CIVIL AIR PATROL
Magazine - April 2021
General 04 05 10 20 30 33
Left Seat National Pacific Region In Flight Entertainment Donors Tail Section
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Squadrons 12 14 16 22 26 28 32 35 36
Arcturus (Service) Ketchikan Delta Tok Kodiak Polaris Eielson Arcturus (Training) Birchwood
Above: Ski plane with tow at Merrill Field. Photo courtesy of Vickie Mackie.
Manifest Wing 06 08 18 23 24
Operations Search and Rescue Communications Recruiting & Retention Cadets
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Cover: C/A1C E Barnard and C/MSgt L Lee, Delta Squadron, OFlight
Left Seat
Open Mic night, 21 April at 1900
Over the last 13 months, we have watched the World change before our eyes during this pandemic. We have all experienced things we could not have predicted but we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We are hoping to move into Phase 3 of our Remobilization Plan soon. We have come a long way towards getting back to normal operations. I personally want to thank you each of you for all your support during this trying time. Stay vigilant we are moving forward. Col McClure, Kevin. McClure@akwg.cap.gov, CAP AC, VHF, 24x7x365. (Do you know his call sign? - Major Emerson) CC’s UPDATE AKWG Is In State Wide Phase 2 Remobilization Operations IAW NHQ and AKWG Guidance. Phase 3 Plan Will Be Submitted This Week Annual Non Discrimination Policy Training Documentation in SIRS Overdue First Month of the 3rd Quarter FY21 Staff & Unit CCs Required to Upload Compliance Documents By End of June Planning In Progress For a Busy Summer, Built Into Phase 3 Plan: ARCTIC SHIELD (USCG Transport Missions) 28 May 6 June Powered & Glider Nat’l Flight Academy (POC: Lt Col Holder) 13 19 June AKWG Summer Encampment (POC: Lt Col McIntyre) 1 3 October AKWG Conference (POC: Col Widtfeldt) 4 CAP AKWG
National: Operation Pulse Lift
Operation Pulse Lift began in March 2020 in response to an appeal from the American Red Cross for more blood donation sites. This mission has raised over 2,800 blood units nationwide. Capt Karen Padgett
(above) makes a donation to add Alaska to the contributing wings. Pleaase contact Lt Col Stephen Sammons to have your donation recorded if you have not yet done so. CAP AKWG 5
Band of Brothers
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Operations Seven fliers in three aircraft met at Skwentna during the March Sarex. The mission’s objectives included locating a practice distress beacon (DF), establishing air-to-ground VHF communications on CAP frequencies, conducting aerial photography and practicing visual and electronic search patterns on the western side of the MatSu valley. Weather conditions were ideal for all of these objectives. Participating corporate aircraft included a Cessna 172, 182 and 206 turbo. Left photo: From Left to right: 1st Lt John Drozdowski, SM Jack Minko, SM Corbyn Jahn, 2nd Lt Chris Crago, Capt Larry Jones, 2nd Lt Doug Bourne, Lt Col John Western at the Skwentna airport. Bottom photo: Aerial view of remote cabins with air strip.
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Search and Rescue
Winter training exercise
Lima Lima By Laura Emerson The Alaska Wing performs many search and rescue (S&R) operations. These emergencies require both practice and coordination among pilots, ground crew members, and communicators. Lectures and simulations are useful, but nothing is better than real experience. That’s where I help. Although I am not a CAP member (but the wife of one), I frequently receive a call to “put out the beacon.” This means that one of CAP’s experienced check pilots decided to train another flyer to detect and home in on the emergency locator device that we keep at our remote home. Summer or winter, I flip the switch and position the yellow box and antenna on a nearby tree stump, where its signal will not be obscured by our metal roof. Pilots flying north from Anchorage eventually detect the distinctive ringing 8 CAP AKWG
tone. For the pilot to determine the direction from which the signal is emanating, s/he practices one or more wing nulls, which is a circling maneuver in which the wings will block the transmission from the source location. Most of the time, after flying directly overhead, the pilots give us a wing wag of thanks and then fly back to base. Other times, we mix it up. In the summer, I sometimes take the beacon with me in the kayak and head out to some spot on the lake,
bol of emergency, like two parallel lines indicating injury, or an F that says “need food.” Rather, I formed two large L’s out of logs, each one about 12 feet by 7 feet on the frozen surface of the lake in front of our cabin. The CAP pilot, 1st Lt Geoff Oliver, flying at an altitude of 500’ AGL saw both the signal of “Lima Lima” which means that “All is well,” and my random flickers of the signalling mirror, before returning to base from a successful S&R exercise.
simulating a submerged plane or a floating pilot or emergency bag. This winter, Lt. Col. Porter suggested that we incorporate ground to air signalling. What a great idea! We considered laying out a blue tarp but because of winds, I decided to try a signalling mirror and a ground indicator made of logs. Because the afternoon was sunny and beautiful enough that a few recreational flyers were in the vicinity, I chose not to use a sym-
This signalling practice was as useful to me as it was to CAP. I had to think about the relative positions of the plane, sun and mirror to make use of that tool. I also saw how much the logs sank into soft snow, obscuring a lateral view. It has also been important to note that cold weather degrades the beacon’s battery, rendering the signal weaker. I look forward to future signaling practice for both pilots and me, before either of us needs that skill in a real emergency.
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Pacific Region
Civil Air Patrol Trains for a Tsunami Civil Air Patrol Takes to the Skies to exercise their Airborne Public Address System Location – CONCORD, Calif and SANTA ROSA, Calif. At 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 24, 2021 the National Weather Service activated a test of the Civil Air Patrol airborne public address system (APAS) as part of their Tsunami Warning Communications Test. The Civil Air Patrol launched three aircraft over Northern California and our distinctive Red, White, and Blue aircraft provided the broadcasted message to the Northern California Coast of “this is a test of the Civil Air Patrol public address system”. 10 CAP AKWG
Civil Air Patrol dispatched aircraft and crews from Concord and Santa Rosa to fly the Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties coastline with the aerial messaging system. A third aircraft launched from Livermore to act as a command-and-control platform for radio relays between the two broadcasting aircraft and the virtual mission base. The purpose of this test was to educate residents and visitors along the coast to one of the many ways they may receive warning of an impending tsunami. According to Mr. Ryan Aylward of the National Weather Service “A tsunami could occur along the California coast caused by a large earthquake anywhere in the Pacific Ocean. A tsunami originating from Japan would give approximately 11 hours of advance warning or four hours from Alaska.
on how to setup the APAS and conduct a sortie. Civil Air Patrol Major Jeffrey Ironfield, the incident commander trainee stated that it is important to exercise this system regularly so both the crews and the public react quickly and appropriately when the emergency occurs. For distant source events like these the Civil Air Patrol can be an excellent asset to warn the public. However, an earthquake just off the California coast would provide only minutes of warning before the first wave arrives.”
Photos: (1): Maj Karin Hollerbach and Capt George Zioulas preflight the Highbird Aircraft. Photo by C/2d Lt Acevedo
The APAS was designed to provide messages to warn the public who might not otherwise receive emergency alerts. In addition to the airborne system, counties and the National Weather Service utilized the Emergency Alert System, telephone notification systems, a network of coastal sirens, law-enforcement and other emergency services personnel to notify residents to get away from the coast towards higher ground.
(3): Lt Col Joseph Fernandes demonstrates the APAS system during training for the Tsunami Warning Exercise. Photo by 1st Lt Ronald Sicat
Aircrews from NorCal Group 5 and San Francisco Bay Group 2 diligently trained on the APAS for two weekends prior to the exercise on March 24. Three training sessions were held and members were instructed on the ground and in the air
(2): Capt Luis Rivas preflights the APAS Speakers. Photo by Lt Col Luneau
CAP Contact: Lt Col Noel Luneau, (510) 858-4699, e-mail: noel.luneau@ cawg.cap.gov
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Arcturus (Service)
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Arcturus seniors an food at the Governo fast on Saturday, M ton Justus commen several comments ees praising our ca performance. Our C Governor’s table an 600 guests, then as unteer groups with
nd cadets served or’s Prayer breakMarch 27. SM Clinnted, “I received from event attendadets for their stellar Cadets served the nd over half of the ssisted the other volh their part. This was
all done in 18 minutes.” Cadets; C/SrA Danica Angaiak, C/MSgt Justin Goodman, C/TSgt Ryan Justus, C/MSgt Adrienne Martin, C/MSgt Andrew Martin, & C/SMSgt Elisabeth Olson, were directed, and assisted by senior members; Martin, Goodman, Clemans, E. Justus, & C. Justus.”
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Delta
https://www.facebook.com/bigdeltacap/
The squadron supported two vaccine Point of Dispensaries (PODs) in March, working with Alaska Public Health in Delta Junction, Alaska, to help distribute Covid-19 vaccines to more than 200 community members. Twelve members of the 027 Squadron provided support in greeting, infection control, indoor traffic flow, and information sharing, including several other members from AKWG supporting virtually. Plans are in place for additional CAP involvement in another POD 24 April in Delta Junction. On a beautiful day for flying, seven cadets received orientation flights, including one for whom it was his first o-ride ever. Thank you, 085 Tok COS pilots! At the monthly aerospace meeting, several cadets gave presentations regarding their fa16 CAP AKWG
vorite aircrafts and then received instruction on weather implications for aviation. Two visitors were Interior Alaska’s CAP-USAF Liaison SMSgt Tuttle, who provided insight into various aircraft capabilities, based on his extensive experience, and C/A1C Tuttle. C/1st Lt L Schmidt taught an ES lesson
about preparing one’s 24-hour pack.
The squadron’s newes senior member, SM Ja ice Fox, completed Le 1 training.
The 5th Tuesday featured a filtered version of “First Man,” about t race to the moon, focu ing on Neil Armstrong
s
st anevel
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Cadets and seniors attended the Eielson 168th Wing Open House for CAP members on 10 April. The full schedule offered an enjoyable and informative event. Weekly squadron meetings are held on Tuesday nights, from 18302100.
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Communications The HF CSI Net
By Laura Emerson with Capt. Brad Kidder
Rocky Mountain Region deputy chief of staff for communications.
“CSI” is a familiar abbreviation designating a TV crime drama franchise, but for Civil Air Patrol communications operators those letters stand for something entirely different -- “Chicken Soup Initiative,” CAP’s COVID-19 response radio network.
The initiative launched April 10, 2020 with 41 stations reporting. We now have 205 unique stations, which produced more than 1724 location- and event-specific SITREPs.
The network is the collaborative brainstorm of 2nd Lt. Michele Bremer, deputy head of National Headquarters communications planning and head of communications recruitment and retention, and Lt. Col. Kristin Freeman,
Net controllers represent a range of grade from second lieutenant to major general and hail from 10 wings from Puerto Rico to Alaska: in PR, NH, CT, OH, MS, AR, WI, CO, ID, WA and AK. Their camaraderie and unity was evident – and noticed – in the chatrooms associated with the online 2020 Na-
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Image: CSI net control stations image courtesy of Kristin Freeman
tional Conference. “The CSI Net management team saw an opportunity in the challenge of COVID-19 to develop a valuable mission tool in the form of pre-formatted messages,” said Malcolm Kyser, senior program manager for command and control communications. “The endeavor has encouraged and trained a whole new group of operators in support of the mission.” Radio operators even with little or no experience in net operations learn to engage other stations with check-ins, reports, and relays while helping ensure that information makes its way back up the radio chain. Cadets confer with generals as reports travel through the system. “To avoid OPSEC issues,” Freeman explains, “We send out by email, twice a week, numbered questions with lettered response options, in sets of four to six questions, in both English and Spanish. Each set is called a SITREP and has an alphanumeric designator. The operators give the alphanumeric designator, then give the number of the question, followed by the letter which indicates their response. On air, what is heard would be “R5 1B 2D 3B 4E 5D”.The questions are a mix of both serious and silly ques-
tions. We want participation to be both informative and fun.” “Pre-formatted messages are part of our radio operations future,” Kyser said. “As we stand up a radio-based data system, we will also need SITREPs at the tactical level to feed information into that system. The SITREPs tested by the CSI net are the kinds of messages which will be key to that operational development.” “Alaska is one of the most remote but strategically important wings in CAP. Two states in CONUS that are next to each other may not be able to speak directly to each other on HF, but a relay through Alaska solves the problem nicely. This has been demonstrated repeatedly on the CSI Activity Net. Alaska Wing’s participation has been vital to the success of the project. Besides, who can question the cool points of being relayed via Alaska?” (2nd Lt. Bremer).
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Photo: Gen Carr at his radio station
In-Flight Entertainment 29 Prowords Search - Submit words found. Winners will b E
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be announced next month. Email Bryan.Emerson@akwg.cap.gov for the cheat. R
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Tok Composite Squadron Submitted by Capt Richard Dennis, PAO https://tok.cap.gov/
CADETS Meeting info. o Location: Tok School, o Time: 1630 - 1800 hours (04:30 - 6:00 PM) . o 19 April - Cadet Social gathering / informal meeting. Location TBD. Purpose will be to just hang out, get caught up with each other, and plan out the next few months. o Lt Col David Briar, Cadet Commander SENIORS o Meeting twice a month at the Tok School Shop area o 2nd Monday each month at 1830hrs, regular meeting o 4th Monday each month is a training meeting, 1830 hrs o Next meeting will be April 26 which is our monthly training meeting. Rex has a great video on survival planning. o Commander, Capt Harry White, 883-3291 AEROSPACE EDUCATION Within the Mission Statement of Civil Air Patrol is a commitment to Aerospace Education. It reads, Supporting America’s communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development and promotion of air, space and cyber power. The Tok Composite Squadron has embraced CAPs Mission both at the 22 CAP AKWG
Senior level and at the Cadet level. A lesser known avenue has opened up for our Squadron. A teacher in Arctic Village, Alaska joined CAP. Arctic Village is about 100 miles North of the Arctic Circle and on the southern edge of the Brooks Range. She joined as a Teacher. In our nation’s education system teachers can take advantage of supplies at no cost. This is to advance their classes when teaching Aerospace subjects. Their dues to join, is a onetime fee of $35.00 with no uniform or meeting requirements. Tok Commander, Capt Harry White had advanced his name as being willing to assist this teacher who is interested in working with CAP. Interestingly, Capt White is a retired administrator and had worked in the Yukon Flats School District which has Arctic Village School as one of its villages. As part of CAPs support to educators, CAP offers teacher flights called TOP flights. Trying to get in a flight to Arctic Village from Tok, Alaska is not the easiest this time of year. Capt White notes that there are three weather systems to traverse and the CAP temperature threshold for flight is -15F. That first scheduled flight to Arctic Village was cancelled with IFR weather enroute and -26F at the destination. Maybe the weather will be better next week. Check your local school district. Many science classes have an Aerospace element. With State funds tightening, the supplies offered by CAP can greatly assist and compliment a student’s education.
Recruitment and Retention Commander Offers Recruiting and Retention Tips National Headquarters’ Marketing & Strategic Communications team is reprising National Commander/CEO Maj. Gen. Mark Smith’s Recruiting and Retention Series from 2018. Smith’s “Bridging the Gap” video is featured today.
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Cadets
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C/CMSgt Ben Walkup, Cadet Commander of Lake Hood Squadron, solos March 15 at Birchwood Airport! Left: Instructor Col Tom Palmer performs the obligatory shirttail ceremony despite CAP AKWG 25 the chilly temperature.
Kodiak
Cadets seek high ground.
C/CMSgt Cook takes bearing C/TSgt Ostlund holds receiver.
AB Martinez participates in a TLP. 26 CAP AKWG
Body Blocking: C/Amn Connor Burnside, C/TSgt Lars Ostlund, C/ CMSgt Cook, C/SMSgt Simeonoff.
Cadets return to van after taking bearing on ELT Signal from Long Island.
C/2dLt Bella Klier Kodiak CAP AKWG 27
Polaris http://www.anchoragecap.org During this Blues meeting, several cadets promoted: Cadet
can hear the beat of everyone’s boots hitting the ground in sync with your fellow cadets.
Rachel Anderson promoted to a SMSgt Cadet Michael Bradley promot- Why drill is essential; ed to a A1C • Helps in developing leadership Cadet Isaac Petersen promoted skills and command voice. to an Amn • It teaches adherence to stan Cadet Luke Holman promoted dards. to a Captain • It helps develop muscle memory. C/Amn Karlie Therrien on Drill • It teaches you to listen. and Character Development • You begin to appreciate the attention to detail and see how “I’ve been at the squadron small things make a big differfor two and a half years now. Each ence. meeting has taught me many es• It teaches you professionalism sential things, things we as cadets and, most importantly, teachcan still use in our everyday lives. es cadets how to work as a It may not seem like it, but let’s team. take something as simple as drill, you know, left face, right face, about-face, you get the drill, right? When you hear a command like Some people may think drill isn’t “important,” But drill is exceptionally crucial in a team. Whether you are in a flight, squadron, platoon, or battalion, drill is the foundation of discipline. You’ll mess up; yes, it can be confusing, but once you get it down, it’s a part of you, and it’s one of the most amazing feeling when you get it right, like a snap of your fingers, and when you 28 CAP AKWG
“left face” you simply do it without overthinking it. It’s okay to mess up as long as you try and take it at your own pace. If you need to ask one of your fellow cadets, I am confident they would be more than happy to help. Everyone who tries and puts in their best effort will succeed. After watching a squadron drill, you can see that everyone is a team at the end of the night. You develop a sense of pride
in yourself, and that pride translates into success in other areas of your life. Character Development inspires cadets to embrace the Air Force Core Values as the foundation of their lifelong development with the character of a leader. It provides experiences, tools, and collaborative, inspirational settings to foster character and leadership development for cadets. A lot of people have taught me a lot of important lessons about character. Character
Development is one of my personal favorite meetings because you can learn so much if you listen. And it’s incredible how everyone contributes no matter the rank, and you will be included.” – C/Amn Karlie Therrien C/Capt. Holman moved to Texas earlier this month, we hope he has moved in quickly and safely. We will miss him as one of our senior cadets and a good friend. Stay Safe! C/SMSgt Rachel Anderson
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Eielson (SAREX Training Missions) https://www.facebook.com/CAP-71st-Composite-Squadron-Eielson-AFB-448451341884766/
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Eielson (National Guard Visit) https://www.facebook.com/CAP-71st-Composite-Squadron-Eielson-AFB-448451341884766/
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Arcturus (Training)
Arcturus cadets conducted flight training on the squadron’s flight simulator during their evening meeting on April 13. Here, C/SrA Lewis Angaiak executes a base-to-final turn for Runway 25 at Merrill Field, while C/ TSgt Lilly Monroe observes and LTC Jim McCarthy hones his cheerleading skills. Excellent landing!
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Birchwood Several Birchwood Squadron cadets are currently taking advantage of the AKWG Private Pilot Glider & Airplane Ground School being taught by Col Porter at the Polaris Squadron and virtually. 36 CAP AKWG C/Amn Lindsay, C/Amn Parker, C/A1C Wilson, C/SrA Benedict,
and C/1st Lt Anderson are all deep in the learning of aerodynamics, regulations, navigation, radio communication, weight and balance, weather, aircraft instrumentation, and risk management.
making fi happen f Connelly, Moehring
We thank Lt Dennis Eby and Capt Bill Brown for recently
On March a promot
Welcome member,
Photos: Left - C/A1C Moehring of Birchwood Squadron receiving his first orientation flight. Top - Lt Dennis Eby, Cadet Liam Connelly, and Cadet Moehring preflighting an airplane. Center - C/A1C Fry of Birchwood Squadron recognized for promotion. Bottom - Lt Dennis Eby of Birchwood Squadron going over an orientation flight syllabus with two cadets.
first orientation flights for C/Amn Parker, C/A1C , C/A1C T. Haley, C/A1C g, and C/SrA H. Haley.
e to Birchwood’s newest , Cadet Aidan Shepard.
h 23rd, Birchwood held tions ceremony. Con-
gratulations to all of our newly promoted cadets: C/Amn Lindsay, C/A1C Fry, C/A1C Moehring, C/A1C Nobles, C/A1C Wilson, C/ SrA Connelly, C/SrA H. Haley, C/ SrA Benedict, C/SSgt E. Edwards (Wright Brothers Award!) By 2nd Lt Rena Anderson
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Tail Section
Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine Cessna aircraft and 1,550 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue
Coordination Center. Members serve as mentors to about 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. One of the premier public service organizations in America, CAP benefits the nation with an estimated economic impact of $209 million annually. Visit www.CAP.News or www. GoCivilAirPatrol.com.
V/R, Maj Bryan Emerson, CAP Alaska Wing PAO, DC Bryan.Emerson@akwg.cap.gov Cell: 1 (907) 795-5586 https://akwg.cap.gov Social media submissions: Lt. Jacob Baugh: 514445@akwg.cap.gov P.O. Box 6014 Bldg 16322, 37th St Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506 907-551-3147, hq@akwg.cap.gov CAP AKWG 39
