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Alaska Wing - Annual Report (2008)
Alaska Wing - Annual Report (2008)
Alaska Wing - Annual Report (2008)
I am pleased to present this report of the Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) activities for 2008. 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 21 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 2 clerical
positions.
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 greater than 50% of all State RCC Search &
Rescue missions. In exchange for the annual grant given to the Alaska Wing for O/M, the citizens of this state receive over 21 million dollars
in assets and services.
This is the start of my fouth 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 continued support. Additionally, my deepest gratitude goes to those CAP members of Alaska whom have
given of their time and personal resources for the ideals of CAP, and to thank the citizens of Alaska who have 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 $ 81,751
Actual Missions $ 18,613
Aircraft Maintenance $ 53,037
USAF Contributions Total Value $ 1,083,301
Civil Air Patrol Assets / Services at no cost to the State of Alaska Valued at $21,541,731
ALASKA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL FINANCE REPORT – FY08 Operating Expenses
State of Alaska Actual Expenses
Grant Budget FY08 FY08 FY07 FY06
Wages/Benefits $328,300 $341,679 $271,340 $258,105
Materials/Supplies $18,500 $42,774 $25,655 $15,865
Utilities $150,900 $272,963 $162,172 $150157
Vehicles $5000 $16,069 $19,922 $9,991
Conferences $0 $14,492 $18,623 $11,409
Travel $13,500 $72,611 $41,687 $27,250
Insurance $12,260 $22,364 $36,602 $56,022
Audit $0 $0 $9,206 $7,589
A/C Maintenance N/A $107,949 $364,169 $239,478
Missions N/A $90,873 $78,260 $93,915
Cadets $12,000 $12,907 $19,160 $2,7978
Facility Maintenance $4,240 $26,175 $21,496 $32,298
Misc/Training $8,800 $40,858 $32,829 $33,816
$553,500 1,061,714 $1,101,121 $963,873
$1,200,000 $1,101,121
$1,061,714
$963,873
$1,000,000
$800,000
$200,000
$0
FY06 FY07 FY08
ALASKA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL FINANCE REPORT – FY08 Operational Income
Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol was again a premier Search and Rescue organization statewide for 2008. CAP members accounted for
26% of all Search and Rescue flying hours and participated in 50% of all air searches in Alaska. Summarizing CY08’s mission activity,
CAP volunteers participated in 105 missions flying 89 sorties and logging 183 flying hours. As a direct result, 11 individuals owe their lives
to these timely actions and another 5 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 82 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 929 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 11 Alaskans.
Congratulations on a superb performance.
The CAP chaplains and moral leadership officers in Alaska were busy in 2008 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 Frank Ockert renewed his membership – 41 years with the Civil Air Patrol!
As the wing chaplain I was involved with a graded exercise by the Air Force and also taught Moral Leadership to the cadets where
needed (this included a cadet winter encampment).
Respectfully Submitted,
In Civil Air Patrol, it is important to remember the one-third of our mission which serves America’s youth: the Cadet Program of the Civil Air
Patrol.
At the end of 2008, Alaska Wing consisted of 879 Senior members, and 251 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 Honor
Code, calling on its cadets to demonstrate integrity and honesty in all they do, is based on the Air Force Academy code. Civil Air Patrol is one
of a few youth organizations that dedicates 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 –As an auxiliary of the United States Air Force, the CAP
cadet program 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. Leadership
opportunities abound in areas such as Color Guard and Drill Team competition at State, Regional, and National levels, and annual
Encampments.
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 2008, CAP Cadets from across the state participated in varied activities at 16 local
squadrons. On a state-wide level, cadets were eligible to participate in the Color Guard
Competition, Glider Academy, and Wing Encampment.
The Alaska Wing Summer Encampment was held in December 2008 at Fort Richardson Army Post. The 2008 Encampment was attended by
41 first-time cadets with 10 experienced cadets serving on staff. Cadet staff from
Alabama and Tennessee joined the Alaska staff in presenting an effective event. In a
seven-day stay on Birchwood Camp, cadets experienced life as it is in a military
environment. 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 displays of the PaveHawk helicopter, tour of the C-17 simulator, a flight in the
C-17, an exercise in shoveling and clearing a drill pad on a frozen lake, and many other
events.
Cadets from Alaska also participated at PJOC academy at National Cadet Special Activities in the summer of 2008.
During 2008, three new Cadet Squadron programs were initiated in the Alaska Wing. Building on last year’s successful program with the
MatSu Minutemen Cadet Squadron, new activities for cadets were begun at Prince of Wales (new cadet Squadron), Valdez (reactivated cadet
Squadron), and Galena (brand-new program for cadets). These programs have brought activities and strong foundations for success to these
outlying communities. Those who see what Civil Air Patrol can provide for today’s youth are eager to begin their own programs to achieve
these benefits in their communities. This accounts for a 10 percent increase overall in the number of cadets in the Alaska Wing this past year.
It is 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
2008 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 a cadre of 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 also improving their important skills
for various other CAP duties.
The Alaska Wing Glider program has two operation sites: the Interior (Fairbanks) 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 164 flights during the 2008 season for a total of 90.5 hours. This was down significantly from the
2007 figures due to several reasons, some which are listed below.
Year Placement Nation wide # of AK flights # of National flights # of gliders Average flights per glider
2008 164 4
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 began the 2008 season with 4 CFIGs (Certified
Flight Instructor for Gliders), one additional cadet orientation pilot, and a limited
number of tow pilots. Two of the CFIGs mentioned above are also tow pilots. Three
of the CFIGs are located in the Anchorage area and one is located in the Fairbanks
area. The total number of senior volunteers was down significantly from the 2007
figures. This year we had a limited number of non-flying senior members available
to provide cadet supervision, program logistics and general assistance.
• Various scheduled glider Cadet Orientation rides and instructional flights in the Anchorage and Fairbanks area.
• There was a preseason towpilot/glider pilot refresher clinic conducted at the Birchwood Airport in April.
• This year we were granted permission to use Bryant Airfield for our glider activities. Bryant is located at Ft Richardson and has a
great many positive attributes, including relatively low usage on the weekend. This is attractive for avoiding conflicting airplane
traffic for launching and retrieving our gliders. The one drawback is the lack of
available hangar space to house the gliders during strong wind conditions. For that
reason, we may avoid using Bryant until that dilemma has been solved.
• In May we had a 10 day encampment at Clear, Alaska specifically tailored for CAP
cadets. This involved two training gliders, one tow plane, approximately 9 senior
members and 8 cadets. We were able to solo one cadet during the encampment.
• In June the Blanik L-23 was put on static display at the CAP booth at the Elmendorf
Air Show.
• In June the L-23 was put on static display and used to give an aerial demonstration for
the Palmer Colony Days.
• The L-13 was also put on display at Ft. Richardson for a local cadet function.
• Two cadets had their first solo during the 2008 glider season, one during the
Encampment at Clear and one later at Birchwood.
At the end of the 2008 glider season the Blanik L-13 was damaged while tied down during a wind storm and is not expected to be repaired for
continued CAP use.
The 2009 glider season is expected to be a little better than the 2008
season. The ASK 21 and Blanik L-23 have had their Annual Inspection
completed and will be on line shortly, thanks to the work of the CAP
maintenance department. There are only 2 towplanes left in the Alaska
Wing livery (a 172 and 182). One will likely be stationed in Fairbanks
and the other at Birchwood. This year our greatest hurtle will still be the
requirement for a senior volunteer or volunteers to organize and
supervise the cadets during the weekend glider flying. At this time, the
Anchorage area only has two qualified CFIG’s and one additional
Orientation pilot. All three of these are also tow pilots.
The CAP Glider Program continues to generate interest among cadets and senior members interested in pursuing the dream of flying.
The obstacles to overcome in 2009 will be essentially the same as the past few years. It will be difficult to staff the weekly glider activities
because of the lack of qualified and available volunteers. Having only 2 aircraft equipped with tow hooks (one for Fairbanks and one for
Anchorage) will limit the activities. In addition, the tow planes may not be available for weekends as they must be shared with the other
flying members in the Alaska Wing. The activities must be planned far in advance in order to schedule the aircraft. One tow equipped
aircraft is a 172 and the other is a 182. The 172 is considered marginal for towing a loaded two place trainer. The fuel tanks are always kept
full and occasionally we add a training pilot in the tow plane. Add in a hot day and the safety margin during takeoffs is significantly reduced.
We will be short 1 glider for the season, having lost the L-13 the previous
year. At this time there is no replacement glider scheduled.
It will be very difficult to sustain the Glider Program with the limited
number of volunteers. It appears that all CAP flying has been declining
over the past few years. This is in part due to increased costs and an ever
increasing list of required paperwork for any given flight and also to stay
qualified. 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.
As has been in the past, there are two primary glider program goals for 2009: safety and increased glider flights for both cadets and senior
members.
The glider program is an asset to CAP, and further facilitates the three missions of CAP: cadets, aerospace education and emergency services.
The skills and knowledge cadets develop and learn is evidenced in their flying, citizenship, and general behavior. Through glider flying the
senior member pilots further develop their flying skills, i.e. navigation, basic stick and rudder flying, and emergency management (an airplane
without a functioning engine is a glider). Gliders, through models, kits, and displays are an integral part of the aerospace education mission.
And for those interested in increasing power plane utilization, remember that for every glider flight there is also a power plane flight.
Edward A. Kornfield
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 – Carl Gatto, Lt Col, CAP Lt Col Stephen Strom, USAF
akhdqcap@gci.net Representative_Carl_Gatto@alaska.leg.state.ak 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 – George Walter, 2Lt, CAP Commander – Harry Young, Maj, CAP Commander – Dale Peters, 1 Lt, CAP
glwalters@gci.net harcan@mtaonline.net dmpeters@bristolbay.com
Sen Charlie Huggins, Maj, CAP Sen Lesil McGuire, Maj. CAP
Sen Donald Olson, Maj, CAP Sen Gary Stevens, Maj, CAP
Sen Tom Wagoner, Maj, CAP Rep Charles Chenault, Maj, CAP
Rep Sharon Cissna, Lt Col, CAP Rep Harry Crawford, Maj, CAP
Rep Nancy Dahlstrom, Maj, CAP Rep Berta Gardner, Maj, CAP
Rep Max Gruenberg Jr, Maj, CAP Rep David Guttenberg, Maj, CAP
Rep John Harris, Maj, CAP Rep Michael Kelly, Maj, CAP
Rep Robert Lynn, Maj, CAP Rep Mark Neuman, Maj, CAP
Rep Jay Ramras, Maj, CAP Rep Paul Seaton, Maj, CAP
Rep Bill Stoltze, Maj, CAP Rep William Thomas. Maj. CAP