CAP
The world has changed, and so has Civil Air Patrol’s mission.
That was the prevailing theme recently when Connecticut Wing members gathered at the Bradley International Airport Sheraton for the annual wing conference. They heard Col. Cassandra Huchko, wing commander, drive home the point that CAP is “the best-kept secret” in the U.S. arsenal, ready to adapt to a changing world and take on any mission thrust into its path.
During her “State of the Wing” address Huchko also touched on the importance of the wing’s performance throughout the year and how it’s adapting to the nation and state’s changing needs.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the wing flew more than 278 hours per aircraft, for a total of, 1392 hours. Cadet orientation, counter-drug, and Long Island Sound Patrol flights were all part of the mix. In addition, cadet flight training hours were up more than 100 percent, with two cadets receiving their private license.
The most memorable moment of the afternoon session proved to be the presentation of Disaster Relief Ribbons to aircrews, ground teams and staff for their efforts and assistance in dealing with Hurricane Irene and its aftermath. Wing members’ training paid off, as the hard work and dedication of all involved has helped make CAP the go-to organization when the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and other agencies need to get assets in the air and boots on the ground quickly to respond to a disaster.
The afternoon sessions provided a peek at CAP’s future role and the arsenal of new technology available to meet that challenge. A presentation by the Northeast Region’s emergency services officer, Lt. Col. Paul Ghiron, focused on CAP’s role in cutting-edge programs like the GIIEP (Geospatial Information Interoperable Exploration Portable) system as well as on the training needed to bring members up to speed.
With air reconnaissance rapidly becoming the organization’s most important mission, Maj. Michael Heath, wing director of emergency services, conducted a workshop on how to use existing technology like the Nikon D-90 camera to generate a better product for CAP’s customers. Equipped with the latest GPS technology, members can now provide high-resolution aerial photos embedded with latitude, longitude, altitude and direction.
When night fell, the stars came out for the awards dinner, where the guest of honor, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James M. Skiff, provided an in-depth view of the military’s changing role during his 44 years of service to his country. Skiff, who flew 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia and 25 combat missions in Bosnia and southern Iraq, also assured his audience that “cadets are the next great generation.”
A hush came over the room when Maj. Jeff Travers, master of ceremonies for the dinner as well as finance officer for the Royal Charter Composite Squadron, read the details of Capt. Lenny Kimball’s heroic efforts during an in-flight emergency when he and his Royal Charter squadron aircrew experienced an on-board electrical fire during a recent training mission. Kimball’s professionalism and quick thinking helped avert a potential disaster, and the plane and crew landed safely at Waterbury-Oxford Airport.
Without question, the highlight of the evening was Huchko’s presentation of the Connecticut Wing and National Cadet of the Year awards to the parents of Cadet Col. Ryan Chapman of the 801st Cadet Squadron. Chapman, in his first year at the U.S. Military Academy after an early appointment, was presented with his award at West Point.
As the festivities wound to a close Huchko told the audience that the last award was the toughest to decide. Everyone cheered when Col. Lloyd R. Sturges, wing director of operations, was presented with both the Commanders Award and Connecticut Wing Staff Officer of the Year for 2011.
Submitted by 2nd Lt. David Nelson
Public Affairs Officer
Connecticut Wing