XIIT
The report then provided a detailed discussion of the problems,
what action had been taken to prevent overdosage, a list of recommendations
for action to be taken by higher echelons,

From the large number of

documents, staff studies, and plans concerned with future tests, all of
which referred to the need for an economy accruing from a permanent

sampling unit, it was evident that attempts to disband the 1926th cropped
up fairly regularly.

Almost immediately after the unit was fully manned,

such a document appeared but was never used.
The squadron was often called "a TDY outfit."

Early realizing that the

major portion of their operations would be elsewhere than at home base
(Kirtland), unit leaders evolved a "two-base concept" for the unit.

-

Under

this mode of operation, all periodic inspections and controlled major
maintenance was done at Kirtland,

To accomplish those maintenance

/

requirements, one officer and lO airmen were usually retained there, with,
during Operation PLUMBBOB as an example, 26 officers and 130 airmen on duty

with the forward element.

During PLUMBBOB, the squadron flew a total of

1821 sorties, maintained an "in-commission rate" of 88 per cent and an
“aircraft out of commission for parts" rate of less than one per cent.
While operating under the two-base concept, the squadron won the Air Force
Special Weapons Center quarterly flying safety award and was runner up for
the second quarteraward,”
In addition to their primary duties, squadron personnel had the

additional job of training National Guard pilots and airmen for sampling
operations.

Indoctrination and training were also given Royal Canadian

Air Force crews, Strategic Air Command crews, and other Air Force pilots

272

AFWL/HO

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