacks	Inbound Rounds	Destroyed	Damaged	KIA	WIA
Binh Thuy	3	74	1	5	1	12
Tan Son Nhut	2	276	0	82	10	126
Pleiku	1	79	2	11	0	5
Da Nang	1	20	0	0	1	6
Bien Hoa	1	0	0	0	0	0

Photo of 1882nd Cantonment Area early 1966

Place your cursor over an area for description.

Photo of Phan Rang Gray Eagle Contonement Area early 1966

Photo courtesy of Joseph Dias, probably taken in early 1966. There isn't a softball diamond across the road from the 1882nd Headquarters, no road to the top of Nui Dat, and no NCO Club. There are two tents that still haven't been replaced by a hootch.

Photo of 1882nd Cantonment Area late 1966

Place your cursor over an area for description.

Photo of Phan Rang Gray Eagle Contonement Area and Comm Center late 1966

Photo courtesy of Joseph Dias, probably taken in late 1966. The Comm Center building is almost complete. The remnants of Fort Cross are still in place in front of the new building.