Tuesday, December 20, 2016

No Meetings on December 22 and December 29

Hello Friends!

This is a reminder that we will not have meetings on 22 December and 29 December so our members can enjoy the Holidays with their loved ones. If you were hoping to visit our squadron we invite you to join us on 5 January, 2017 at 7:30pm for our next squadron meeting!


Happy Holidays from the members of Squadron 150!



Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Join Us for Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Saturday 17 December


Thank you for your support of Wreaths Across America this year! Many of you have sponsored wreaths which will help us honor and remember our fallen Veterans this Holiday season and also help our squadron continue to perform "Missions for America."

We'd like to invite you to join us at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar to help place these wreaths on Veteran's graves.


Veteran's Memorial at Pacific View Memorial Park
Photo Credit: www.roadrunneronline.files.wodpress.com
Here is a message from Rod Gomez who is the coordinator for the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Pacific View Memorial Park,

"Hello everyone, This is Rod Gomez at Pacific View Memorial Park. Thank you for volunteering. It is our goal to make every year bigger than the last. Because of the hard work of our fundraising groups, we have achieved that goal. As of today Friday, December 9th the count has us at 470 wreaths. This is almost DOUBLE the amount of wreaths sponsored last year. GREAT WORK EVERYONE!! Please continue to spread the word and bring your family & friends to the event. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. Our ceremony starts at 10am on December 17 at 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625. Arrive by 9:30am to get a good parking spot. It is an outdoor event so keep the weather in mind and dress accordingly. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes. After the ceremony you will all be asked to help place the 470 wreaths that have been sponsored this year. You will be walking on grass that may be wet. Wear sensible, flat shoes. Jewish grave regulations dictate that volunteers should refrain from placing wreaths on the graves of any Jewish veterans except when specifically requested to do so by the families of those veterans. Consequently, it can be assumed that a wreath on a gravestone marked with the Star of David was placed there intentionally by a family member or at the request of a family member. All told I would anticipate being here about an hour and a half. Looking forward to seeing you all at the ceremony. Rod Gomez Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary 949-467-3704"

We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, December 06, 2016

Announcing Level One Completions

Congratulations to the following Senior Members that completed Level One of the Civil Air Patrol Professional Development program.
SM Tamara Clark
SM Gary Mathieson
SM Steven Schock
SM Cameron Mohebbi
SM Neal Bodella

These members were presented with their Level One certificates by Maj. Jerry Civalleri, the squadron's Professional Development Officer, during the squadron meeting on 01 December, 2016.


SM Tamara Clark (L) and Maj Jerry Civalleri, CAP (R)
 (Photo Credit: SM Gary Mathieson)


SM Neil Bedolla (L) and Maj Jerry Civalleri, CAP (R)
(Photo Credit: SM Gary Mathieson)
 

Maj. Jerry Civalleri, CAP (L) and SM Gary Mathieson (R)
(Photo Courtesy: SM Gary Mathieson)

Maj. Jerry Civalleri (L) and SM Steven Schock (R)
(Photo Credit: SM Gary Mathieson)








Thursday, December 01, 2016

Happy Birthday Civil Air Patrol!

Today is the 75th anniversary of Civil Air Patrol! Founded on 01 December, 1941 by Gill Robb Wilson and other aviation-minded pioneers to support the defense of the homeland in the lead-up to World War II, CAP continues today, stronger than ever, performing "Missions for America."

We'd like to share with you a history of CAP from www.CAP75th.com.



_________________________________________________________________________________

"Civil Air Patrol and its earliest members were honored in December 2014 with the Congressional Gold Medal for their contributions during World War II, when they forged the path the organization and its volunteers still follow today – helping secure the homeland, selflessly and often at great sacrifice.
These days, CAP’s volunteers stand ready to take on such challenges as natural and manmade disasters and searches for missing aircraft or individuals. In CAP’s formative years, during the early days of American involvement in the war, the perils were mostly posed by enemy combatants, in the form of Nazi U-boats threatening U.S. shipping – especially oil tankers – off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
CAP’s founders flew patrols that discouraged and eventually stopped the U-boat attacks. They also patrolled the country’s borders by air, towed targets for military trainees, spotted forest fires, conducted search and rescue missions, provided disaster relief and emergency transport of people and parts and conducted orientation flights for future pilots.
In many ways, the pioneering members being honored were ahead of their time in devoting themselves to serving their communities and their country as volunteers. And just like their CAP counterparts today, when they risked life and limb to help protect the home front during wartime they weren’t looking for recognition.
Even so, more than 70 years later they received it.
Legislation in both houses of Congress awarded CAP a single Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of its members’ contributions during the war. Many used their own aircraft to conduct volunteer combat operations and other emergency missions under hazardous conditions.
They came from all walks of life. Their ranks, more than 100,000 strong, included not only ordinary men, women and teenagers in communities throughout the country but also such prominent figures as a noted Hollywood director and a world-famous pianist, a Munchkin from “The Wizard of Oz” and a sitting state governor, a storied Wall Street financier and a pioneering African-American female aviator, future Tuskegee Airmen, the head of a major brewery and the founder of a famous doughnut chain.

They included:
  • Mary Astor, a prominent Hollywood actress best known for her role in “The Maltese Falcon” and for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1941 for her role in “The Great Lie.” After joining CAP in Los Angeles, she helped set up the operations center at Coastal Patrol Base 12 in Brownsville, Texas. 
     
  • John Bricker, who served as Ohio governor from January 1939-January 1945 and then as a U.S. senator from January 1947-January 1959. He was New York Gov. Thomas E. Dewey’s vice presidential running mate on the Republican slate in the 1944 national election. Bricker joined CAP in May 1942.
     
  • Willa Brown, the first African-American woman to earn a private pilot’s license and to hold a commercial pilot’s license in the U.S. She and her husband owed the Coffey School of Aeronautics at Chicago’s Harlem Airport, which trained black pilots and aviation mechanics, including future Tuskegee Airmen. She also co-founded the National Airmen’s Association of America in 1939, working to get black aviation cadets into the U.S. military. Brown was CAP’s first African-American officer, receiving the rank of lieutenant in 1942.
     
  • I.W. Burnham II, who in 1935 founded the Wall Street firm of Burnham & Co., which eventually became Drexel Burnham Lambert. Burnham served as commander of CAP’s Coastal Patrol Base 4 in Parksley, Va., and he received the U.S. Air Medal and Distinguished Civilian Service Award Medal.
     
  • Bob Cummings, a noted Hollywood actor who starred in such films as “The Devil and Miss Jones,” “Kings Row” and “Dial M for Murder” and later in the TV situation comedy “The Bob Cummings Show.” Cumming flew missions starting in early 1942 as a charter member of what’s now the California Wing’s San Fernando Senior Squadron 35 before joining the U.S. Army Air Forces.
     
  • Gail Halvorsen, the U.S. Air Force’s “Uncle Wiggly Wings,” famed for dropping chocolate to deprived children on the Soviet-controlled side of Berlin during the 1948 Berlin Airlift. Halvorsen joined CAP’s Utah Wing in 1941, flying search and rescue missions when hikers and skiers went missing, then enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1943. 
     
  • Jose Iturbi, a world-famous pianist and harpsichordist who also appeared in several Hollywood films in the 1940s, playing himself in such movies as “Thousands Cheer” and “Anchors Aweigh.” An experienced pilot, he joined CAP on Jan. 12, 1942, in New York because at 46 he was too old for the Army Air Corps. Iturbi was commissioned as a major and later promoted to lieutenant colonel.
     
  • Henry King Jr., a noted Hollywood director from 1915-1961, helming such movies as “The Song of Bernadette,” “Twelve O’Clock High,” “Carousel” and “The Sun Also Rises.” He was one of the 36 founders of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. King served as deputy commander of Coastal Patrol Base 12 in Texas. 
     
  • Zack Mosley, the famed comic strip artist best known for the long-running feature “The Adventures of Smilin’ Jack” from 1933-1973, which frequently featured CAP and the Coastal Patrol in strips. Mosley flew CAP anti-submarine missions while serving at Coastal Patrol Base 3 in Lantana, Fla., receiving the U.S. Air Medal. He also served as Florida Wing public affairs officer. 
     
  • Ruth Rowland Nichols, a pioneering female aviator who set world records for speed, altitude and distance and was the first woman licensed to fly a seaplane and as a commercial airline pilot and the first woman to fly nonstop from New York to Miami and to attempt a solo transatlantic crossing. Nichols joined CAP during World War II, eventually attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. 
     
  • Vernon Rudolph, the founder of Krispy Kreme Donuts Inc. in 1947 in Winston-Salem, N.C. Rudolph flew for CAP’s Coastal Patrol Base 16 in Manteo, N.C.
     
  • Lester L. Wolff, who served as a U.S. representative for New York in the House from 1965-1980, co-founding CAP’s Congressional Squadron in 1966. Wolff served in the New York Wing as a squadron commander and subchaser.  
  • Richard L. Yuengling Sr., the fourth co-president and manager of D.G. Yuengling and Son, the oldest brewery in the U.S. that’s still active today. Yuengling flew for Coastal Patrol Base 4 in Virginia, receiving the Air Medal for service from July 28, 1942-Aug. 31, 1943.
Most of the early volunteers, unfortunately, are gone. The Department of Veterans Affairs has said the nation’s World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 670 a day. Fewer than 100 CAP members from those days are known to be alive today.
“All the guys who I was with are all gone,” said CAP Lt. Col. Clive Goodwin Jr. “As far as I know, I’m the only one left. It’s a dwindling number.”
Goodwin joined a CAP squadron in Cortland, N.Y., in the fall of 1942 and flew as a mission pilot out of Cortland Municipal Airport. The squadron’s assignment was to fly search and missing aircraft missions for the U.S. Army Air Forces. He remains active as a member of the North Carolina Wing’s Franklin County Composite Squadron and is still a pilot.
When the Congressional Gold Medal was on the horizon, “I think it’s great that they’re recognizing CAP,” Goodwin said. CAP was founded Dec. 1, 1941, six days before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Early in the war, after supply ships leaving American ports to support the Allied war effort began drawing deadly attacks from U-boats off the East Coast, CAP pilots carried out anti-submarine missions, often carrying bombs to drop by hands on any enemy vessels they sighted. Their vigilance helped discourage and eventually halt the attacks.
Over 18 months, CAP anti-submarine coastal patrols flew more than 24 million miles, spotting 173 U-boats and attacking 57. They also escorted more than 5,600 convoys and reported 17 floating mines, 36 bodies, 91 ships in distress and 363 survivors in the water.
“We who served asked for nothing in return and got nothing,” said former U.S. Rep. Lester Wolff, D-N.Y., who commanded a CAP squadron based at Mitchell Field on Long Island, N.Y., during World War II.
Often, “it was a perilous task,” Wolff said, recalling the loss of one of his squadron members.
“So many people forget that our little effort contributed so much,” especially in terms of providing protection for shipping, he said.
“Time is catching up, and at least there is still time for some of us to smell the flowers,” Wolff added.
CAP Col. Robert Arn flew anti-submarine missions out of Coastal Patrol Base No. 14 in Panama City, Fla., from September 1942-June 1943.
Of the 12 original pilots he served with at Panama City, “we lost six of them,” said Arn, who flew 179 missions totaling 557 hours of flight time over the Gulf of Mexico.
“I think with the aircraft we had, which weren’t built to go out over the Gulf of Mexico, we were able to do a job and do it well,” he said.
“To be recognized by the government would be wonderful,” said Col. Steve Patti, who joined CAP in January 1942 and was stationed at Vail Field in Los Angeles. For 15 months he was assigned to the 12th Task Force Anti-Submarine Patrol in Brownsville and San Benito, Texas, as an aircraft mechanic. He also flew as a replacement observer on convoy escort, anti-submarine, beach and border patrols, and later served at bases in Marfa and El Paso, Texas.
“It’s a great honor to be bought into the limelight of recognition,” said Patti, who like many of his CAP colleagues subsequently served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. At the time, “there was no thought of recognition; there was only the thought of getting the job done.”
“I personally never gave it any more thought after the war,” he said. “We did our job every day and we asked for nothing. We had to buy our own special tools or make our own tools.”"



Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friends,
As the members of our squadron take time out today to be with friends, family and loved ones, we would want to thank all of you, our friends, for your support this past year. We are truly thankful for your support of Squadron 150 and of Civil Air Patrol. Whether you supported us financially, gave us a kind word, referred potential members, sponsored a wreath, shared a social media post, and/or visited a squadron meeting, we really do appreciate your friendship!

To our members-thank you for your service to our communities, our squadron and Civil Air Patrol!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


Tuesday, November 22, 2016

California Wing Highlights (From CAP 75th Anniversary Site)

California CAP performs diverse missions for America
(In honor of Civil Air Patrol's 75th Anniversary we are sharing some "highlights" of California Wing's accomplishments mentioned on www.CAP75th.com.)
California Wing members have responded to earthquakes in Tehachapi, the Bay Area and Northridge. They often respond within the hour, providing emergency airlift, damage assessment, radio communications and supply delivery. In 1994 following the Northridge earthquake, with 61 people killed, California and 11 other CAP wings furnished hundreds of volunteers to aid the state. The wing received a Unit Citation Award as a result of the 55-day operation. It received a third citation reward for it 2007 for aiding the Nevada Wing in its search for adventurer Steve Fossett.

In early 1996 and 1997, flood conditions caused by rain, winter storms and warm temperatures repeatedly brought the wing into action in northern and central California. Members worked with Air Force counterparts, delivering sleeping bags, manning command posts and filling thousands of sandbags to protect vital buildings.
The California Wing provided communications assistance during the Los Angeles riots in 1992 and also transported equipment in the wake of the 1993 wildfires in the southern part of the state, where flames consumed more than 1,000 homes in a six-county area. In 2008, another series of blazes burned 500,000 acres in a similar number of counties in the southern part of the state, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and 2,000 homes. The wing conducted reconnaissance flights and helped staff emergency operation centers.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Honor a Fallen Veteran this Holiday Season!

Squadron 150 is participating in Wreaths Across America this year. Wreaths Across America is a nationwide service project to honor fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves in cemeteries all across the nation. There are over 1,000 participating locations this year and Squadron 150 has chosen to support and participate at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar.

This year it's particularly meaningful for our unit because one of our squadron members has a loved one, who was a veteran, laying at rest in Pacific View. As a squadron we look forward to honoring and remembering this veteran along with the close to 8,000 other veterans at rest in Pacific View.

We need your help to ensure that there are enough wreaths for every veteran's grave! We invite you to sponsor a wreath for $15.00 (or more if you like!) by clicking on the link below:

https://wreaths.fastport.com/donateLocation.html?page=22501&relate=14751

Your generous contribution will honor the memory of a veteran and also provide financial support for our squadron. And, if you would like to assist us and other community groups by placing wreaths on veteran's graves, please let us know, or sign up on the Wreaths Across America site to volunteer.

Thank you for helping Civil Air Patrol and Squadron 150 honor our veterans this Holiday season!

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Sharing Another CAP Historical Video

As you may know Civil Air Patrol celebrates our 75th anniversary on 01 December, 2016. In honor of our 75th anniversary we have been sharing historical videos and photos from the CAP archives with you. CAP has an interesting, rich and varied history and we're excited to share these with you!




For more information about CAP's 75th anniversary visit http://www.cap75th.com/.

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Wings, Wheels and Rotors 2016

Members of Squadron 150 represented our squadron well at this year's Wings, Wheels and Rotors held at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) on 23 October, 2016. Wings, Wheels and Rotors is an annual event presented by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce which showcases a variety of current and classic aircraft, classic cars and this year we had a special guest the USAF Thunderbirds who were in town to perform for the Huntington Beach Airshow.

Squadron 150's tent on the flightline

Squadron Commander Capt David Powell, CAP with members of Squadron 150

SM Tamara Clark spending time with the cadets of Squadron 153

CAP members from throughout the area were instrumental in the success of Wings, Wheels and Rotors and we would be remiss if we didn't mention their contributions and thank them for making WWE2016 a success. CAP members helped direct traffic, kept the public a safe distance from where the Thunderbirds were parked, while also taking the time to engage the public and answer questions the public might have had about the Thunderbirds, CAP and even where the nearest restroom facilities were!

We're looking forward to being a part of Wings, Wheels and Rotors again next year. And stay tuned for future blog posts with video from the USAF Thunderbirds taking off from Los Alamitos JFTB!


Tuesday, October 25, 2016

UDF Training Continues on 27 October, 2016

In the month of October Squadron 150 members have focused on Urban Direction Finding (UDF) training for members seeking to become qualified UDF team members. Our first training in this series was held on Thursday 13 October, 2016 at our HQ at Los Alamitos JFT and was conducted by Maj John Hill Squadron 150 Emergency Services Officer and Maj John Frerichs who is the South Coast Group 7 Communications Officer.

Photo Credit: 2d Lt Rommel Anacan
The training concluded with a valuable exercise to locate a practice emergency locator transmitter (ELT) that had been activated and hidden (quite skillfully, we might add!) on base.

This week Majors Hill and Frerichs will continue our squadron's UDF training during the Squadron 150 meeting on Thursday 27 October, 2016. Majors Hill and Frerichs are some of the most experienced and qualified officers in South Coast Group 7 and California Wing in the areas of UDF and communications and we are fortunate to have their expertise.

If you're a communications enthusiast, have DF experience, or are simply interested in learning how to serve your community in Emergency Services, we invite you to attend of our squadron meetings to see what YOU could do in Civil Air Patrol!

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Civil Air Patrol 75th Anniversary Tribute Video


In honor of CAP's 75th Anniversary we are sharing videos created to commemorate the occasion. This video is by Scott Matthews, a Tennessee Wing member and 1999 Spaatz cadet who has been recognized with an Emmy for his video production work. The video debuted at the 2016 CAP National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. 




Video Courtesy: CAP NHQ

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Urban Direction Finding (UDF) Training Begins October 13th

When a mission call comes in to CAP from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) that an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) or a personal locator beacon (PLB) has been activated and AFRCC needs us to find the source of the transmission it often takes the efforts of both aircrews and ground-based UDF teams, using direction finding (DF) equipment, to determine the location of the target. In fact, just a few weeks ago members from our squadron participated in a UDF mission in Orange County.

Photo Courtesy: Nebraska Wing Civil Air Patrol

This month Squadron 150 will focus on UDF training for squadron members seeking to become qualified UDF team members. Our first training will be held this Thursday at 1930 at our HQ at Losd Alamitos JFTB.

This training will be conducted by Maj John Hill Squadron 150 Emergency Services Officer and veteran of many UDF missions and Maj John Frerichs who is the South Coast Group 7 Communications Officer. Both of these officers provide years of experience and expertise in UDF and communications and we are looking forward to training and qualifying a new batch of UDF team members.

If you're a communications enthusiast, have DF experience, or are simply interested in learning how to serve your community, we invite you to attend of our squadron meetings to see if Civil Air Patrol is right for you! Please use the contact form on this page to introduce yourself to us and we look forward to meeting you!

Tuesday, October 04, 2016

Congratulations to Squadron 150 Award Winners!

It was a very good night for Long Beach Senior Squadron 150 at the South Coast Group 7 Awards Banquet held on 24 September, 2016 at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim!  Several squadron members received awards and/or were asked to take on additional assignments at the Group level, while former Squadron 150 members were promoted and/or appointed to positions at South Coast Group 7.

Congratulations to ...
  • Maj. Jerry Civalleri who was awarded the South Coast Group 7 Professional Development Officer of the Year. 
  • 1st Lt. Michael Wetsman who was named the South Coast Group 7 Safety Officer of the Year. (Lieutenant Wetsman has also been appointed the South Coast Group 7 Safety Officer.)
  • 2d Lt. Rommel Anacan who received the South Coast Group 7 Public Affairs Officer of the Year award. (In addition to his duties at Squadron 150, Lieutenant Anacan was appointed a Group 7 Assistant Public Affairs Officer.)

South Coast Group 7 Award Winners from Squadron 150 
(Photo Credit: Capt. David Powell)
We are also happy to announce that several former Squadron 150 members received promotions and/or were appointed to new duty assignments at Group 7 during the banquet. 

Please help us in congratulating...
  • Capt. Bodo Rau on his promotion to the grade of Major. Major Rau was recently named the Group 7 Finance Officer and Group 7 Assistant Operations Officer.
  • Capt. John Frerichs on his promotion to the grade of Major. Major Frerichs continues in his role as the Group 7 Communications Officer. 
  • Former Squadron 150 Commander Capt. Lloyd Bumanglag who was named the Group 7 Professional Development Officer, Assistant Public Affairs Officer and IT Officer. 
  • Former Squadron 150 Commander, Lt. Col. William Phinizy who was appointed Group 7 Deputy Commander and continues in his role as Group 7 Assistant Communications Officer.
Current and Former Squadron 150 Members at the South Coast Group 7 Awards Banquet
(Photo Credit: Maj. Craig Newton)
Lastly, we want to thank Lt Col. Robert Calderone for his service as Commander of South Coast Group 7 for the past three years. We also welcome incoming Group 7 Commander, Lt Col. Jim Robertson. We look forward to working with you!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Congratulations Maj Jerry Civalleri!

Long Beach Senior Squadron 150, Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary announced the promotion of Capt Joseph (Jerry) Civalleri, CAP to the grade of Major in a ceremony at Long Beach Senior Squadron 150 headquarters on Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base on 22 Sept, 2016.


Maj Alexander Smith (L) and Squadron Commander Capt David Powell (R) pinning the new grade on Maj Jerry Civalleri's (center) uniform

Major Civalleri has been an integral part of the operation and success of Long Beach Senior Squadron 150 since he joined Civil Air Patrol in 2009. He currently serves as the squadron's Professional Development Officer, Assistant Communications Officer and Assistant Personnel Officer. Civalleri has also served as the squadron's Assistant Aerospace Education Officer and Assistant Recruiting and Retention Officer.

Major Civalleri holds Emergency Services Qualifications as a Mission Observer, Mission Scanner, Mission Radio Operator, and Mission Staff Assistant. He is also a Skills Evaluator and is qualified to serve on Counter Drug missions.


Congratulations Major Civalleri, on your well-deserved promotion!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Help Squadron 150 Honor Fallen Veterans this Holiday Season

Squadron 150 is proud to announce that we are participating in Wreaths Across America this year. Wreaths Across America is a nationwide service project to honor fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves in cemeteries all across the nation. There are over 1,000 participating locations this year and Squadron 150 has chosen to support and participate at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar.


This year it's particularly meaningful for our unit because one of our squadron members has a loved one, who was a veteran, laying at rest in Pacific View. As a squadron we look forward to honoring and remembering this veteran along with the close to 8,000 other veterans at rest in Pacific View.


We need your help to ensure that there are enough wreaths for every veteran's grave! We invite you to sponsor a wreath for $15.00 (or more if you like!) by clicking on the link below:

https://wreaths.fastport.com/donateLocation.html?page=22501&relate=14751

Your generous contribution will honor the memory of a veteran and also provide financial support for our squadron. And, if you would like to assist us and other community groups by placing wreaths on veteran's graves, please let us know, or sign up on the Wreaths Across America site to volunteer.

Thank you for helping Civil Air Patrol and Squadron 150 honor our veterans this Holiday season!

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Squadron 150 Begins New Aircrew Training Class


One of Civil Air Patrol's primary missions is in Emergency Services. To fulfill our squadron's goal of always being operationally ready when needed, we have begun a new aircrew training series for new members and for members who are pursuing new aircrew positions. 



The first aircrew position available to members is that of a Mission Scanner. As the name implies the Mission Scanner is responsible for scanning for the search target from the aircraft. There is more to successful scanning than simply looking out the window! There is a method of scanning that is taught in CAP that makes our scanning efforts more effective, while also reducing visual strain.

Mission Scanners are also an integral part of the safe operation of the aircraft, along with the pilot and Mission Observer, so Mission Scanners are also taught the basics of aircraft operation, screw resource management concepts and airplane safety, among other valuable skills.

Mission Observers sit in the front right seat and perform a vital role, often as the commander of the mission, allowing the pilot to focus on flying the airplane safely and effectively. During a search Mission Observers will also perform visual search out of the right side of the aircraft (Mission Scanners generally are seated on the pilot's side of the aircraft.)

Mission Observers will also maintain radio communications with the mission base, assist with navigation, maintain communications with air traffic control (for observers that are also pilots), and assist the pilot with mission planning.

If you're interested in being a part of a Civil Air Patrol aircrew, send us a message through our website and we'd love to tell you a little more about what you can do in CAP!


Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Civil Air Patrol Historical Video Produced by AOPA


This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of Civil Air Patrol. As part of our celebration of CAP's anniversary we will be sharing highlights from the history of CAP from now through the end of the year on our website. 

This historical video was produced by the AOPA about the early history of Civil Air Patrol. CAP founder Gill Robb Wilson was also the founder of AOPA and CAP's highest award is named after Wilson.

Enjoy!!




Video courtesy of AOPA and CAP NHQ. 

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

The Symbols of Civil Air Patrol: Logo

Over the past few weeks we have been discussing the various symbols used by Civil Air Patrol. 

These include the Civil Air Patrol Seal, which is used on CAP official documents, letterhead and the CAP Corporate Working Uniform (blue polo shirt):

The CAP Command Emblem which is used on on CAP vehicles, aircraft and on flight duty uniforms:


The last symbol currently in use by Civil Air Patrol is the logo. The logo was approved in 2012 by the CAP National Executive Committee and is generally used for used for advertising, marketing, recruiting and promotional purposes.



The logo maintains the heritage and history of CAP's previous emblems with the use of the red propeller within a triangle, while also presenting a simple, clean and modern symbol representing CAP's future. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

What Can You Do in Civil Air Patrol?| Fly Gliders!

When I made the decision to join the Civil Air Patrol, one of the key factors in that decision was my love for aviation. While I am not a pilot (although becoming one is now on the "bucket list") I have always had a passion or aviation-so joining CAP seemed the natural choice. Since joining I have logged a few hours in a CAP plane, riding in the back seat as an aircrew member (mission scanner) and have enjoyed every minute of my flight time, while learning new skills that can help my community in times of need. It's a good deal, right?

So, when the opportunity came up to ride in a CAP glider, I decided that it was time to take advantage of that opportunity! CAP Glider Training Squadron 41 shares our HQ at Los Alamitos JFTB (except that they meet every other Tuesday evening) and they have aerotow glider operations and winch-launched glider operations. I joined the members of Squadron 41 recently and this is a video from that day.



My thanks to the members of Squadron 41 for the flights and for your work in training current and future glider pilots!

by: 2d Lt Rommel Anacan, Deputy Commander


Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The Symbols of Civil Air Patrol-Part Three | Command Emblem


This is the Civil Air Patrol "Command Emblem." 


As you can see the CAP Command Emblem is similar in appearance to the Major Command emblems used by the US Air Force. In the photo below you can see CAP-USAF Commander Col. Michael Tyynismaa (in the middle) wearing the command patch of the Air Education and Training Command (of which CAP-USAF was a part of until recently (it has now transitioned over to the 1st Air Force under Air Combat Command) on his flight suit. 

CAP National Commander Maj Gen. Joe Vasquez (L), CAP-USAF Commander Col. Michael Tyynismaa (M) and Gen. Herbert Carlisle, USAF (R)

The CAP Command Emblem is used on: 

(1) Corporate aircraft (as prescribed by CAPR 66-1 and any other directive as issued). 
(2) The doors of corporate–owned vehicles (as prescribed by CAPR 77-1). 
(3) The doors of member–owned vehicles (as prescribed by CAPR 77-1) used for CAP business upon written approval of the wing or region commander as appropriate. Such approval will be granted only where its use would reflect favorably upon CAP. 
(4) CAP-owned equipment (base station radios, handheld radios, DF equipment, etc.) as prescribed by CAPR 174-1 and any other directive as issued. 
(5) Membership cards issued 

CAP Cessna 182 with Command Emblem
Just as in the Air Force, the Command Emblem is also used on CAP Flight Duty Uniforms. In the picture below you can see Capt. Bodo Rau (L) and squadron commander Capt. David Powell (R) wearing the CAP Command Emblem on their flight uniforms. 



The previous version of the Command Emblem is shown below, and has been phased out of use for several years now. 


Before the adoption of the Command Emblem CAP members wore the following patch on their flight duty uniforms:


And the (now retired) CAP Emblem (below) was found on vehicles and CAP equipment. While no longer in use, CAP still controls the rights to the use of the emblem and you may still see it on "heritage" uniform, apparel, and accessories. 


For more information on CAP Symbols please review the latest version of CAPR 900-2

Tuesday, August 09, 2016

The Symbols of Civil Air Patrol-Part Two | The Seal


Civil Air Patrol has three main symbols-the Seal, Command Insignia and Logo. While all three symbols have different purposes and usages, they are all derived from the original CAP insignia which we discussed in Part One. 

The Civil Air Patrol seal is the legal seal of the organization and is most commonly found on official documents, letterhead and business cards when the use of the CAP Seal would be more appropriate than the CAP Logo (which we will discuss in a future post.) The CAP Seal is also used on the CAP blue polo shirt uniform. 

As you can see the Civil Air Patrol Seal (below) is derived from the Seal of the United States Air Force (bottom) and incorporates the CAP propeller in triangle first seen on the original CAP insignia. An earlier version of the Seal had the words "Civil Air Patrol" at the top of the circle and "Auxiliary United States Air Force" on the bottom-which was succeeded by the current seal in the early 1980's. 





Here is the official description of the Seal according to CAPR 900-2:

(1) Crest. The crest includes the American eagle, which is symbolic of the United States and air-striking power; the cloud formation behind the eagle depicts the creation of a new firmament; and the twists of the wreaths beneath the eagle incorporate the colors of the basic shield design 
(2) Shield. The CAP logo is superimposed on the shield. 
(3) Encircling Stars. The encircling 13 stars represent the original 13 colonies of the United States, and the three set apart at the top of the design portray the three departments within the Department of Defense —the Army, Navy and Air Force.

CAP is proud of our connection with the US Air Force and to serve as it's Auxiliary! Did you know that in 2015 Civil Air Patrol was named a full member of the US Air Force Total Force when performing missions as the USAF Auxiliary?

Next time we will discuss the Command Insignia most commonly worn on flight duty uniforms and found on CAP aircraft and vehicles and the Logo. 

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Announcing Squadron 150's New Deputy Commander

Civil Air Patrol Long Beach Senior Squadron 150 Commander Capt. David Powell, CAP appointed 2nd Lt. Rommel Anacan, CAP to the position of Squadron Deputy Commander on 26 July, 2016.

Capt. Powell said, "I am pleased to announce that 2nd Lt. Anacan is our new Deputy Commander effective immediately.  He has a business and consulting background that is uniquely fitted to develop our organization and help move us to the next level. His continued effort and support in helping Squadron 150 grow has been priceless, and he will be a great asset in the leadership of our squadron."

2nd Lt. Rommel Anacan, CAP
2nd Lt. Anacan said, "I want to thank Capt. Powell for the confidence he has placed in me in appointing me to the position of Deputy Commander. I look forward to assisting him in leading this great squadron and in working with all of our members and partners in carrying out the missions of Civil Air Patrol."

2nd Lt. Anacan joined Civil Air Patrol in September 2015 out of a desire to serve the community and also because of his lifelong interest in aviation. He currently serves as the squadron's Public Affairs Officer (where he holds a Technician rating), is a qualified aircrew Mission Scanner and is also currently training to be an Airborne Photographer and Urban Direction Finder.

When he is not serving in Civil Air Patrol 2nd Lt. Anacan is the president of an organizational development, motivational speaking and corporate training firm based in Orange County, California.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The History of the Symbols of Civil Air Patrol | Part One

The symbols of Civil Air Patrol reveal our origins as a component of the Office of Civilian Defense. For decades the Civil Defense logo was ubiquitous all around the nation and could be found everywhere from cars, signs, shelters, and sirens. Remember this?


On 12 February, 1942 CAP NHQ approved the official CAP symbol:

"Operational Directive No. 2 February 12, 1942, (OD No. 2)  National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol Office of Civilian Defense(Washington

The Civil Air Patrol insignia (blue disk with superimposed white triangle and with red three-bladed propeller superimposed on white triangle) shall be placed on the wings and fuselage of all aircraft engaged in official Civil Air Patrol Missions. Any aircraft while displaying such insignia shall be flown exclusively by members of the Civil Air patrol."



A member of CAP during World War II. You can see the CAP insignia on her left shoulder


The insignia on the right was used circa 1942-1944 while the insignia on the left, with "Civil Air Patrol" added to the patch was introduced in 1944. 
Because CAP was a part of the Office of Civilian Defense it was only natural that CAP's insignia was derived from CD insignia. CAP's symbol during the WWII era was the blue circle and white triangle found on the Civilian Defense insignia, with a red triangle replacing the letters "CD." Later versions of this emblem included the letters "US."

For reference here is a poster with the other CD insignia of the era. 





Interestingly, CAP's insignia (albeit used in a modified form today) is the only insignia on this poster still used today, as the concepts of and the term Civilian Defense (and later Civil Defense) fell out of favor as the nation transitioned to policies of "Emergency Management." In fact, today's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a direct descendant of The Office of Civilian Defense (and it's various incarnations during the post-World War II and Cold War period.)

CAP kept its CD-derived insignia even after it was transferred to the authority of the War Department and became the auxiliary of the United States Army Air Forces. 


In future posts we will see the evolution of the symbols of CAP and the balance of maintaining a link to CAP's history and looking forward towards CAP's future. 

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Good Leaders Practice Servant Leadership


Note: We came across this article by Chief Master Sgt. Tyrone Davis, USAF and would like to share it with you.

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Servant leadership is a concept that may be a little different from the normal discussions concerning leadership. 

Though many of us practice this concept every day, we haven't thought about it as being in relationship to a servant. 

The phrase, "I joined the military to serve my country," has been used by many people. But how much thought has really been put into the concept to serve or become a servant? To serve, you must take on the role of a servant ...


To read more, click on this link: http://www.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/tabid/271/Article/141438/good-leaders-practice-servant-leadership.aspx

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Squadron 150 Participates in SAREX and Airborne Photography Ground School

This was not a typical Father's Day weekend for the members of Squadron 150 that participated in two Group trainings, including a Search and Rescue Training Exercise (SAREX) and an Airborne Photography Ground School during the weekend of 18 June-19 June, 2016.

Cessna 206 doing a short field take off

Airborne Photography Ground School
The Airborne Photography Ground School took place on 18 June, 2016 at the Metro Cities Fire Dispatch headquarters in Anaheim on 18 June, 2016. In the past few years airborne photography has become one of CAWG's leading mission requests, with agencies such as FEMA and CalOES tasking CAP to perform these missions.

SAREX
Squadron 150's Director of Operations Capt. Bodo Rau was the lead project manager for the SAREX which saw over 20 Civil Air Patrol Airmen from multiple Groups (including members from Squadron 150) participate as aircrew in nine air sorties over two days and as ground staff for KFUL Mission Base. Two CAP aircraft were used during the weekend including a Cessna 182 (equipped with the G1000 system) and a Cessna 206.


(L to R) Capt. Rich Lovick (Incident Commander), Capt Bodo Rau (Lead Project Officer) and Maj. Gardner Harris 

Our squadron's thanks to Captain Rau for his hard work and efforts in planning and executing a successful SAREX, to the members who volunteered their time to participate in the SAREX and to Capt. Dan Eichelberger and Capt. Craig Newton for planning, facilitating and instructing the members who attended AP Ground School.