Civil Air Patrol
Alaska Wing Magazine
February 2025
Photo of Homer, Alaska courtesy of Nina Faust with SM Laurie Gentle. Our newest squadron!
Similar Sounding Callsigns! CAP5042 as seen from CAP5024. CAP5024/C172 was conducting orientation flights while CAP5042/C182 took advantage of a beautiful day to train Mission Scanner and Airborne Photographer tasks. And yes, the FAI Approach Controller advised both pilots of the similar-sounding callsigns on frequency. Photo credit C/MSgt Christian Yew with SM Tim Long.
Photo courtesy of Lt. Jeremy Engeberg at the recent Winter Bivouac SAREX. "Aurora was Sunday morning at 5:30am."
A Parent’s Appreciation for CAP
by 2nd Lt Adam Greenwald (Homer)
2nd Lt Adam Greenwald served 20 years in the Coast Guard, after which he retired to Homer. For 13 years, he had spent 6 months at sea. Now he could be full-time with his sons. What to do? Why CAP instead of the Coast Guard Auxiliary?
“The CG Auxiliary was just a little too close to the career I had just finshed and I was excited to try something new. Another draw that CAP had for me was the built-in youth program that could grow with my family.
I am not going to say anything negative about the CG Auxiliary, but I decided to join the American Legion and CAP, instead. CAP, in particular, offers lifelong, multigenerational benefits for Cadets, Seniors, and especially for Senior Members who are parents of Cadets.
In many youth-oriented organizations, adults are relegated to leaders only. There is no active adult role aside from mentoring youth. CAP offers programs for anybody 12 and older. In CAP, cadets who age out can join as adults. Seniors with children can remain engaged after their children leave. Seniors without children can enjoy active membership with or without the cadets.
As a parent who was gone half the year for my boys’ childhood, I was really looking for ways to connect with them outside the home. I did not want to just send them off to youth programs run by others. CAP has definitely enhanced my relationship with my son. We share CAP’s values. We engage in CAP’s missions such as Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREXes) together. We learn and teach each other. I encourage any parents reading this who drop their kids off at meetings to stick around. Volunteer for one or two activities or join a squadron. We welcome you.”
Homer Squadron
Resurrecting a Squadron
by Laura Emerson
The Homer squadron languished during Covid, compounded by the leaders (Sandy and Doug Stark) moving out of state.
The folks most integral to Homer starting up again were our current Commander and Aerospace Education Officer: Andy Rothenberger, Todd Martin (interim Commander) and Karissa Martin. They are the ones that really brought CAP back to Homer. Key folks in the startup of the squadron were Andy and Todd, plus Arwen Weisser (Recruiting and Personnel), Laurie Gentle (Public Affairs and Recruiting), Emily Jenson (Interim Deputy Commander), Brandi Brandt (Finance) and Jared David (Logistics and Transportation). My son and I signed up at the beginning and together with the aforementioned leaders, we all worked diligently to re-start the Homer Squadron.
What are the challenges of (re)starting a squadron?
The first challenge was recruitment. Homer in a small city (5500) with a diffused population beyond outside (maybe 15,000–18,000 people during the winter, and another 10,000 in summer).
We have found that word of mouth is the most effective recruitment tool. In fact,
I joined because my wife heard about CAP from a friend. Dissemination of CAP’s Aerospace Education kits through public, private, and home schools is great, too. We also make sure that a CAP color guard participates in all local parades. Our next Open House (March 22, 2025) will kickoff our Great Start Flight. Our recruiting goal is 10 additional cadets and 3 Senior Members by the end of April 2025.
A second constraint is leadership. CAP has the sensible requirement that qualified people must teach skills and sign off people who learn them. However, as a new squadron, with new CAP member/ leaders, we lack those qualifications.
This limits what we can do. To gain skills, we need external training. Many people in the Wing have been generous with their time to help us get up to speed, especially Col MacPherson, Capt Padgett, Kenai’s Commander, Tim Cole, his predecessor Paul Klaban, Lt Michele Bremer and Lt Col Kristin Freeman, who have visited us to train us in Communications.
This is a track well suited to remote squadrons, especially in advance of the Twenty Seconds More exercise in August, which will simulate a massive earthquake in Anchorage that knocks out infrastructure. The communications competencies of squadrons outside the Anchorage Bowl will be integral to the success of that exercise.
We would also like to gain qualifcations for Emergency Services. We welcome any CAP leaders to beautiful Homer to offer a weekend of training to our seniors and cadets. Alternatively, perhaps Wing staff can schedule on-line meetings to beef up the credentials of remote squadron leaders and members. It is a truism that the stronger the local leadership, the stronger the organization. ”
The third and most obvious challenge for any remote squadron is distance to other squadrons and activities, like encampments, exercises, and conferences. We are 2 hours from Kenai and 6 hours from Anchorage. It is expensive, time consuming, and logistically challenging for us to transport 10-30 members up to Anchorage to participate in SAREX and other in–person gatherings, especially since, as a new squadron, we lack a CAP vehicle.
Fortunately, Kenai has shared theirs with us on occasions, and the Birchwood squadron has been extremely welcoming. They have opened their hangar and their homes so that our members had places to sleep and food to eat after our long commute. A huge thank you to both sets of squadron members.
What are the joys of (re)starting a CAP squadron in Homer?
There are so many. The main one is that although Homer schools and groups
have seasonal ports for youth, there are very few year round youth development programs, especially those in which they can interact with a number of adult members, not just one youth leader or teacher. CAP’s integration of generations is a terrific value, especially for people who live far away from relatives. CAP can become an extended, three generation family.
I am also very impressed by the cadet curriculum with its practical skill development in leadership, STEM knowledge, aviation, and physical fitness, as well as its focus on emergency preparedness.
These are life skills valuable to anyone, with or without interests in the military and flying.
For cadets who do have an interest in the military, CAP members also volunteer to help them navigate through the application process for academies, not just the paperwork, but several years in advance, to earn awards (like Billy Mitchell) and seek out leadership opportunities that will be valued in the application. This mentoring is especially helpful to cadets who do not come from military families.
CAP is a wonderful addition to the Homer community. In 2025, we look forward to expanding both our numbers and our qualifications.
Interview with C/1 Lt. Gunner Lotz
By Laura Emerson
Relatively few CAP members have belonged to two or more squadrons, especially in farflung locations. Cadet 1st Lieutenant Gunner Lotz is one. He joined the Valdez squadron in 2022 and subsequently moved with his family to Juneau, where his now the Cadet Commander of the Southeast Composite Squadron (SCS: Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka, and any future participants in the region).
How are the two squadrons similar and different?
“Both were very small squadrons when I joined them, which means that a new member can become active, and even a leader, quickly. SCS had only 6 cadets when I moved here but it has grown rapidly to 30 cadets and 34 senior members now.”
“The big difference is that Valdez is on the road system and Juneau obviously is not. Though about 5 ½ hours to Anchorage, Valdez members can drive to participate in encampments, conferences, etc, except when the pass is blocked by snow. I am glad that I attended an encampment my first year, to feel a part of a larger, state organization. Juneau is limited to planes and ferries, several hours (or days) from Anchorage. A second difference is the weather at each location, which impacts outdoor activities.”
How has belonging to two squadrons influenced your leadership of the SCS and membership on the Cadet Advisory Council?
“Belonging to two squadrons means that I witnessed two different leadership styles,
group cultures, physical obstacles, logistical and resource allocations. This has helped advocate on the CAC for smaller and squadrons around the state, and especially are growing rapidly.”
“I would like to add that CAP, or at least the is very encouraging to motivated cadets. freedom to suggest, implement, test, and ideas, such as the Alaska Coastal Training Academy started by Cadet Major Thomas Clifton, which my command.”
Tell us about that.
Four years ago, during the Covid years, CAP declined across the country. The SE composite already small, was in danger of cratering. member of the Sitka squadron, initiated a training on August 23 in Juneau for cadets the members
Composite Squadron. For the first one, 7 cadets assembled. The next year 12, and last year the number more than tripled to 38 cadets. I will build on that momentum with a weekend event this May 23-26. Cadets throughout the Wing, as well as Outside, are invited. We will meet in Juneau at the Army National Guard Barracks and classrooms. The most popular training modules in the past were Emergency Services and marksmanship, so we will feature those. Any other ideas are welcome.”
What are some of your goals as a Cadet Commander and the Recorder on the Cadet Advisory Council?
My biggest goals are the same in both roles, and all involve communication: I want to enhance and refine communications between Cadets and Senior members on programs of mutual interest. I also know that up until now, our radio communications preparation has been patchy, so I've been working on improving that since well before my term. I want to increase SE squadron’s training and participation for “bad day” scenarios. As the Recorder, I am responsible for clear and actionable minutes of each meeting. In all three endeavors, I hope to create and leave a lasting system that my successor can use to their full advantage.”
“I am interested in a military career. I am a senior in High School now, applying to the Air Guard with a focus in Para-rescue. I decided that CAP would provide better preparation than other programs for high schoolers, including ROTC. “
“Plus, CAP offers so many benefits, even to members without military goals. Who else in Alaska offers Orientation flights to new members, teachers, and members of the press? I vividly remember my first one on a clear winter day with pilot Major Spratt.”
“Who else offers the sorts of travel and training opportunities and scholarships that I enjoyed as a second-year member? In 2023, I logged 40,000 air miles when I traveled to CAP programs: a winter encampment in Astoria, OR (500 participants), a summer encampment in MD (250 people), and Hawk Mountain in PA (250 people). The following year I attended the Airforce Civil Engineering NCSA offered in FL (60 people). All of these increased my enthusiasm for CAP, by exposing me to state and national members and activities.” logistical challenges, me be a strong and more remote especially for those that the Alaska Wing, cadets. We have the refine program Academy (ACTA) which is now under CAP membership composite squadron, Cadet Clifton, a training weekend members of Southeast
Why did you join CAP?
Lake Hood Squadron
By C/Maj Wegemer
As one staff term comes to a close, another begins.
On February 11th 2025, C/1st Lt Asher Engeberg relinquished command of the Lake Hood Cadet Squadron to C/1st Lt Keena Bennett. C/1st Lt Bennett has served as deputy commander for support, as well as deputy commander for operations to prepare for the role of cadet commander. Lt Bennett has been in Civil Air Patrol for over three years, and has a vast knowledge of leadership and cadet life. Best of luck to her for the upcoming term!
On Saturday, January 18th, cadets of Lake Hood set out to explore the wilderness and put their orienteering skills to the test. Cadets practiced making radio check-ins as they used compasses and maps to navigate through the trails of
Anchorage. During this event, cadets also learned about treating fatigue, and what to do if you are lost in the wilderness.
Lake Hood has had a number of accomplishments in the past month. 1st Lt Jeremy Engeberg has been selected for the role of encampment commander for the 2025 AKWG Summer Encampment. C/ Maj Wegemer will be assisting in the role of Deputy Commander for support, and many other Lake Hood cadets applied for general staff.
Congratulations to the following cadets that have been promoted: C/TSgt Mallory, C/CMSgt Jensen, C/CMSgt Selby, C/1st Lt Bennett, C/1st Lt Engeberg, C/Maj Wegemer, and C/Lt Col Halliburton.
Left to Right: C/Maj Wegemer, C/1st Lt Bennett, Cadet Sperbeck, C/SMSgt Engeberg, SM Sperbeck, C/A1C A. Selby, and C/Amn Huntley, reaching their first checkpoint on an Emergency Services Excursion.
Fairbanks Squadron
Into the Wild Blue Yonder!
On February 9, 2025, two cadets and a senior member took off from Fairbanks International Airport for one of the 9th composite squadron’s first orientation flights of the new year.
Major Ute Kaden, a skilled and seasoned CAP pilot, instructed C/SSgt Ariana Greenwood and C/CMsgt Yew as they continued their journey to become America’s future aviation leaders.
At 12:00, the mission, lasting five hours, began on a cold and bright Sunday afternoon with pre-flight preparation. The cadets assisted in both transporting the planes to the flight line and reviewing the pre-flight procedures. After that, they took to the skies with Staff Sergeant Greenwood piloting the aircraft toward the Alaska Range.
Throughout the flight, she practiced basic flight maneuvers and demonstrated her flying expertise. Along with Mt. Denali, the cadets were able to spot another CAP aircraft on their return from a SAREX.
After the flight ended, the cadets switched seats, with Chief Master Sergeant Yew taking the controls and piloting the Cessna Skylane to Nenana.
During the flight, the cadets enjoyed stunning views of Alaska’s interior while learning about aerospace mechanics and systems. The cadets were also able to view the white mountains over the green hilled horizon.
The cadets touched down at the hangar at 16:30, ending the day with post-flight work and new insights into powered aviation. Both cadets were able to demonstrate significant improvement and enhance their flight skills since their last o-ride.
A huge thanks goes out to Major Kaden and all of the senior members for making orientation flights possible and promoting the next generation of aerospace pioneers.
Fairbanks Activities
by C/MSgt Hannah Long
January, the icy start to a bright new year, has arrived, full of opportunities in the Civil Air Patrol.
On January 16th, 9th COS cadets attended a Character Development class led by Chaplain Capt. Christopher Grossglauser, then the cadets practiced drill. Then, on January 23rd, the cadets learned about Aerospace module five. On January 30th, the cadets took a class on radios taught by Lt. Col Kristin Freeman. Afterwards, the cadets got to review their radio knowledge, and listen to some radio chatter from Hawaii.
On the following weekend, over January 31st and February 1st and 2nd, the 9th COS participated in a Wing Search
and Rescue Exercise, which involved both cadets and seniors. Some of the skills trained included Mission Radio Operator, ICUT, and GES.
Right top: C/A1C McCarthy, C/TSgt Frazier, and C/A1C Garnier prepare for the Minefield TLP. Photo credit C/MSgt Hannah Long
Right Bottom: Lt. Col Freeman teaches C/MSgt Siegfried how to be an ICUT evaluator.
Photo credit C/MSgt Christian Yew.
Members of the Alaska Wing Q1 SAREX at AK-009 by Lt. Col. Kristin Freeman
Fairbanks Squadron (AK-009) participated in the Winter SAREX from 31 January – 2 February 2025. This was done through the incredible cat-herding skill of LtCol. Jerremie Siegfried, who planned and organized the AK-009 exercise participation, and the marvel of radio. Using a mixture of hundred-year-old technology (HF radio) and cutting edge 1990’s technology (Alaska Land Mobile Radio trunked system, called ALMR), ten members of Fairbanks Squadron, two members of Eielson Squadron, and one Wing staff member took part in the SAREX.
With temperatures ranging between 8F and -32F, nobody complained about mostly being stuck inside doing comm. Some outdoor work was done by C/ CMSgts. Christian Yew and Caleb Long, who, along with Lt. Tim Long, SM Paul Siegfried, and LtCol. Kristin Freeman, built and set up an HF antenna for use with a Rapid Deployment Package (RDP, or suitcase HF radio). The cadets did much of the hard work and the measuring of wires, while Lt. Long did the ladder climbing and prusik positioning. SM Siegfried worked out grounding and supervised deployment of a ground radial. The ground radial
increased the station’s power output by 30%!
When the station was tested by tuning in on 5.0 megahertz, everyone could hear the National Bureau of Standards station, WWV, in Hawaii. Listening to Hawaii when it’s -31F is surreal.
On Saturday, the team at AK-009 was tasked with doing radio checks with either Birchwood Mission Base or Point Mike at 30 minute intervals from 0800 to 1700. The Birchwood station was heard very clearly, as was the station in Valdez run by SM Alan Sorum and station in southwest Idaho, but the AK009 station was consistently reported as faint and difficult to hear. The fallback option was ALMR, and every team member used both HF and ALMR during the day. No checks were missed.
Most of the time, doing comm is a lot like watching paint dry. That’s a good thing because when things get exciting, it’s because either someone gets hurt or someone is at great risk of getting hurt. But nobody was bored at AK-009. In between radio checks, members learned about composing, passing, and copying formal message traffic. They learned about how to choose a good communications site. They worked their way through all the SQTR’s for MRO and MSA except for IS100 and
output tuning could Standards to was with Point 0800 was station a AKreported The every ALMR missed. lot good exciting, hurt getting AK-009. members and They good worked for and
IS700. A MS trainee finished his ground training. Some ICUT evaluations were done, including one by an evaluatorin-training who is a cadet (he was supervised by a qualified evaluator). Some renewals of MSA and MRO were completed. And of course, there was the usual crazy fun that happens when CAP members are working together toward a common goal and focused on doing the best job that they can.
Sunday’s operational tempo was slower, but despite multiple shortwave radio blackouts caused by M Class solar flares, the team at AK-009 received calls on HF from SM Sorum in Valdez. SM Sorum fought the ionosphere and won! In between his calls, team members
Felix Siegfried) ready to defend their radio station.
Seriously, the bows were brought to put a line up over a tree branch to raise an antenna wire. The team ended up using a light pole instead. But as they say, when you have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Who could resist those beautiful handmade bows?
Photo: AK-009 Anti Aircraft Unit (C/CMSGT
Christian Yew, C/CMSGT
Caleb Long, and C/MSGT
Kenai
By : Maj. Jan Bobek
Every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 Kenai Cadets make Aerospace, Leadership, Health Fitness Zone/Safety, and Character Development Presentations.
Cadets are getting a lot more confident in public speaking. Speaking can be very scary and that’s why cadets must practice, the fear becomes a strength. Cadets are becoming stronger It’s worth the time and effort to become a leader in the community.
Cadets continue to get Orientation flights which keep interested in the program. Most cadets are studying hard to pilots. If they study and put in the work, they will become successful. They will become capable pilots in the military or fly for an company. Dreams become reality!
This month cadets participated in the CAP Wing Wide Emergency Services training. The Search and Rescue training and Direction presentation took place on a Saturday. Cadets also studied training, ICUT training and ELT Emergency Locator training. learned a lot about Safety in Alaska. When an emergency happens, they will be ready to assist.
Cadets worked very hard and passed many achievements this Curry Award: Amelia Ries and Royce Kean. Achievement 3: McGahan and Elodie Frisk. Wright Brothers: Hadassah Schwartz.
Achievement 8: Thomas Anthony. Achievement 10: Jacob Ries. are very proud of all their hard work!
Welcome to our new cadet: Mahnavu Schwartz. CAP is a positive in communities all over the United States. Cadets are good examples of hardworking human beings. Cadets make family life, community events and life in general much better. The Cadet Program young people to become the best community members that count on!
Aerospace, Development speaking. Public practice, so stronger people. community. keep cadets become successful. aviation Emergency Direction Finder GES 116 training. Cadets happens, this month. 3: Landen Schwartz. Ries. We positive force examples community Program helps that you can
The Arcturus Squadron started the new year, by getting into a strong cadence by conducting drill, focusing on promotions, and leadership. These activities support the upcoming squadron staff change.
During this month’s PT, the cadets learned about dynamic stretching from Senior Member Martin. The cadets were tired after learning this type of stretching, but it prepared for their PT tests. After PT the cadets played soccer to loosen their muscles!
During character development Lt Col McCarthy talked about integrity and how important it is. Lt Col McCarthy provided real world examples such as: business (stock trading), military activities, banking (finance), individual work ethics and conducting a self-assessment.
The Arturus Squadron has been on track with promotions.
C/A1C Daniel Law to C/SrA (Top
C/A1C Gabriel Law to C/SrA (Top
C/A1C Abigail Martin to C/SrA (Middle
C/SSgt Sawyer Johnson to C/TSgt
C/TSgt Keegan Garvens to C/MSgt
C/2nd LT Johnathan Maierson (Bottom awarded the “Billy Mitchell Award”
Pictures were taken by SM Rachel Law.
Left)
(Top Right)
(Middle Left)
C/TSgt (Middle Right)
C/MSgt (Bottom Left)
(Bottom Right) has been Award”
Rachel Johnson and Mrs. Cathy
ALL THE GALLANT MEN---A Book Review
by Capt Richard Dennis, PAO
At 0751 hrs the aerial attack began; first one airfield and then another, striking aircraft, hangers and other buildings As the US Navy color guards assemble to raise the colors at 0755, Navy ships across Pearl Harbor are hit. This is December 7, 1941. The day, “That Will Live In Infamy.”
All The Gallant Men is the story of a young US Navy sailor aboard the USS Arizona on that day in 1941. His is the first and probably only memoir by a survivor of that attack from the USS Arizona Of the 1,452 sailors aboard the Arizona, only 335 survived. Seaman Stratton is only 19 with burns over 65% of his body. He escaped the burning inferno of the Arizona by sliding and climbing on a rescue rope to a nearby ship.
His Memoir shares his early years growing up during the depression in Nebraska. His father was a farmer when the Dust Bowl hit with his parents loosing everything. But then, he adds, that was not a lot as they did not have a lot to loose.
He graduated from high school in 1940. At the Post Office one day he met a Navy Recruiter who told him that he could see the world as a US Navy Seaman and get paid for it. Donald joined up. Following Basic Training he was shipped off to Bremerton Washington, and assigned to the USS Arizona, which shortly sails out into the Pacific and across to the Hawaiian Islands
The book starts out on December 7, 1941 with flash news stories hitting national radio stations along with Extra Editions across our nation The author then notes December 8th, Monday, 6 limos show up at the White
House, to drive President Franklin D Roosevelt to speak before Congress. His speech is short, with the complete speech shared in this book’s prologue. Most of us have heard Roosevelt’s opening words, “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941-- a date that will live in Infamy…” but we have seldom if ever heard the rest of the President’s address. His speech is short, and worth reading. Quality.
Following Donald’s escape from the USS Arizona was months and months of recovery. With burns over half his body he found himself dealing with unimaginable pain, eventually being transferred to Mare Island in San Francisco Bay. There he underwent one skin graft after another. At one point a doctor wanted to amputate an arm. But Donald declared, “Enough! How many loses can a person take!” Later he was sent to a Hospital in Southern California, further advancing his recovery, with his discharge coming in September 1942.
All The Gallant Men, the memoir of Donald Stratton, a 19 year old US Navy Sailor aboard the USS Arizona on December 7th 1941. This is the story of one sailor ’s childhood, harrowing survival story, tremendous injuries, escape, recovery and how he spent the remaining years of World War II in the South Pacific. Published by Harper Collins as a paperback it sells for $27 99 (Richard Dennis lives in Eastern Alaska on the Tok Cut-Off in Chistochina (CZO) at Red Eagle Lodge)
TOK Squadron
On 23 January 2025, Tok Composite Squadron held a Mitchell Award presentation ceremony for Cadet Daniel Richards. Cadet Richards earned the coveted Billy Mitchell Award in late 2024. Cadet Richards joins a long line of cadets receiving the award. In the last 40+ years of the CAP cadet program, only 77,370 cadets have received the Mitchell Award. He also becomes the third cadet in Tok to receive this award in recognition for nearly 3 years of hard work. Congratulations to Cadet Richards for a job well done!
Valdez Squadron
By C/CMSgt Taylor
During the month of January, the Valdez squadron has been working on keeping their place in the Civil Air Patrol program through drill, cadet programs, leadership, and character development.
On 28 January the Valdez squadron met at 19:45 for a successful PT night held in the Valdez High School gym. Most, if not all, members present passed their PT tests, a perspective senior member also met up with us to join in the fun.
Throughout the rest of the month the Valdez squadron has been working on color guard and plans to present the colors for this year's Aurora Music Festival in April. The squadron also hopes to present the colors at upcoming basketball games and other sport activities.
Valdez Squadron open staff positions:
Recruitment and Retention officer
We are all a part of Recruitment and Retention and with that in mind the R&R officer is here to help. The R&R officer would put on courses and training to make sure everyone knows how to best present our squadron when trying to recruitment friends, family, and the general public.
Public Affairs officer
The Public Affairs officer makes sure our squadron is seen and is being seen by: 1.
Keeping the squadron social media pages up-to-date. 2. Taking photos, and making squadron articles; taking up my position of writing this so Cadets like me can better their time in their other squadron positions.
Public Affairs assistant
The Public Affairs assistant helps the Public Affairs officer and in turn makes their job easier. They could be the one taking photos, putting up flyers around town, or simply just be another pair ofneyes for their articles before there submitted.
Supply Officer
The Supply Officer makes sure the hanger and meeting room is in order, and that all inventory items are accounted for.
Picture Extracted from Video By 2d Lt Taylor, Video taken by Josh Larsen. Name and rank from left to right: C/ CMSgt David Sims, C/CMSgt Taylor, C/ CMSgt Joshua Sims, C/A1C Larsen.
POLICE FLYING IN THE ‘50’S
by Mary Stella
In the early 1950’s, the Alaska Highway Patrol inherited some rural enforcement functions from the U.S. Marshall Service which were above and beyond routine traffic control activities.
There was early recognition that airplanes were a valuable tool in effective law enforcement. Pilot and Highway Patrolman Phil Ames, assisted by Officer Tom Roberts, provided a good demonstration while conducting a search for a violent escapee from the federal jail in Seward, Most of the flying was performed by Patrolman Ames in Cessna N4244N, a Cessna 140, at his own expense as no financing was available.
When the Territorial Legislature created the Alaska Territorial Police, they recognized there would be a need for an aviation section. Unfortunately, they did not obtain funding for an aviation section as money was limited and was dedicated to training and fielding police officers. With the prospect of being able to use his flying skills and qualifications, Marc Stella allowed himself to be lured into resigning from the U.S. Air Force and joined the Alaska Territorial Police upon completion of the first Territorial Police class in Anchorage. Officer Stella’s badge number was 49. Eventually Alaska would become the 49th state.
Officer Stella was assigned to the Fairbanks post in what was then a booming community of nearly
10,000 citizens. He took Cessna N4244N to Phillips Field, where it was rarely used, and ultimately traded it for a Piper PA16 Clipper, formerly belonging to the Presbyterian Mission from Point Barrow. The Piper PA16 N577AH was often operated at personal expense, although some funds were made available by the U.S. Marshal Service and the Alaska Railroad.
The early success of aircraft during territorial days relates directly back to individuals such as Marc Stella and Phil Ames, who out of their own pockets, contributed to the utilization of aircraft. Their success, coupled with the funding from the railroad, the U.S. District Court, and the Marshal Service, laid the foundation for the very successful aviation program of the Eighties and Nineties.
SHORT BIO OF LT. COL MARC STELLA Civil Air Patrol 1953-2019
Marc Stella served in the 2nd U.S. Marine Division in the Pacific Theater during World War Two. After the War he joined the U.S. Air Force (formerly Army Air Corps) obtained his pilot’s license and was assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base. He joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1953. In 1954 he resigned from the Air Force and joined the Alaska Territorial Police (ATP) attending academy number one. He was the first ATP pilot. After several years he left the ATP and in the spring of 1956, bought Frank’s Air Service which became Marc’s Air Taxi Service and then Tanana Air Taxi in the early 1960s. Marc flew throughout Interior Alaska providing passenger, hunter, mail and the first air ambulance service to communities along the Yukon and Tanana river drainages and continued to fly in the private sector. In 1965 he went to Saigon as a medevac pilot, flying 56 missions. Since that time he has held numerous flying and aviation positions including Air Traffic Controller, NTSB as Air Safety Investigator and aviation safety consultant. In 1973, he settled in Anchorage, Alaska, first with the FAA then with the National Transportation Safety Board, from which he retired in July 1988. His stellar flying career was formally recognized when he received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in July 2006. Marc was an active participant in the Civil Air Patrol for some 65 years, though he had slowed down a bit near the end of his service. He passed away in 2019.
The Duties of a Communications Unit Leader During an Emergency
By Laura Emerson
On February 15, the Alaska Wing Communications team hosted its second on-line training for its members (and any additional CAP members around the country). One of the expert trainers was Capt. Mark Sheets of the Colorado Wing.
Sheets began his CAP career in 1979 as a cadet, primarily interested in Communications and Ground Team. In 1987, he joined Larimer County SAR, which is a Mountain Rescue Association accredited Team, and served as a SAR Manager for 30 years, until he retired in 2017. Now, he concentrates his efforts on CAP Communications.
What are some communications training problems that can derail missions?
a) Inadequate training as a Comm Team: This results in communicators who cannot effectively relay time sensitive information to rescuers who need it or record an effective log required for future safety reviews or subpeonas. b) Inadequate training with the disparate emergency response groups under the Incident Commander (IC). If they have not trained together, they may not communicate with similar protocols or even on the same frequencies. This can result in disastrous delays or miscommunications.
“The result of poor training,” Sheets observes , “Is that volunteer groups can and should be disinvited from multiagency Search and Rescue Operations. I won’t name names, but CAP has a Wing that has been removed from its Region FEMA response plan due to failure to participate. Sadly this happened because the Wing's FEMA representative failed to engage and attend meetings and conferences to integrate CAP into the emergency response team. I also know a few Amateur Radio Emergency Services members who are personas non gratas around some EOC's because they act officious and demand access to radio facilities or sites as though it will be a crisis if they are denied. The key to emergency response is more often excellent teamwork than one, sole operator.“
What determines a strong Communications Unit Leader
(CUL) for an emergency?
Sheets considers the question. “A good CUL has the big picture of ALL Comms that are in play for the incident and identifies them in the log, including the mutual aid Comm channels that all agencies will most likely need to know. “
“Also, a good CUL strives for excellence in the Comm team by demanding accurate logging, professional communications using appropriate pro-words, proper
phonetic alphabet use and brevity while on the air. This involves advance training, for example, to challenge the MRO to convey information with minimum but succinct verbiage and to remind the MRO that the button on the microphone is a "Push-to-talk", not a "Push-to think". “
What are your priorities for training future Communications Unit Leaders (CUL)?
a) Advance Preparation: The CUL is responsible for an advance, written communications plan, including identifying people ready for future missions and who are on track for minor roles and additional training. On the day(s) of the mission, the CUL sets up and tests all radios, attends leadership briefings, and engages the communicators.
b) Event Management: The CUL supervises the team to ensure that they demonstrate best practices, do not get fatigued, and avoid gaps in coverage (such as too few communicators at a given time). I generally like to organize a team of three people: one receives and transmits messages, another repeats and records these in a log, along with other notes to demonstrate continuity during the emergency, and a data entry operator enters the record into WMIRS.
c) Accurate record keeping: The CUL is responsible for a detailed log of the exercise, with both a checklist and a journal of activities and messages. For example, the log may identify the radios,
the names of the communicators, the hours they operate, the times they take breaks, and the messages received from and transmitted to whom.
Who qualifies as a CUL in CAP?
Interestingly, although CAP has three levels for the Communications track (master, senior, and technician), the CUL does not have to have one or even ANY of these qualifications. Indeed, we have many volunteers in CAP whose professional experience as incident commanders during emergencies through other agencies such as fire service, EMS, FEMA, and the military render them very well qualified to perform as a CUL without even a CAP technician track rating. Organizationally, the ideal CUL is the Communications Officer of each squadron. This requirement can be found in E-Services under Administration/Operations/ Communications report. Readers: if you qualify, please let the state Director of Communications, Lt. Col. Bryan Emerson know of your interest in this important service (Bryan.Emerson@akwg.cap.gov).
As part of Alaska Wing preparations for the Twenty Seconds More exercises, a second virtual HF Radio Communications conference will be offered to all CAP members on Saturday, 15 February 2025, from 0900 to 1330 Alaska time. The conference goals are to 1) provide initial training and/or review of HF basics and 2) offer practice using an HF radio. Materials will be provided.
Those who have passed ICUT and who have an HF radio available will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning lab by checking in to an HF radio net following the instruction modules.
This basic HF radio training will improve our ability to respond to Alaska disasters and to support Alaska Wing Operations. Civil Air Patrol members from other units are welcome.
Watch for more information, specific times, and links which will be provided closer to the date.
For questions not covered, you can respond to this email or to mbremer@ CAP.gov.
Start 2025 strong by growing your skills in the vitally important area of HF Radio!
How to register:
· Sign in EServices https://www.capnhq.gov/
· Go to Registration Zone > Event Registration > Filter (select Virtual) >Select Alaska Wing 2nd HF Radio Training Conference >Press the Register button
Cadets need Squadron Commander Approval to participate.
SUI preparatory course for Commanders and Staff Officers
Does your squadron have a Subordinate Unit Inspection (SUI) in 2025? This short virtual course is for you!
The AK Wing IG team will give you the spiel on how to best prepare for your upcoming Inspection. While addressed to Commanders, Deputy Commanders and Staff Officers, it is open to all members interested.
When: Friday, March 21, 2025, 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Where: Virtually on google meet (code: aak-zpnn-ajn)
Semper vigilans,
Maj. Martin C. Krebs
Alaska Wing Inspector General
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (M) 9072277559
Martin.Krebs@akwg.cap.gov
High Latitude/Alaska Radio Propagation
by Alan Sorum (Valdez)
Like many other things in the far north, radio propagation is different in Alaska. Our high latitude poses some interesting dynamics. Some of the challenges for radio operators in Alaska are the distance from the geomagnetic equator, our proximity to the magnetic north pole, and deviations seen in great circle signal arrival paths.
Geomagnetic Equator – The F region of the ionosphere is located at about 100 to 500 miles above the surface of the earth and is a dependable reflector of high frequency (HF) radio signals. The earth is surrounded by spherical magnetic field that parallels the earth’s surface at the geographic equator and dips down 90 degrees at the magnetic poles in the north and south [Figure 1]. The northern magnetic pole is found at 80.65°N latitude. The geomagnetic equator is found where there is no dip or inclination in the magnetic field.
Daytime F region frequencies peak around 20 degrees north and south of the geomagnetic equator and this is known as the equatorial anomaly. Nighttime frequencies near their minimum at 60 degrees north (Anchorage) and south of the geomagnetic equator. This zone is called the mid-latitude trough. Large tilts in the
Figure 1- Tilted Dipole - GNU Free Documentation License
magnetic field can and do occur in this trough. The ionosphere is variable in the polar regions due to shifts in the solar wind. A near-vertical magnetic field channels solar particles into our region and fluctuations in this energy trigger dramatic changes in the electron profile over short periods of time.
[https://www.sws.bom.gov.au/Educational/5/2/2]
The dip in the trough at 60 degrees north corresponds to the latitudes of Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Great Circle Deviations – Radio signals can often arrive at a receiving station with bearings that are displaced from a great circle route of ±100 degrees. A great circle is the largest circle that can be drawn on a sphere (the earth) and it represents the shortest distance between two points on the globe. Generally, HF radio signals travel along great circle routes from transmitter to receiver.
Mitigation Strategies - One potential solution is to use a frequency markedly lower than the maximum useable frequency (MUF). Another strategy is to avoid making contacts at sunrise and sunset, when signal deflections are the greatest. The development of automatic link establishment (ALE) radios is one effort that has been made to mitigate changing propagation conditions. These radios use link quality analysis to measure the signal quality between two stations. The transmissions used to measure the signal quality are called soundings. Regardless of these issues, high frequency radio remains one of the most reliable forms of communication in the north.
Education and Training
Basic TLC
Saturday, February 22 · 0800 – 1600
Google Meet joining
REGISTRATION ZONE Required
Activity for all seniors who require it.
Aerospace Education
Yeager Discussion
Saturday, March 15, from 0900-1400.
REGISTRATION ZONE Required
Activity for all seniors who require it.
Level II Part 2 Classes
Sundays 2-9-16-23 March 2025 from 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM
REGISTRATION ZONE Required
Activity for all seniors who require it.
Emergency Services Classes (Mission Staff, 1 month before training mission).
Next March 29, 2025
Activity for all CAP members
Education and Training Office
First and Third Saturday, each month · 9:00 – 11:00 am
Time zone: America/Anchorage
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google. com/vzw-xnos-gtx Or dial: (PR) +1 787-333-6333 PIN: 606 863 504 3507#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ vzw-xnos-gtx?pin=6068635043507
Help name our Region magazine! Please indicate your choice below NLT 15 Feb 2025. If there's a tie, there will be runoff OR if there are other new candidates, we'll poll those choices, too. Thank you! Click here to vote https://forms.gle/ tRSazFvWkFC2JPVs6
Photo courtesy of Col. Kevin McClure.
Alaska Wing Staff emails
Maj. Martin Krebs
martin.krebs@akwg.cap.gov ig@akwg.cap.gov
Capt. Cristopher Becker christopher.becker@akwg.cap.gov se@akwg.cap.gov
Lt Col Stuart Goering stuart.goering@akwg.cap.gov ja@akwg.cap.gov
Capt. Samantha (Reux) Stearns reux.stearns@akwg.cap.gov gr@akwg.cap.gov
2d Lt. Elizabeth Justus elizabeth.justus@akwg.cap.gov
Lt. Col. Stephen Sammons stephen.sammons@akwg.cap.gov cs@akwg.cap.gov
Lt. Col. Brian Porter brian.porter@akwg.cap.gov do@akwg.cap.gov
Lt. Col. Bryan Emerson bryan.emerson@akwg.cap.gov dc@akwg.cap.gov
1st Lt. Lynda MacPherson lynda.macpherson@akwg.cap.gov ae@akwg.cap.gov
Capt. Sky Caldwell skylar.caldwell@akwg.cap.gov cp@akwg.cap.gov
1st. Lt. Elizath Justus elizabeth.justus@akwg.cap.gov recruiting@akwg.cap.gov
Lt. Col. Michael Inman michael.inman@akwg.cap.gov lgm@akwg.cap.gov
Maj. Caleb Newville caleb.newville@akwg.cap.gov it@akwg.cap.gov
Capt. Terrance (Terry) Aldridge terry.aldridge@akwg.cap.gov fm@akwg.cap.gov
Maj. Kevin Bottjen kevin.bottjen@akwg.cap.gov hc@akwg.cap.gov
1st Lt. Mary Stella mary.stella@akwg.cap.gov da@akwg.cap.gov
Lt. Col. Bryan Emerson bryan.emerson@akwg.cap.gov pa@akwg.cap.gov
Capt. Julie G. Rivera julie.rivera@akwg.cap.gov et@akwg.cap.gov
Feel free to write your fellow members with questions and comments.
Wing Vacancies
Inspectors (Inspection Augmentees (IA’s), Assistant Inspector Generals (IGA’s)
The AK Wing Inspector General is looking for members interested in becoming qualifiedin Subordinate Unit Inspections (SUI’s) to assist the IG Program in Alaska and beyond.
Inspector Candidates will take online training at their own pace and then get qualified onthe job inspecting squadrons and flights in Alaska in accordance with CAPR 20-3.
Position is suitable for remote work! Assignments are for individual inspections, allowingflexibility to coordinate with a personal schedule. Inspectors interested in the IG Specialty Track can become Assistant Inspector Generals.
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Public Relations, Digital Engagement and Creative Services
Works with Public Affairs Officer to provide oversight across AKWG units and staff to ensure a CAP-compliant and active social media presence.
Provides units and staff education. Training to develop and sustain relevant social media activities. Advises the commander, staff and members as required on CAP social media policy.
Personnel Officer
Membership records and applications. Organizational actions (charters, deactivations, etc.). Awards and decorations. Duty assignments.
Logistics Officer
The logistics officer advises the wing commander on the status of their respective property management programs and leads programs in accordance with CAPR 130-1 and wing supplements. They shall:
Train and oversees subordinate unit property management officers
Account for property assigned to the wing
Be responsible for real property management in accordance with CAPR 130-1
Health Services Officer
Responsible for advising CAP commanders and units on the health, sanitation and hygiene of CAP members relevant to CAP activities. (See CAPR 160-1(I) for policy on emergency medical treatment).
FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES, REFER TO CAPP 30-1
Support Alaska CAP Cadets through Pick.Click.Give.
Through Pick.Click.Give, Alaskans can choose to give a portion (or all) of their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) to charity. Thanks to generous donors from all over the state, Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs has used donations to support critical mission activities, including aerospace (and other STEM) education, emergency services, and cadet programs. When filling out your PFD application, please consider making a difference by contributing to the Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs (just “Search Organizaitons” for the name “Civil”)
Please forward this newsletter to your Alaskan neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family who may like to see what Civil Air Patrol does in Alaska and may like show their appreciation for the great work Civil Air Patrol does.
Helpful Links:
PFD Application Information: https://pfd.alaska.gov/
Pick.Click.Give General Information: https://www.pickclickgive.org/
Pick.Click.Give listing for Alaska Wing (AKWG) Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Programs: https://www.pickclickgive.org/index.cfm/pfdorgs. info/Civil-Air-Patrol-AKWG-Cadet-Programs
Very Respectfully,
Capt. Karen L Padgett
Pacific Region Assistant Cadet Activities Officer
Alaska Wing Assistant Director of Cadet Programs Lake Hood Cadet Squadron, Anchorage, Alaska
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
Tail Section
Register now: The second HF training webinar will be this Saturday, February 15. Our momentum is building in advance of this August’s “20 Seconds More” sumilated earthquake exercise in which HF radio operators save the day!
Thanks to many hearty photographers who braved the cold to snap some great photos this month. We all know the old saying, ”There is no such thing as bad weather in Alaska, just bad clothing.”
Lt Col Bryan Emerson, CAP
Publisher and Editor
Alaska Wing PAO, DC BRYAN.EMERSON@ AKWG.CAP.GOV
1 (907) 795-5586 cel
This online publication is designed to attract, inform and motivate readers through photographs, text and stories. We see and feel the four core values in the faces and body language of the cadets and senior members portrayed herein. Submissions are accepted through the 10th of each month. Be safe and live our core values!
Volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Capt. Julie G. Rivera, CAP
Co-Editor
Alaska Wing PAO Assistant 617596@AKWG.CAP.GOV
1 (787) 424-0560
