Professional Documents
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I am pleased to present this report of the Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) activities for 2007. I will be happy to provide additional
information or answer any of your questions about the Alaska Wing or the Civil Air Patrol in general. It is important that you understand the
history, missions, and value that the USAF Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) brings to our nation and communities in particular.
The Civil Air Patrol is a private, non-profit corporation chartered on 1 December 1941 under special Act of Congress, which sets forth the
purposes, rights, and duties of the Civil Air Patrol. The United States Congress later incorporated the CAP as a benevolent non-profit
organization on 1 July 1946, and on 26 May 1948 the Alaska Wing became an auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
The objective and purposes of CAP shall be:
I. To provide an organization to encourage and aid American citizens in the contribution of their efforts, services, and resources in the
development of aviation and in the maintenance of aerospace supremacy.
II. To provide an organization to encourage and develop by example, the voluntary contribution of private citizens to the public welfare.
III. To provide aviation and aerospace education and training to its senior and cadet membership.
IV. To encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities.
V. To provide an organization of private citizens with adequate facilities to assist in meeting local and national emergencies.
VI. To assist the Department of the Air Force in fulfilling its non-combat programs and missions.
VII. To assist the branches of the Armed Services in their respective roles in Homeland Security Missions.
The Civil Air Patrol has three congressional charter missions. They are:
The Alaska Wing was established in 1948; presently we have 18 squadrons and a headquarters unit, supported by a volunteer staff of 935
senior members and 231 cadets. The funds granted to us by the State of Alaska supports the main infrastructure of the Alaska Wing CAP.
This support enables us to maintain 17 facilities through out the state and employ 5 full time A&P Mechanics, 1 "ramper", and 1 clerical
position.
The Alaska Wing CAP has served Alaskans with skill and intense dedication to the principles inherent in the beginning Years of the Civil Air
Patrol. Alaska volunteers will continue to service our state with Aerospace Education, Cadet moral leadership and Drug Reduction programs,
Emergency Services, Homeland Security, Cadet and Senior member training and promotion of Aerospace Education assistance to the schools
and public at large. In the next few pages you will also see that the Alaska Wing was involved in 55% of all State RCC Search & Rescue
missions.
This is the start of my third year as Commander of the Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol. I wish to thank the Governor, and the members of the
Legislature in advance for your support. Additionally, my deepest gratitude to those CAP members of Alaska who have given of their time
and personal resources for the ideals of CAP, and to thank the Citizens of Alaska who supported the Alaska Civil Air Patrol Volunteers-----
our greatest resource, the professionals that donate their time
Serving and defending the nation at home while others are serving away!”
ACTIVITIES OF THE ALASKA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL
The people of Alaska require and deserve effective air search and rescue and disaster relief services. One way the government of Alaska has
responded to fulfill this commitment is through the use of the U.S. Air Force’s official auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to prosecute these
life threatening, time critical missions. When CAP responds to perform Search and Rescue activities, or other Emergency Services on official
U.S. Air Force missions, the Air Force pays for operational aircraft expenses only. The only federal funds received by the Alaska Wing CAP
are for reimbursement only for actual aircraft costs incurred during search activities. These funds are expended through the Air Force and
cannot be used for any other purpose than reimbursement of fuel and aircraft maintenance. The volunteers donate their time, setting aside
family and employment responsibilities to fly search and rescue, with the only compensation being helping out the community.
The state’s contribution to CAP of $553,500 annually covers costs of the basic infrastructure necessary to operate. These expenses are for
training, administration, maintenance heating and hangaring of aircraft, and management which cannot, be funded by the Air Force.
Fortunately, the State of Alaska has provided funds that maintain the vital organizational structure through which volunteerism by CAP
members can take place. Without this support from the state, CAP could not exist and the state emergency services would have to turn to the
private market place, use other state agencies, or create its own response force. Either way, it would be extremely expensive. The CAP and
its volunteer force is the best bargain available.
Without the Alaska CAP, the burden for search and rescue, and other missions we support including Homeland Security and Disaster
Response, will fall on the Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Air National Guard, both of which are also supported by state funds. Some
of our facilities supported by the state appropriation, are shared with the Department of Public Safety (State Troopers). CAP, with the
combination of corporate and volunteer aircraft commands a fleet that is over three times the size of the Troopers, and serves as a force
multiplier for them. Below are a few cost comparisons.
USAF Contributions
Facilities $ 929,920
Training Exercises $ 118,604
Actual Missions $ 16,231
Aircraft Maintenance $ 100,588
USAF Contributions Total Value $ 1,165,343
Civil Air Patrol Assets / Services at no cost to the State of Alaska Valued at $22,006,048
ALASKA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL FINANCE REPORT – FY07 Operating Expenses
$1,200,000 $1,101,121
$951,011 $963,873
$1,000,000
$800,000
$553,500 Expenses
$600,000 $503,100 $503,100
State Grant
$400,000
$200,000
$0
FY05 FY06 FY07
ALASKA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL FINANCE REPORT – FY07 Operational Income
TOTAL $881,840
USAF/CAP
LIAISON OFFICE
Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol was again a premier Search and Rescue organization statewide for 2006. CAP members accounted for
30% of all Search and Rescue flying hours and participated in 55% of all air searches in Alaska. Summarizing CY07’s mission activity,
CAP volunteers participated in 100 missions flying 61 sorties and logging 111 flying hours. As a direct result, 5 individuals owe their lives
to these timely actions and another 13 people were assisted before life threatening conditions developed. Fourteen of the Wing's flying
squadrons participated in at least one SAR mission. Cadets and senior members accounted for finding and silencing over 76 errant ELT'S.
The Wing continued its long-standing tradition of providing excellent support to 11th Air Force.
Air Force funded Emergency Services exercises continued to provide CAP member training, enhancing their flying skills and
developing operational excellence. Approximately 990 hours were flown on these exercises, enabling members to improve mission
efficiency and hone search and rescue skills. By integrating these exercises with other federal and state agencies, the Alaska Wing CAP has
maintained a high state of readiness, ensuring that the CAP will be there when disaster strikes.
The continued inspiring dedication and devotion of the CAP to its humanitarian mission ensured outstanding response under trying
conditions. All of the volunteers in the Alaska Wing CAP can take great pride in their dedication and skill that saved 5 Alaskans.
Congratulations on a superb performance.
The CAP chaplains and moral leadership officers in Alaska were busy in 2007 with the following activities: counseling; hospital
visitation; cadet training; teaching moral leadership; pastoral visits; conducting worship services; attending training; opening
meetings with prayer; and taking part in training and actual search and rescues. Chaplain Blair Rorabaugh had 110 attend a funeral
for a Civil Air Patrol member that died in 2007.
Moral Leadership Officer, Maj. John W. Erickson, started a cadet squadron in the valley.
Chaplain Frank Ockert renewed his membership – 40 years with the Civil Air Patrol! That’s the up side; the down side is at 83 he
is stepping down from chaplain duty at the Sitka squadron.
Respectfully Submitted,
In Alaska, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is perhaps best known for its robust Air Search and Rescue capabilities. However, there is another
category of volunteer here in Alaska: the cadet member of the Civil Air Patrol.
At the end of 2007, Alaska Wing consisted of 935 Senior members, and 231 cadets. These young people have volunteered to serve America
and are dedicated to personal development, enabling them to become the type of people who can be of great service to the State of Alaska, as
well as the Nation.
Established during World War II to give America’s youth exposure to aviation principles, the CAP Cadet Program revolves around five
elements: Aerospace Education, Moral Leadership, Physical Training, Leadership Laboratory and Special Activities.
Aerospace Education – The United States Congress chartered the Civil Air Patrol with the task of
promoting an appreciation for air and space technologies among its members. As such, the CAP Cadet
Program provides its members an opportunity to study of the principles of flight, navigation, weather,
astronomy, and aviation history, to name a few. Cadets prove their proficiency through a series of written
examinations and hands-on activities.
Moral Leadership – Concepts of ethics and honor are explored and discussed under the guidance of
chaplains and moral leadership officers. Cadets are presented with challenging moral dilemmas, and
through open forum discussions, begin to work out the ramifications of their potential actions. The Alaska
Wing has also imposed an Honor Code on its cadets, calling for them to demonstrate integrity and honesty in all they do. Civil Air Patrol is
one of the few youth organizations that dedicate a significant portion of its program to personal morality.
Physical Training – The Civil Air Patrol has adopted as its standard the President’s Council
on Physical Fitness. In order to advance in the Cadet Program, cadets must demonstrate
physical prowess compared to American youth their own age. Cadets build strength,
endurance and flexibility – encouraging attributes that lead to a long and healthy lifestyle.
Leadership Laboratory – Civil Air Patrol is the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
As such, it is organized along military precepts, and cadets wear the Air Force uniform with
distinct Civil Air Patrol insignia, invoking great responsibility in standards of appearance and
behavior. The Cadet Program emphasizes observance of appropriate USAF customs and
courtesies among its members as a learning experience, as well as an understanding of how
each member contributes to the greater whole. Cadets get many opportunities to experience
success and build their self-confidence, and
chances to learn from their mistakes in a “laboratory” environment. Using this experience, more
experienced cadets are given an opportunity to lead their younger peers, leading the youth of today
to become the solid civilian and military leaders that will be depended upon tomorrow.
Special Activities – Civil Air Patrol offers a variety of opportunities on local, state and national
levels. These activities are designed to provide visual and kinetic reinforcement of the other four
elements of the CAP Cadet Program. Community service activities and competitions are frequent
events, enhanced by career-oriented activities in the aviation industry. The obvious objective of
the Special Activities is to ensure that the cadets have fun and enjoy being cadets. This not only
aids in recruiting, but also ensures retention.
During 2007, CAP Cadets from across the state participated in varied activities at 13 local
squadrons. On a state-wide level, cadets were eligible to participate in the Color Guard
Competition, Glider Academy, as well as Wing Encampment.
The Color Guard Competition was held in March at the National Guard Armory at Fort
Richardson, AK. Two teams participated in the event. Judges were provided by the USAF Honor
Guard from Elmendorf Air Force Base. The teams were scored on six different events. Polaris
Squadron went on to represent the State of Alaska at the CAP Pacific Region Competition in
California. The Glider Academy was held in June at Clear Air Force Station. Instructional glider
flights were accomplished for the 11 participants during this event.
The Alaska Wing Summer Encampment was held in July 2007 at Fort Richardson Army Post. The 2007
Encampment was attended by 43 first-time cadets with 13 experienced cadets serving on staff. In a ten-
day stay on Fort Richardson, cadets experienced life on a military installation. During Encampment, they
were presented with seemingly impossible standards that they are required to meet. The valuable lessons
which they learn, of working together and meeting objectives, are carried forward into life. Army and Air
Force personnel both assisted to make this year’s Encampment a huge success by providing rides in a
Black Hawk helicopter, tours of the F-15 and F-22 aircraft, a run through the Obstacle Course, a tour of
the Air Traffic Control Tower, jumps from the Parachute Jump Tower, and many other events.
Cadets from Alaska also participated at power and glider flight schools, aircraft manufacturing, and
other unique opportunities to work with special Air Force units at National Cadet Special Activities.
It has been demonstrated that the right program at the right time can transform the lives of young people,
laying the foundation for great personal success. The Civil Air Patrol uses the five elements of the
Cadet Program in conjunction with its unique role as the United States Air Force’s Auxiliary to offer
today’s youth something truly special. By stressing the Air Force’s core values of “Integrity First,
Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do”, the Civil Air Patrol can provide the structure and
guidance that the youth of Alaska so earnestly seek, thus maximizing the contribution they are able to
make to their community, state and nation, both now and in the future.
Karen Hursh,
Director of Cadet Programs
Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol
2007 Annual Report for Glider Program
The purpose of the Civil Air Patrol glider program is to introduce eligible CAP cadets to one of the most basic forms of aerospace education
through hands-on orientation and instructional flights, while providing a quality aviation experience in a safe environment. It is hoped that for
many, this will inspire them to seek aerospace careers.
While the main focus of the CAP funded glider program is intended to be the cadets it is also important for the senior members. To support
the cadets there must be senior members who are orientation pilots, instructor pilots, and cadet supervising senior members. CAP senior
member volunteers are required to learn, maintain, and most importantly pass on to the cadets the skills and judgment necessary to maintain a
high and predictable level of safety. While accomplishing these tasks the senior members are improving their skills important for their other
CAP duties.
The Alaska Wing Glider program has two operation sites: the Interior and the Anchorage Bowl. The program is organized utilizing the CAP
squadron format. The officers are: director of glider program, coordinator of tow activities, coordinator of cadet activities, coordinator of
instruction, and coordinator of safety. The program operates under the provisions of the Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol Glider Program
Operations and Procedures Manual. Communications within the program is facilitated through a discussion group on line at akmtnsoaring@
yahoogroups. com.
The Alaska Wing Glider program flew in excess of 318 flights during 2007. The Alaska Wing placed eighth compared to all Wings
nationally in terms of number of glider flights. This comes to an average of 64 flights per glider in the Wing. The four tow planes flew a total
of 509.9 hours, averaging 127 hours/plane.
Year Placement Nation wide # of AK flights # of National flights # of gliders Average flights per glider
2007 8th 318 6,783 6 101
2006 4th 605 5,538 6 120
2005 3rd 719 7,048 5 111
2004 4th 556 6,650
2003 7th 449 8,098
The Alaska Wing glider program started the season with 9 CFIGs, one additional cadet
orientation pilot, and 13 tow pilots. Five of the tow pilots are also CFIGs. Due to attrition it
appears that the program will retain 7 CFIGs, the one orientation pilot, and 11 tow pilots.
Five of the CFIGs are in the Anchorage area, one in the Interior, and one in Juneau. Five
non-flying senior members provided cadet supervision, program logistics and general
assistance where needed. There were a total of 17 participating senior members.
Several activities took place during the season. There were two
events specifically tailored for cadets. The ASK-21 was
trailored to Glenallen from Fairbanks and was used to provide
cadet orientation and senior member flights for the Gulkana
squadron. In June there was a ten day encampment type
activity at Clear. This involved three gliders, two tow planes, 12 senior members and 8 cadets. One cadet received
his pre-solo pin. The 1-34 was used for static display at the National Guard armory.
The Interior region was able to fly a few cadet orientation rides before the Clear event. The 2-33, which is located
at Eielson, was out of annual after the Clear event. There were no other gliders available to provide the Interior
region. Glider flights continued at Birchwood using the L-13. Several orientation flights were provided and one
cadet, Veronica Morthorpe, who attended the Clear event, continued flight training. It is her expressed desire to
continue glider flight training 2008 and earn her private, commercial and CFIG. Her father says that she earns her
flying money by doing various odd jobs. Our best wishes to her!
The number of flights for 2007 was almost half of 2006 flights. There were many extenuating reasons for this: lack of senior members, glider
accidents, tow plane problems. At the start of the season there were four gliders available: L-13, ASK-21, 2-33 and the 1-34. There were four
aircraft with tow hooks available: two C-172s, one C-182 and one MT-7. At the end of the season there was one glider flying, the L-13. The
L-23, which was damaged in 2006, was not repaired in time to be used during the 2007 gliding season. The MT-7 had starting problems
during the season and was not available much of the time.
Even with nine CFIGs it was often difficult to staff activities. Because of work related activities, personal choices, and personnel location the
norm was that there were only three or four active CFIGs available for the two operation areas, and these were not always available. In order
for the program to succeed and operate at the level it has in the past, new senior members must become active in the program. Additional
CFIGs, tow pilots, orientation pilots, cadet supervisors and general
assistance personnel are needed.
The Maule tow plane was transferred out of state at the end of the season.
As of the date of this report the Alaska Wing has three tow planes: N430CP
(C-172), N9547L (C-172), N9772H (C-182). This is insufficient to provide
for the activities planned for 2008. Gliders can be towed safely with C-172s,
but with additional risks and not as efficiently. The program CFIGs have
determined that tow pilot training cannot be done safely with C-172s at most
of the airports utilized. The C-172 works when flown with 3/4 or less fuel
on board. The CFIGs and tow pilots most emphatically maintain that C-182
tow planes should be the standard for glider towing. A C-182 tow plane
should be located at each of the tow operations areas. The C-172s would be
used as backup in the case the C-182 were not available. The program
personnel recommend that all C-182 and C-172 aircraft have tow hooks with protective skids installed unless they are utilized for specialized
situations such as floats.
As has been in the past, there are two primary glider program goals
for 2008: safety and increased glider flights for both cadets and
senior members. Several activities are being considered for 2008:
-Glider academy at Clear
-Spring tow pilot/CFIG clinic held in conjunction with an external
SSA evaluation of the program.
-Scheduled weekend glider operations for cadets and senior
members
-Invitations to squadrons to bring both senior and cadet members
to either the Interior or Anchorage area for glider flights.
-Evaluate and amend glider manual as appropriate
Maynard Perkins
2004-2007 Director of Glider Operations
ALASKA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL SQUADRONS
ALASKA WING HEADQUARTERS AK WING LEGISLATIVE SQUADRON AFROTC University of Alaska - Anchorage
P.O. Box 6014 Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506 State Capital, Room 420 Juneau, AK 99801 2811 Merrill Field Dr Anchorage, AK 99501
Commander - Carl L. Brown, Jr., Col, CAP Commander – Sharon Cissna, Lt Col, CAP Lt Col Stephen Strom, USAF
akhdqcap@gci.net Representative_Sharon_Cissna@legis.state.ak.us afsls1@uaa.alaska.edu
BETHEL COMPOSITE SQUADRON BIRCHWOOD COMPOSITE SQUADRON BRISTOL BAY FLIGHT SQUADRON
PO BOX 766 Bethel, AK 99559 P.O. Box 670733 Chugiak, AK 99567 P.O. Box 258 King Salmon, AK 99613
Commander – Steve Hayden, 2Lt, CAP Commander – Harry Young, Maj, CAP Commander – Dale Peters, 1 Lt, CAP
Kl1va@hotmail.com harcan@mtaonline.net dmpeters@bristolbay.com