Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol

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Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol

The Connecticut Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary
Associated Branches
United States Air Force
Executive Staff
Commander Col Peter Jensen
Vice Commander Lt Col Matt Valleau and Lt Col Andrew Marteka
Chief of Staff Lt Col Cassandra Huchko
Current Statistics
Squadrons 12
Cadets 306
Seniors 329
Total Membership 635
Statistics as of May 22, 2008[1]
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The Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol is the highest echelon of the Civil Air Patrol in the state of Connecticut. Headquartered in Beers Hall at the Connecticut Valley Hospital campus in Middletown, Connecticut, the Connecticut Wing (CTWG) has 12 primary subordinate units located throughout the state to help it carry out its missions. The missions include providing aerospace education and training for all of its members, teaching leadership skills to Connecticut youth, and performing various domestic emergency services for the United States of America in a noncombatant capacity.

Members were notably instrumental in major events during the Wing's 66-year history, carrying out operations in World War II, 9/11, and the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The Wing has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Unit Citations from the Northeast Region Headquarters and National Headquarters, as well as government recognition by local, state and federal officials. Several individual members, including most cadet officers, are recognized by the Connecticut General Assembly upon receiving their promotions. Governor M. Jodi Rell declared December 1, 2007, Civil Air Patrol Day in the State of Connecticut, in recognition of the continuing efforts of the Wing and held as an anniversary to the Wing's creation on December 1, 1941. The Wing currently has more than 600 members.

Contents

[edit] History

Throughout its 66-year history, the types of missions performed by the Connecticut Wing and the Civil Air Patrol as a whole have changed with the needs of the nation—from operating as subchasers in the 1940s to assisting in Hurricane Katrina operations in the 2000s.[2]

[edit] World War II

Artist's conception of CAP performing a subchasing mission during World War II
Artist's conception of CAP performing a subchasing mission during World War II

The primary mission of the Civil Air Patrol after its incorporation in December of 1941 was to provide a layer of civilian defense against submarine attacks along the coastlines of the United States. The missions were flown in privately owned civil aircraft bearing the CAP insignia and carrying machine guns and depth charges. The combat equipment used by the Civil Air Patrol in this era was paid for by the civilian members, without government support. The Civil Air Patrol assisted the United States Army Air Corps, which had not yet become the independent Air Force. Overall, the White House declared the Civil Air Patrol a success, it having spotted 173 German U-boats, attacked 57, and sunk two. The surviving U-boats began to retreat after the Civil Air Patrol's attack. An unnamed German submarine commander held as a prisoner of war later stated that the retreat was "because of those damned little red and yellow airplanes",[3] referring to the livery of the Civil Air Patrol aircraft in the 1940s. Connecticut Wing was heavily involved in this mission of the Civil Air Patrol, and it received two air medals from the US government for its work. CTWG also flew recovery operations to rescue American pilots who had been downed domestically. One of the Sikorsky S-39 Flying Boats used for the recovery operation is now on display at the New England Air Museum at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.[4]

[edit] Post-war

After the Second World War, the US government officially recognized CAP, for the first time, as a non-combatant civilian agency. Its primary mission changed to domestic protection in the form of search and rescue and disaster relief. Two new goals of the organization were also added: to educate the public on topics of aerospace and aviation, and to educate and train volunteers of America's youth in leadership and military history.[5]

Connecticut Wing has held annual encampments most summers since this time for the education and training of the cadet membership. In the later part of the 20th century, National Headquarters began a cadet orientation program that allowed cadets to receive free flights in CAP aircraft in order to learn more about aviation. Although it is not technically flight training, the Orientation Flight program does provide cadets preliminary exposure to piloting before they begin formal lessons. Actual flight training is offered by CAP at National Flight Academies held annually across the nation for both powered and glider aircraft.[6]

In the late 20th century, a new mission was added to CAP's Emergency Services: Counterdrug Reconnaissance. Conducted only by members who have undergone heavy screening, this mission is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and provides aerial photography by use of the Satellite Digital Imaging System.[7]

A CAP Cessna 182 flies over the Statue of Liberty during a transport mission on September 11, 2001
A CAP Cessna 182 flies over the Statue of Liberty during a transport mission on September 11, 2001

[edit] Operations during 9/11

Civil Air Patrol served as one of the assisting agencies during the attacks of September 11, 2001. At first, New York Wing was called in to fly blood transport missions to bring in blood to Ground Zero. Soon other supplies and even personnel were flown in by CAP. So many missions needed to be flown that many other wings in the northeastern US were activated, including Connecticut Wing. CTWG flew some of these transport missions as well. After the structural collapse of both towers, CAP became the first agency allowed by the US government to fly over Ground Zero. During these missions, CAP was responsible for photographing the area to identify wreckage patterns and find survivors.[8]

[edit] Post-9/11

After September 11, President Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5, which established the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. It mandated that FEMA establish a National Incident Management System (NIMS) as a standard for all federal agencies to use during an attack such as 9/11.[9] NIMS was to include a chain-of-command structure called the Incident Command System (ICS). All federal agencies would have to provide NIMS/ICS training in order to continue to receive federal funding. Civil Air Patrol quickly complied, establishing the General Emergency Services qualification based on completing certain prerequisites including ICS training. The General Emergency Services rating is required of any CAP volunteer who assists in performing missions.[10]

The introduction of these various new agencies created a new mission under CAP's Emergency Services: Homeland Security. CAP has been called upon to fly patrol missions to protect the nation's borders. During the Return to Flight mission STS-114 of Space Shuttle Atlantis after the Columbia disaster, CAP flew patrol missions along the Florida coast to protect the launch pad area.[11]

A CAP aircraft used the Satellite Digital Imaging System to inspect damaged zones for pollution in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
A CAP aircraft used the Satellite Digital Imaging System to inspect damaged zones for pollution in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.

[edit] Hurricane Katrina

CAP provided aerial photographs for damage assessment after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.
CAP provided aerial photographs for damage assessment after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.

The Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, Louisiana, called on CAP volunteers from across the nation to support recovery operations. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, only two communications networks were established to get messages in and out of the disaster zone, one provided by the Amateur Radio Emergency Service for providing welfare messages to friends and family, and the other by CAP to support its recovery mission.[12][13] Volunteers patrolled New Orleans for weeks, logging wreckage patterns and significant damage and calling in medical assistance for survivors. Aerial missions were used to follow the flood patterns and keep the government informed of the status of the levees.[14]

[edit] Present

Connecticut Wing continues to serve all missions assigned to it since World War II. Other missions have been introduced post-Katrina, including the Long Island Sound Patrol (LISP) program. LISP flies patrol mission across Long Island Sound during the summer months in coordination with the United States Coast Guard to provide more immediate assistance to vessels in distress. Connecticut Wing was credited with numerous finds and saves during its inception year in the summer of 2007, and plans have been made to continue the program in the summer of 2008.[15]

[edit] Current command structure

The Sikorsky S-39 Flying Boat flown by Connecticut to rescue downed pilots of subchasers during World War II, now a museum exhibit
The Sikorsky S-39 Flying Boat flown by Connecticut to rescue downed pilots of subchasers during World War II, now a museum exhibit

As of March 2008, the wing commander of the CTWG is Col Peter K. Jensen. The vice commander position is shared by Lt Col Matthew Valleau and Lt Col Andrew Marteka. The chief of staff is Lt Col Cassandra Huchko.[16] The vice commander (Marteka) is responsible for coordinating the wing echelon with the subordinate units, specifically the squadrons. The vice commander (Valleau) is also an assistant of the wing commander, serving as the coordinator of various special projects. The chief of staff is responsible for the staff members located at wing headquarters, who are independent of the individual squadrons. Finally, the wing commander (Jensen) is responsible for connecting the two groups and ensuring that the chief of staff (Huchko) uses the wing staff members to benefit the squadrons who receive these benefits through the vice commander.[17]

Most of the wing-level staff positions fit into various departments led by directors. For example, Emergency Services Officer (DOS) and Ground Training Officer (GO) fit into the Operations Department, led by the Director of Operations (DO).[18] Other positions are not in departments, such as the Finance Officer (FM) and Safety Officer (SE).[19]

Wing staff members meet at the headquarters building, Beers Hall, on the Connecticut Valley Hospital campus in Middletown, Connecticut. They also attend monthly "staff call" meetings to improve internal communication.[20]

[edit] Squadrons under the Connecticut Wing

Since Connecticut does not have so many squadrons that span of control becomes an issue, all 12 of its squadrons are directly under Wing HQ. There are also three non-standard squadrons (000, 001, and 999) under Wing HQ, and there are liaisons with units in other branches of the armed forces, including the AFROTC at the University of Connecticut, which partners with Civil Air Patrol (CAP).[21]

CAPFlight 604, one of Connecticut Wing's Cessna 182 aircraft
CAPFlight 604, one of Connecticut Wing's Cessna 182 aircraft
Squadrons of the Connecticut Wing[22]
Designation Squadron Name Location
CT-000 Inactive Squadron No specific location
CT-001 Wing Headquarters Staff Squadron Middletown
CT-004 103rd Composite Squadron East Granby
CT-011 143rd Composite Squadron Waterbury
CT-014 Silver City Cadet Squadron Meriden
CT-022 Stratford Eagles Composite Squadron Stratford
CT-027 169th Composite Squadron Manchester
CT-042 399th Composite Squadron Danbury
CT-058 Charles K. Hamilton Composite Squadron Plainville
CT-062 Northwest Hills Composite Squadron Torrington
CT-071 Royal Charter Composite Squadron Hartford
CT-073 Minuteman Composite Squadron East Haven
CT-074 Danielson Cadet Squadron Danielson
CT-075 Thames River Composite Squadron Groton
CT-999 Legislative Senior Squadron No specific location
none USAF Reserve Officer Training Corps Det. 115 Storrs

[edit] Past Wing commanders

CAPFlight 602, one of Connecticut Wing's Cessna 172 aircraft
CAPFlight 602, one of Connecticut Wing's Cessna 172 aircraft
Commanders of the Connecticut Wing[23]
Commander's Name Period of Service Current Status
Lt Col Thomas H Lockhart 1941–1944 Died in 1992
Lt Col William T Gilbert 1944–1946 Died in 1965
Col Charles B Shutter 1946–1947, 1949–1953 Died in office, 1953
Col Nancy Tier 1947–1949 Died in 1997
Col Robert A Frost 1954–1957 Died in 1957 after relieving command
Col Raymond E Drouin 1957 Died in office, 1957
Col James F Kavanagh 1958–1963 Unknown
Col Clinton G Litchfield 1963–1971 Died in 1978
Col Joseph B Witkin 1971–1977 Died in 2002
Col Kenneth D Faust 1977–1982 Died in 2007
Col Howard E Palmer 1982–1993 Died in 1995
Col Lloyd E Sturges 1993–1997 Wing Director of Operations
Col Frederick Herbert 1997–1999 Wing Government Relations Advisor
Col Karen K Payne 1999–2003 Retired from CAP
Col James E Palmer 2003–2006 Wing Advisor to the wing commander
Col Peter K Jensen 2006–present Wing commander

Col Peter Jensen began a history restoration project in 2007 in an effort to uncover as much about Connecticut Wing's history as possible. Photographs were found of all of the previous Wing commanders, and were restored by Wing staff members.[24] Notable commanders of the Connecticut Wing include Col Tier (nee Hopkins), who was the niece of Lady Astor and the Civil Air Patrol's first female wing commander. Col Frost was slated to be the next Northeast Region commander after he relinquished command of the Wing, but he died before assuming command. Col Howard Palmer during his term as Wing commander established activities for the cadet membership, and the Col Howard E. Palmer Memorial Cadet Ball is conducted annually in his honor by the Connecticut Wing Cadet Advisory Council. Col Sturges was the only Wing commander to earn Connecticut Wing the use of one of the National CAP gliders, which was used in a glider flight academy at Danielson Airport in 1998.[25]

[edit] Icons of the Connecticut Wing

The Connecticut Wing's patch, featuring Connie the SAR dog
The Connecticut Wing's patch, featuring Connie the SAR dog

The most prominent icon representing the wing is the Connecticut Wing’s patch, with an ultramarine blue background and bearing the image of its mascot, Connie the Search and Rescue Dog. The wing patch was required to be worn on the left sleeve of the battle dress uniform until 2006 when National Headquarters made it optional.[26] The patch was originally worn in a subdued version on the older-style uniforms. As it is now not worn on dress uniforms or older field uniforms, the color was changed to reflect the update.[27]

Each squadron also has a distinctive patch. A 2007 issue of the Civil Air Patrol Volunteer magazine featured an image of all of Connecticut Wing's squadron patches surrounding the Wing patch.[28] High-resolution images of the patches are also being taken as part of the history project undertaken by Col Jensen.

Connecticut Wing is also symbolized by the name "Charter Oak", which precedes all CTWG radio callsigns. Since Connecticut is in the Northeast region, it also uses callsigns that start with "CAP Stone", the Northeast region prefix.[29]

[edit] Cadet activities

A Civil Air Patrol L-23 Super Blanik in flight, used to provide flight training to Cadets
A Civil Air Patrol L-23 Super Blanik in flight, used to provide flight training to Cadets

The largest cadet activity held by the Wing is the annual Summer Encampment. The 2008 Encampment, which will be held at the Norwich Academy in Vermont, is the first encampment not held in Niantic, Connecticut, for a decade, as reported in the CAP Encampment Reports. The Encampment is being held jointly with New Hampshire and Vermont Wings. There is also an Encampment, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Leadership School and Honor Guard Academy, all of which are being held at Otis Air Force Base.[30] The Connecticut Wing liaison for these multi-Wing encampments is Lt Col Andrew Marteka.

Lt Col Marteka also runs the application process as per national regulations for the National Cadet Special Activities in the Civil Air Patrol.[31]

Connecticut Wing was featured in the March 2007 edition of Civil Air Patrol Volunteer magazine for an event held at Hartford-Brainard Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, in conjunction with the Connecticut State Police, which provided volunteers side-by-side training with search-and-rescue dogs.[32]

CAP cadets visit other Wings each year across the country to partake in National Cadet Special Activities, such as the National Flight Academy – Glider Track
CAP cadets visit other Wings each year across the country to partake in National Cadet Special Activities, such as the National Flight Academy – Glider Track

Connecticut Wing cadets are currently involved in a competition between squadrons in the field of model rocketry. The final competition is to be held in June 2008 in conjunction with CATO Rocketry Club, the local chapter of the National Association of Rocketry.[33]

The Wing's Cadet Advisory Council also hosts the annual Col Howard E Palmer Cadet Ball in recognition of the longest-serving Wing commander. The event is held during the fall season each year and is intended as an informal social gathering to promote inter-squadron cooperation. Nearly one half of the Wing's cadets attended the 2007 Cadet Ball, with an estimated 139 in attendance.[34]

Additionally, the Connecticut Wing holds an annual conference in Cromwell, Connecticut during April. This time is used to allow the Wing commander to address the entire Wing, for guest speakers to give keynote speeches, and for the annual awards to be presented to their recipients. Several competitions for the cadets occur at each conference, including a military drill and ceremonies competition and a public speaking competition. Col Mary Feik, after whom one of CAP's cadet awards is named in honor of her work in women's rights in aviation, was the keynote speaker at the 2007 conference. It is also common to have government representatives attend, including members of the state legislature.[35]

[edit] Recognition and accomplishments

Governor M. Jodi Rell proclaims December 1 Civil Air Patrol Day in the State of Connecticut. Col Peter Jensen receives a copy of the proclamation, and Lt Col Delgobbo of the Connecticut General Assembly looks on.
Governor M. Jodi Rell proclaims December 1 Civil Air Patrol Day in the State of Connecticut. Col Peter Jensen receives a copy of the proclamation, and Lt Col Delgobbo of the Connecticut General Assembly looks on.

The CAP National History project and National Museum most recognize CTWG for their involvement in coastal patrol missions during World War II, shortly after the creation of CAP. Since CAP was created in a time of crisis, when Brigadier General Billy Mitchell was warning the country of impending attack and less than a week before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,[36] coastal patrol and submarine searching became the prime missions of CAP.[37]

In the New England Air Museum, located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, a Sikorsky S-39 Flying Boat can be found that was used during World War II for rescuing pilots of subchasers that had gone down. A local artist painted an oil painting of the aircraft, now prominently displayed next to it in the exhibit. Photos of the exhibit, the unveiling ceremony, and the oil painting can be found at the Wing Headquarters building.[4]

The first two Air Medals presented by the president of the United States to the Civil Air Patrol went to Hugh Sharp and Eddie Edwards, who were both rescued in the S-39. This successful program, which spotted 173 German U-Boats, dropped 57 depth charges, hit 10 of the U-Boats, and sank two of them,[38] was inevitably discontinued after the end of the second World War. Many of the planes used specifically for this program are now parts of exhibits, replaced by new aircraft that are more suited to teaching young students to fly and performing search and rescue, the current missions of the Civil Air Patrol. Currently, CTWG has two Cessna 172s, two Cessna 182s and one Cessna 182T with Garmin G1000 Glass cockpit. Connecticut Wing has the highest number of hours flown per aircraft of any state in the North East Region, and ranks high on a national scale.[39]

The membership of the CTWG grew from 500 to 600 total active members during the 2007 fiscal year, making the largest percent increase of any wing in CAP for that year, as was announced at the April 2007 Wing Conference in Cromwell, Connecticut.[40]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ eServices, National Headquarters. Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-27.
  2. ^ National Museum of the Civil Air Patrol. Civil Air Patrol Historical Foundation (2005). Retrieved on 2008-02-07.
  3. ^ Bruce, Tim (2006-03-13). The CAP Story. Washington County Composite Squadron. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  4. ^ a b Local CAP History. The National Museum of the Civil Air Patrol (2005). Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  5. ^ Curry, Joseph (2007-08-30). Cadet Programs. National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-07.
  6. ^ Curry, Joseph (2008-01-01). National Cadet Special Activities. US Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  7. ^ Parker, Susie (2003-09-01). Civil Air Patrol Regulation 60-3, Counterdrug Operations (PDF). National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  8. ^ Blascovich, Leonard (1990-11-01). Introduction to Civil Air Patrol (PDF). National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  9. ^ Bush, George (2003-02-28). Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-5. Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  10. ^ Pike, John (2006-01-23). Civil Air Patrol. Gobal Security. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  11. ^ French, Evelyn. The Civil Air Patrol. Amelia Now Online. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  12. ^ Kung, Nathan. Hurricane Katrina and ARES (PDF). Rice University. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  13. ^ Martin, Kevin J (2006-06-19). FCC06-83, Effect of Hurricane Katrina on Radio Communications (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  14. ^ United States Air Force (2005-09-25). "Civil Air Patrol Plays Key Role in Hurricane Katrina". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  15. ^ Tucker, Audrey (2007-09-05). September Commander's Call Meeting Minutes (PDF). Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  16. ^ Romano, Brian; A. Tucker (2007-11-30). Connecticut Wing HQ Website. Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  17. ^ Parker, Susie (2000-05-29). CAPR20-1, Organization of the Civil Air Patrol (PDF). National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-05.
  18. ^ Romano, Brian; A. Tucker (2007-08-29). Operations. Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  19. ^ Romano, Brian; A. Tucker (2007-08-29). Squadron Links. Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  20. ^ Romano, Brian; A. Tucker (2007-08-10). Wing Meeting Minutes. Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  21. ^ Romano, Brian; A. Tucker (2007-08-29). Wing Meeting Minutes. Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  22. ^ Romano, Brian; A. Tucker (2007-08-29). Wing Meeting Minutes. Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  23. ^ Jensen, Peter; C. Harris and A. Tucker (2007-09-03). Commanders of the Connecticut Wing. US Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  24. ^ Jensen, Peter; C. Harris and A. Tucker (2007-09-03). Commanders of the Connecticut Wing. US Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  25. ^ Dickinson, Malcolm. National Flight Academy. Civil Air Patrol New York City Group. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  26. ^ Pineda, Antonio (2006-03-15). Change to CAPM 39-1, CAP Uniform Manual (PDF). US Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  27. ^ CadetLife - Subdued CTWG Patch. CadetStuff (2002-11-19). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  28. ^ Probst, Neil and Wright, Kimberly (May–June 2007). "Time Capsule bridges CAP's Past, Present and Future" (PDF). Civil Air Patrol Volunteer: p. 18. 
  29. ^ Civil Air Patrol HF Frequencies. The Lowcountry Listening Post (2007-11-25). Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  30. ^ Skrabut, Stan. Northeasat Region, Civil Air Patrol. Northeast Region HQ. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  31. ^ Courter, Amy (2007-10-16). National Cadet Special Activities (PDF). National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  32. ^ Probst, Neil and Trujillo, Robin (March–April 2007). "Connecticut Members Enjoy "Dogging It" During Demonstration" (PDF). Civil Air Patrol Volunteer: p. 54. 
  33. ^ Parker, Susie. Model Rocketry. US Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  34. ^ Huchko, Cassandra (2007-10-19). October 2007 Staff Call Meeting Minutes (PDF). US Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
  35. ^ Tucker, Audrey (2007-05-03). April 2007 Commanders Call Meeting Minutes (PDF). US Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
  36. ^ Billy Mitchell. United States Air University, Aerospace Power Journal. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  37. ^ Blascovich, Leonard (2002-03-02). CAP Coastal Patrol: 60 Years. National Headquarters Historian. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  38. ^ CAP History. National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-27.
  39. ^ Tuckey, Audrey (2007-09-05). September Commander's Call Meeting Minutes (PDF). Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
  40. ^ Huchko, Cassandra (2007). Combined Commander's Call and Staff Call December Meeting Minutes (PDF). US Civil Air Patrol.

[edit] Further reading

[edit] External links