1882nd CS History Report 1968

Administration and Personnel

During this period the present for duty strength fluctuated between 155 and 172. The only TDY assistance required was in the Wire Maintenance area. Personnel to man our 1882 O/L A, Cam Ly Airfield arrived in April. The programmed manning authorizations of OL-A were not approved because of the SEA ceiling. If the ceiling is not lifted or manning positions are not obtained from other sources it will be impossible for this squadron to supply the 11 personnel required to operate Cam Ly Airfield. SSgt Hogan, the admin supervisor arrived in early February after a period of 30 days with no one filling the position. He proceeded to accomplish the following:

1. Re-accomplished and put into a standard format all COI's.
2. Consolidated and brought all the squadron security records AF Form 47a and b, and PACAF Form 43 up to date.
3. Set up a new filing system.
4. Eliminate a number of publications that were no longer required
5. Generally refurbished the administrative portion of TC admin to a point of excellence.

The personnel situation was generally adequate however the superintendent position had to be filled by a TSgt for 4 months due to no replacement for SMSgt Soto when he departed in March.

Plans and Programs

Jan - Jun

The following projects have been completed during the past six month period:

SCHEME NR	DESCRIPTION OF FACILITY	DATE ACCEPTED
0687A6K0	IBM 1031, Interim Autodin	5 Feb 68
2507A7K0	Outside telephone cable support	14 May 68
1749A7K0	Univac 1004, final Autodin	11 May 68
2408A7K0	Spare TTY equipment	18 Feb 68
0303A6K0	Control tower (exceptions clrd)	13 May 68
0644A7K0	Permanent weather TTY	15 Feb 68
0752A6K0	Dial central office (exception clrd)	22 Mar 68
0645A7K0	Weather observation TTY circuit	5 Mar 68
0241A7K0	Pilot to forecaster	1 Jun 68
2915A7K0	500 line expansion to DCO	28 Jun 68
0407A6K0	TTY crypto for BCC	18 Jan 68
0488A6K0	Tech Control for BCC	18 Jan 68
0382A6K0	Common user secure TTY	18 Jan 68
0760A6K0	Tape Relay to FLCC	18 Jan 68
0765A6K0	Minor relay to TSN	18 Jan 68
0925A6K0	7AF command control	18 Jan 68
1442A6K0	Tech control for BCC	18 Jan 68

The following projects are now being installed:

SCHEME NR	DESCRIPTION OF FACILITY
2611A7K0	Two additional Positions in DCO
2647A7K0	P1ACCS for TUOC
0601A6K0	Circuit for ALCE and BCC
0884A6K0	Circuit between ALCE and 315th ADIV
0959Z7K0	Cable facility for 101st area

These projects should be completed in the near future. Problems encountered in these projects have been minimal and eliminated without trouble.

Jul - Dec

PIACCS, the pilot-to-forecaster facility, mobile GCA (Commando Glow), the 500 line dial central office expansion, outside telephone cable expansion two attendant switchboard positions and several other essential programs were completed during this reporting period. Among key projects at present being installed or programmed are the Tandem Switching System, Perimeter Cables, cable for Security Police Operations and Armory, Mobile RAPCON remote UHF and VHF communications systems, the Facsimile (RJ-4) and numerous other systems.
In telephone communications, 1A1 key systems, intercommunications and telautograph requirements are being accomplished on a daily basis. Numerous requirements have been satisfied and AF Form 9 (Purchase Requests) are being submitted on authorized requests as the occur.
The proposed transmitter and receiver buildings are scheduled to be built in the near future. Numerous programs scheduled to be undertaken on Phan Rang AB hinge on the completion of these buildings.
All ground communications-electronics-meteorological (CEM) equipment was inventoried against the PCSP and AF Forms 1120-1 and all records adjusted to reflect the current status of all in-use communications assets on Phan Rang AB, RVN.
All current plans have been reviewed and all changes posted. AFCS Forms 57 (Plans Control Records) have been prepared for each plan on file, and plan summaries are being prepared.

Flight Facilities

Jan-Jun

Manning:

	Auth	Assigned	Useable Controllers
Tower	11	19	15
GCA	13	16	12
Staff	2	2	1
Total	26	37	28

Programming for a radar approach control at Phan Rang was cancelled after the increase manning (from 12 for GCA, to 25 for RAPCON) had arrived on station. The authorization of 11 for tower manning was based on 1966 average monthly traffic count of 11,000 per month. A request for an increase of 5 (for a total of 16) in manning for the tower has been forwarded but not yet approved. Average monthly traffic count for the past 4 months has been over 36,000. The authorization of 25 for RAPCON was reduced to 12 when RAPCON programming was cancelled, however, personnel are still assigned and are utilized to cover shortages in the tower, plus extensive long tours temporary medical disqualification of 3 controllers. It appears as if our minimum will be reduced to proper authorization through normal PCS attritions of 35 272X0 assigned, 2 will go PCS in July, 5 in Aug, and 3 in Sep. We presently have scheduled 1 gain in Jul and 1 in Aug.
Key personnel: During this period, the flight facilities officer, FF NCO and Tower Chief Controller were replaced upon their PCS. Key personnel Capt David Yahn (Asst FFO, O/L-A Project Officer) CWO-W-4 Albert J. Mellon (FFO), CMSgt James F. Dailey (FFO NCO/Tower Chief Controller) SMSgt Robert J. Bennett (GCA Chief Controller) SMSgt Richard Pieroni (FF NCO) and MSgt Robert E. Johnson Sr. (Tower Chief Controller).
Disciplinary problems: The Flight Facilities Section had no known disciplinary problems during this period.

Traffic Count:

1. Tower traffic from Jul - Dec 67 was 116,169 for an average of 19,361 per month. This compares to Jan - Jun 68 traffic total of 188, 401 for and average of 31,400 per month.
2. GCA traffic from Jul - Dec 67 was 7191 for an average of 1,198 as compared to Jan - Jun 68 traffic total of 7,209 for an average of 1,202.

Inflight Emergencies:

1. 1882 ATC controllers assisted 319 inflight emergencies during this period. Four controllers received certificates of exemplary service.

Training

1. Air Traffic Control training is a continuing necessity which can not be over emphasized. Monthly ATC training and review classes are held, with 100% attendance required. Annual ATC proficiency exams are required and administered within 90 days subsequent to the controller's birth date. We presently have a daily class for GCA controllers.

Problem Areas, Service/Equipment Improvements

1. Excessive outages of ATC off base circuits have resulted in a request for the KW80 and J167 lines to be placed on 1 WICS. Our line has been transferred which reduced outage times.
2. GCA ATC off base circuits were via 3 hand ring field phones. The 302 key system was modified and the lines terminated in the communication panel.
3. Two WECO call directors were installed in the tower to replace several separate instrument required phone lines.
4. A new primary crash alert system was installed in the tower to replace an obsolete hand ring field phone type.
5. The tower air conditioners failed 23 Jun 68 (condenser failure) and is still out awaiting parts. A window type air conditioner was installed inside the tower cab 12 Jul 68 with exhaust heat ducted through the ceiling is not considered efficient.
6. The GCA surveillance radar has been unable to pass three successive flights since 23 Apr 68. The Sea Radar improvement conference at Washington, DC on 12 June recommended replacement. The unit arrived 8 Jul 68.

Jul-Dec

Traffic count during this reporting period for the tower was 263,523 for an average 43,920 landings and take-offs per month. This compares with the previous reporting period total of 188,401, or an average of 31,400 per month. A net gain of 39.8%. Due to extended outages as a result of stated problems, the GCA traffic count is not indicative of current workload. With partial commission GCA had 35 operations in Jul and during Dec, 127 operations were accomplished.
Air Traffic Control training has continued to be vigorously stressed. Prime emphasis has been placed on training in current operations and procedures review. All upgrade training has progressed satisfactorily and no extension of upgrade or facility rating time has been required. Annual ATC proficiency examinations have been administered to all controllers as required by regulation. FAA refresher course series examinations have been used extensively as a tool for training.
Because of increased traffic loads and high priority air movements, conventional aircraft were experiencing extensive delays in departing the Air Port. Representatives of the local user agencies met with flight facilities personnel on this problem. A combination of better mission scheduling and procedures for minimum take-off separation were immediately effective in reducing ground time, and served to reduce controller workload.
During Nov 68,representatives of the standardization office of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing met with flight facilities representatives and requested a straight-in TACAN approach be drawn and tested for Tactical Fighter recoveries. This project was completed and coordinated in minimum time and the procedure developed has been treated with enthusiasm by the local flying organizations. This concludes the Historical Report of the 1882nd Communications Squadron (AFCS) for the period 1 Jul through 31 Dec 1968.

Operations

Jan-Jun

The past six months have seen many changes and a great deal of progress within the Telecommunications section. This period also provided a number of opportunities in problem solving. Pertinent occurrences and actions taken are detailed by sections in the following paragraphs.

Base Communications Center

As was noted in the previous report we started operation in the new base communications center on about 15 December 1967. At that time the only two active circuits were the PAFCO (Pacific Commander) and the TACC (Tactical Air Control Center) circuits. In addition installation of the IBM 026 Key Punch, 407 Accounting Machine, 557 Interpertor and the IBM 1013 was completed just before the turn of February 1968. This was after considerable difficulty since GEEIA personnel on this end and army personnel on the non-automatic relay center (NARC) end constantly disagreed on the proper way to align the circuit. On 13 February two enlisted Army representatives assisted 1882nd personnel at this end in activating the circuit. Lack of adequate technical literature on both ends appears to be a factor in the delay.
The terminal to a common user circuit (PAB7) was activated on about 1 April after a problem with the MATSYMS. The Army Relay (NARC) Account had destroyed the wrong cards. The delay lay in their obtaining the same cards as ours. After activation of the circuit there was additional difficulty in promulgating a routing indicator. The NARC told us to utilize one of our existing indicators, we could not do this. 1964th Comm Gp said Army was to give us an indicated routing indicator, which we would then promulgate. We did not receive this indicator until approximately 15 May. The Univac 1004, which was to be a common user system, was due to be activated on 3 June 1968. We decided not to promulgate the indicator since that date was only about 6 weeks away. The PAB7 circuit was eventually removed on about 20 June after having been used only for test traffic. Lesson learned: Know proper procedures for promulgating routing indicators and use those procedures early.
The Univac 1004 terminal to the AUTODIN circuit from the Nha Trang Automatic Switching Center (ASC) was activated 3 June 1968. The IBM 1013 Circuit was put into a backup status at that time. During this period the center was the number 1 PAFCO tributary of the month during March, April and June. It had no CIM's at all on the TACC circuit for the entire 6-month period.
The IG visit in February brought a write up on the delay in activation of the IBM 1013. This was resolved with activation of the circuit on 17 Feb 1968.

ALCE Comm Center

The most notable occurrence in the ALCE Comm Center was a period of 6 months with no CIM's. This center was manned "out of hide" with four men since there were no slots authorized for manning it until 1 July 1968. The IG found the center was not filing its' QC check messages properly. This did not constitute a write up.

Telephone Operations

Telephone service at Phan Rang greatly expanded during the last six months. Long distance service expanded by 2 lines (to 4) to Tan Son Nhut, by 3 lines to Nha Trang, and by 1 line to Dalat. This latter line greatly increased the quality of communications between here and O/L A at Dalat (Cam Ly Airport). The Strike Rear Switchboard Trunks to the base switchboard became unnecessary when the Strike Rear (Army) board was cut into the dial system on 10 Feb 68. The SR board was due to be cut out in February when the entire other side of the base was cut into the dial system. One more switchboard position, for a total of three was added in May. An excellent phone book was printed on 1 March.

Radio Operations

Tactical radio: Nothing out of the ordinary on this system. Calls placed averaged 4 per day.
MARS: The distinguishing thing about this period was the record set in the month of March. At that time we completed 1758 calls to the United States, a new one-month record for any USAF/MARS station in Vietnam. The record was due to two prime factors:
Good Propagation condition at the time Extra-ordinary effort put forth by operators and volunteers. For example, when listings for the day had been completed operators called different base numbers soliciting people who wanted to make calls. The whale station was complimented by practically every visitor on its fine appearance. A KWM-2a unit and linear amplifier received during this period gave the station a capability of four MARS system and one tactical system. The completion of the patio, a self-help project, has resulted in an excellent recreation site for radio personnel as well as other members of the squadron. A manpower augmentation package was prepared but forwarded the adamant position of PACCOMMAREA on the manpower ceiling in this area. A verbal plea to Col Porter, PCA personnel Officer, for an augmentation of authorizations gave negative results. Our authorizations have been stable at 4 for TAC radio and 2 for MARS. This is insufficient. Only the presence of from 3 to 9 volunteers during the period enabled us to operate as efficiently as we did.

COMSEC

Account 32272 has progressed in an excellent manner during this period. Although the accountant, SSgt Foss, who had the job until March did an excellent job, his successor, Sgt Stefaniak, accomplished even more. Under Sgt Stefaniak's direction the great amount of scheme material for such things as seek silence, Alice, and PIAACS was handled without a hitch. At this writing the seek silence equipment has been in storage here for about 4-5 months with no instruction.
The two men assigned to the account built shelves adequate to handle all material. They also conducted a survey of the use of authentication documents at Phan Rang. Based on the results of the survey they were able to decrease our requirements for these documents by 2/3rds thus saving some 500 documents a month. This, coupled with a consolidation of other documents resulted in one empty 4-drawer safe, which was given to maintenance. In addition a completely new emergency destruction plan was written and all items register cards redone. All of the above, plus the general excellent administration of the account by SSgt Stefaniak and A1C Blankensopp, resulted in zero action items from the SEACR annual command inspection in June.

Jul-Dec
During the past reporting period higher headquarters policy dictated the Telecommunications realm of responsibility be changed, in name only and become known as Communications-Electronics Operations or C-E Operations. The operations title is more descriptive of the expanded role operators play in the overall squadron mission. C-E Operations is responsible for the complete management and operation of record communications, radio (Tactical and MARS) communications, tactical telephone switchboard communications, non-tac radio communications, and COMSEC material account.

Telephone Operations:

One of the big achievements of telephone operations was the beginning of work on the Southeast Asia Automatic Telephone System, more commonly known as the Tandem Switch project. Phan Rang is to be connected to the Nha Trang Tandem Switching Center. The total operational configuration will give Phan Rang 40 access lines to this switch.
By the beginning of Dec, 8 Phan Rang circuits were converted to direct dial (DD), providing non-operator controlled access to Nha Trang and Cam Ranh Bay. The conversion of these preliminary lines resulted in a decrease in the number of operator-assist calls. Telephone operations personnel were administered a locally prepared short course on the full capabilities of the Tandem Switch system when it is fully operational.
The 1 Jan 69 telephone directory was prepared in Dec. In order to incorporate the base-wide number change a deliberate delay in the scheduled publication period was effected. Certain refinements were incorporated into the Jan 69 directory such as the dropping of "Information" which was replaced by term "Directory Assistance."

NON-TAC Radio:

In August of this reporting period the Non-Tac radio monitor undertook several projects in order to effect greater control over radios already issued and those being purchased. Work was begun on a historical card file for all radios and included such information as number of repairs, of what type, rental fees, recapture dates, net assignments, etc. By the end of Nov the file on all radios was nearing completion.
The building housing the Motorola Maintenance personnel and the Non-Tac Radio Monitor was given a self-help rehabilitation, which included the construction of new workbenches, storage shelves, a lockable storeroom for non-issued equipment and installation of an air conditioner. Upon completion of all construction the building was painted; father efforts were made to make the building as dust free as possible.
Six month PMI on all equipment was begun in Nov and completed in Jan 69. Greater equipment reliability is expected to be the greatest single benefit from these semi-annual inspections of each radio. A cooperative effort on the part of each Net Responsible Property Officer in administering the increased user education program resulted in negligible problems in the area of equipment abuse. IBM cards prepared on the holdings of each net greatly enhanced the speed and timeliness in which monthly certification could be prepared; changes in net configuration and quantities of equipment were also much easier to incorporate into the IBM card system of record keeping.
An interference problem involving several of the non-tactical radio nets was remedied in late Nov. The source of the interference was an AN/TRC-24 facility on base that had drifted off frequency causing harmonics. A team was dispatched to research the problem, identified and resolved some within two days.

COMMUNICATIONS CENTER:

There were no significant developments in the Base Communications Center (BCC) other than in conjunction with the opening of two satellite communications centers as follows:

Airlift Command Element (ALCE):

The ALCE Communications Center was relocated when its new facility was ready for occupancy in August. Operations bean in the new facility on 20 Aug 68. An on-base pony circuit was installed in late July and became operational on 9 Aug; this circuit provides a direct link from the Base Communications Center to the 315th Special Operations Wing Command Post located on the opposite side of the main runways. A mobile communications van was being used as a temporary arrangement. For the same purpose an additional office constructed adjacent to the van was put to use. Action was initiated in Dec to provide a permanent facility either adjacent to, or within the command post building. The pony circuit was installed so that delivery of high precedence operational traffic could be affected without encountering the delays inherent in the 20-minute vehicular trip from one side of the base to the other. Administrative traffic as well as operations traffic commenced over this circuit in Dec per agreement between MDC, 315th Special Operations Wing, and 1882nd Communications Squadron personnel.

Pacific Interim Automatic Command Control System (PIACCS):

The PIACCS Communications Center was installed in Aug. Test messages, office supplies and paper tape supplies were either in-station or on order. Special IBM paper on non-standard size had to be special ordered. Several problems were encountered in the procurement of this paper not the least of which was convincing higher headquarters that the federal stock number provided was incorrect. The problems were ironed out however and by Oct a firm order was placed. Two months later the paper arrived. We were the first station in Vietnam to receive the special paper. Local training classes began in Sep for the communications Operations Specialists assigned by the one 291X0 who had attended the formal PIACCS course. A Philco Ford Technical Representative instructed those personnel assigned the maintenance responsibility in all phases of maintenance. A greater scope of maintenance comprehension was achieved when permission for hands-on maintenance was given. The testing date for this center was consistently delayed and by the end of this reporting period a firm date had not yet been decided. The Phan Rang site was considered ready for operational testing in Aug 68, the original test start date.

General:

Handling times remained consistently above AFCS standards for all communications centers throughout the reporting period. In Sep a Communications Improvement Program (CIM) was initiated in the effort to reduce all possible operator errors. Under this program all errors were brought to the attention of the responsible operators. Noticeable improvements were recognizable within a month. All operators supported the program and became more cognizant of the means of reducing error potential.
Red Rocket procedures were firmly established in Sep and a comprehensive certification program was initiated. As yet the traffic counts remains low although a great deal of interest has been expressed in the overall Red Rocket program.
A Base Communications Center beautification program was started in Dec that included a general policing of the area, providing proper drainage, planting trees and preparing the area for grass.
Aircraft type revetments were installed around the Base Communications Center, which greatly increased the security of this highly sensitive area.

Base MARS:

The success in the number of phone patches place via Phan Rang MARS depended largely on propagation. Conditions were less than desirable in Aug and Dec; other periods were good with high traffic volume months spaced between the bad propagation periods. Saturated CONUS switchboards resulted in a disappointing completion rate both Christmas and New Years Eve.
Once again volunteer operators proved to be of invaluable assistance to the Phan Rang MARS program. Assigned 293X0's within the station initiated a training program in Sep, which supplied an ample cadre of highly qualified back-up personnel by the time the expected high volume holiday traffic period approached. The utilization of these personnel enabled the station to maintain twenty-four hour operation on a seven day a week basis.
The Happy Valley MARS station of the 1882nd Comm Sq made history in Oct when for the first time ever in Vietnam, MARS personnel deployed to the field to Arm units in the Phan Rang AB area not having MARS capability. The services of an Army helicopter were utilized to move equipment and required personnel. This program was well received by all who utilized in the system.
The stations physical appearance took on added luster when numerous self-help projects were initiated and completed. A continuous water supply line was installed to the station in Nov followed by preliminary construction of a latrine in Dec. A new 60KW emergency power generator was installed in late December and bunkers begun around it for maximum protection. A plan for the rehabilitation of the interior of the station was submitted with work scheduled to begin in the next reporting period.

COMSEC/TRANSEC:

Programs of benefit to all C-E Operations areas included the preparation of a TRANSEC briefing to be utilized by Communications Sq personnel and all base organizations as well. A customer education booklet was drafted and distributed in Dec to all base staff agencies and organizations. The intent of the booklet is to educate communications subscribers; explaining their responsibility regarding communications while making users aware of the capabilities that exist on Phan Rang Air Base.

Maintenance

Jan-Jun

The mission of the maintenance section is to maintain the radio and navigational aids facilities that provide support for the flying organizations on Phan Rang AB. Also provide maintenance and installation of the base telephone system. Provide assistance and maintain various radio equipments for units such as MACV, ICC, SP's etc. The follow manning problems exist:

1. Wire maintenance (inside and outside plant). Grade structure and manning authorizations are deficient. Manpower packages for the two functions FC 2671 and FC 2672 were submitted in Feb 68.
2. Materiel Control problems were rotation of assigned personnel during the same month, prior to arrival of replacements. The NCOIC, TSgt Smith was extended until the end of his DEROS month to allow arrival of one supply specialist before his departure.
3. UNIVAC 1050-II (Supply Computer) problems were caused by rotation of NCOIC and experienced technicians which did not provide enough overlap to properly train the new inputs. This problem exists throughout RVN and action is now in progress by higher headquarters to prevent the rotational peaks in the future.
4. Manning for the operation at Dalat, RVN was staffed in the past and approved by higher headquarters but PCS personnel will not be provided until the increase in SEA ceilings are approved. At Present we have one 30351 (GCA Radar) and one 30451 (NavAids) Technicians TDY at that location. The 1st MCGP has provided one 3051 (Radar) technician for 30 days TDY to provide assistance and training on the AN/TPN-17 GCA Radar. One power production specialist, AFSC 54350 is incoming with TFD of 15 Aug 68.
5. The major problem area has been with the GCA Radar. From the beginning of this period the GCA Radar unit was in operation although there were limitations. The limitations being "Holes" or "Blind Spots" in certain areas around Phan Rang AB. The Radar unit has undergone several thorough evaluations by various teams, including AFCS teams to try and solve the problem. The findings and results were, for the most part, all the same. It was concluded that the "Blind Spots" (areas around the base that would not show up on the radar scope) were being caused by environmental conditions and not by any component of the unit. On 23 Apr 68 there was an air craft accident in the vicinity of Phan Rang. As a formality the unit again was subjected to several checks and evaluations including flight checks and the results were the same as in the past. The ASR (search portion) of the unit was Notamned off the air the day following the accident pending further checks and evaluations. The PAR (precision portion) of the radar unit was continued in use. Continued flight checks still revealed the results of the past. As a result of all the evaluations and command assistance, it was determined that the AN/MPN-15 GCA unit with diversity, would be shipped to Phan Rang for installation. The new unit arrived on 8 Jul 68. The MPN-13, SN-31 was de-commissioned on 12 Jul 68 and has been removed from the revetment. The new unit has been installed on the revetment and is being prepared for operation by GEEIA personnel. Gillfilan technical representatives are being assisted by 1882nd Comm Sq personnel. It is believed that this new diversity radar will overcome the environmental and propagation difficulties encountered by the AN/MPN-13.
6. Another major problem that has occurred during this period is the failure of the "06" cable, which provides all telephone service to the east side of the base. This cable has leaked at the splice joints during several rains and as a result disabled many telephones, as well as long line circuits to the east side of the base. Wet splices occurred two times during the month of June 68. The cable was installed during the dry season and did not reveal any fault until advent of the rainy season. Following the two failures it was obvious that GEEIA assistance would be required to rehab the cable so that it could be pressurized to prevent any further leaks during rains. The rehab of the cable was approved by PACCOMMAREA and a GEEIA team is being deployed to Phan Rang to accomplish repair of the cable.

Jul-Dec
Definite manning problems exist in wire maintenance, materiel control, 1004 maintenance, and crypto maintenance. Present manning authorizations for GCA maintenance are three men plus two 1st Mobile Communications cycle men authorized for Dalat. Currently there are two men TDY to Dalat scheduled to leave the first part of Jan 69. Should the out of cycle personnel scheduled to arrive in Jan fail to materialize a critical manpower situation will exist in this function.

1. GCA is still the major problem area within the maintenance sphere of responsibility. An AN/MPN-15A was installed in place of the AN/MPN-13, in Jul. Several problems were experienced during installation phase. As the troubles were cleared up it was evident the unit would not pass a flight check. The Gilfillan representative, along with GEEIA personnel tried all the tricks of the trade to get the unit to pass the flight check. New antennas were installed but the radar still showed numerous blind spots during all maintenance assist flight checks. On 13 Dec 68, the unit passed a flight check with the following limitations: Unusable below 2000 ft AGL beyond 12NM, below 5000ft beyond 22NM, and above 15,000 ft beyond 36NM. Following is a description of the MPN-15A dual diversity GCA: Provides area search radar scanning 360 degrees covering a radius of 60 miles. Search employs frequency diversity dual transmitters and receivers to reduce the effect of lobing, Paramp STG to reduce angle cutter, staggered PRF to reduce angle clutter, Staggered PRF to reduce blind speed problems and Log FTC amplifiers to reduce the effect of heavy rain on target strengths. Provides precision approach coverage in AZ and EL. AZ coverage for 10NM with 20 degree scan area. EL coverage for 10NM with 7 degree scan area. Provides UHF, VHF and telephone communications. Provides IFF/SIF display on search indicator with a range of 200NM. System was modified to use the AS-1812, a narrow beam IFF/SIF antenna to reduce radar ground clutter over the approach radials, a radar screening fence was constructed on a 167 degree arc from the 155 degree to the 239 degree radial.
2. During this reporting period the following installations were completed: NCMO was rehabilitated and is now functioning efficiently with necessary information available on illuminated plastic boards. The 200 pair cables were laid into the 101st Army area. This cable serves all of the Army area offices. In Oct a new fastrand added to the UNIVAC 1050-II increased storage facilities while changing the 1050-II from B to C configuration. A five hundred line expansion was completed to the inside plant in Jun 68, prior to the addition the fill rate was 85%, at the present time the fill rate is 65%.
3. Two GEEIA teams arrived in Jul 68 to rehabilitate base cables 03, 05, and 06. Work proceeded smoothly and cables 03 and 05 were finished in Nov 68. Both cables held end pressure of over 7 pounds. Cable 06 was still being rehabilitated. This cable was in poor shape due to improper installation. The cable was buried in very rock soil without pouring sand into the trenches. In addition it had improperly installed splice cases, auxiliary sleeves and pressure contacts.
4. A cable upgrade team, consisting of personnel from PCA, 1964th Comm Gp and GEEIA arrived at this unit in Oct 68. The team found several problem areas. Only the plastic cables portion of the cable plant is pressurized. Where the plastic cable interfaces with the paper cable, blocks have been installed. The team suspected that rocks in the bottom of cable trenches have punctured some of the sheaths. Cable 02 was receiving large amounts of air due to this problem. Cable 07 which serves IWCS/DCO requires complete rehabilitation, the cable is extremely noisy and will not hold pressure. The team recommended that 2000 feet of this cable which is currently aerial, be buried. The installed pump/drier is marked as a 1400 inch per cubic hour unit but appears to be only a 700 inch per cubic hour unit. The cables were consuming sufficient air to cause the pump/drier to run constantly and overheat the motor and compressor unit. A maintenance assistance team is due to arrive from the CONUS to rehabilitate the entire cable plant at Phan Rang.
5. Several projects were completed at the AFRS-TV facility to improve the quality of the TV signal at Phan Rang. During the month of Nov the receive antenna located on Nui Dat was raised to a height of 45 feet. This increased the signal level received from Hon Tre Island on channel eleven but is still not at a desired level for retransmission. In order to obtain a stronger signal a high gain antenna system is to be installed, coupled with a wide band amplifier which will boost the signal from the antenna to a transmitting translator. One half of the high gain antenna system is presently on hand and the second half is on requisition from AFVN.
6. In the month of Dec, a 50 watt transmitter was received from AFVN and installed in the local AFRS radio facility. The quality of the AFRS radio broadcasts at Phan Rang AB had been improved considerably since this installation was completed.

1968
Attack				Aircraft		Personnel
Seq No	Date/Time	Type	Rounds	Destroyed	Damaged	KIA	WIA
078	Mar 07 01:05	Stand Off	10	0	0	0	0
117	Jun 23 00:05	Stand Off	18	0	5	0	3
124	Aug 21 00:03	Stand Off	27	0	2	0	2
Total Phan Rang		3	55	0	7	0	5
Total AF Vietnam		121	2153	28	365	70	510
Phan Rang Percentage		2.5%	2.6%	0.0%	1.9%	0.0%	1.0%

AIR BASE TOTALS FOR 1968
BASE	Attacks	Inbound Rounds	Aircraft		Personnel
			Destroyed	Damaged	KIA	WIA
Binh Thuy	34	1155	2	57	3	23
Tan Son Nhut	25	198	6	105	34	243
Da Nang	19	179	7	82	4	33
Bien Hoa	15	247	9	81	20	139
Pleiku	13	188	2	17	9	52
Nha Trang	6	66	0	9	0	11
Tuy Hoa	4	28	2	7	0	4
Phan Rang	3	55	0	7	0	5
Cam Ranh Bay	1	27	0	0	0	0
Phu Cat	1	10	0	0	0	0