The Official Squadron 150 Newsletter

.------Volume 1 Issue 4

06M177 ou By lLt. John C. Hill

Monday, 18 September, 2006, the page went out for 06M1787 for an ELT in Long Beach.

One team member heard an ELT signal at Lakewood and Carson but did not OF it because the other Search Team members had not yet arrived. The signal was witnessed by another team member over a telephone call from the first team member. The Team formed up at LGB, drove the LGB Airport Perimeter, but the signal had apparently ceased. They then went to the Signal Hill High Point and Of'd all directions and no signal was heard. The Signal Hill location provided a perfect view of the Harbor area where the Merge put the Signal source. The team then drove to a Palos Verdes

High Point and looked in all directions, hearing nothing. The Palos Verdes High Point provided a direct view over the Harbor area where the Merge put the Signal Source. The team then drove down into the Harbor area and over several large bridges, hearing nothing ............... .

Mer the bridges, the team continued onto the 710 freeway to the Anaheim Street. exit where FINALLY a very weak signal was heard. The signal was so weak that it would disappear and then reappear. It was finally OF'd to an industrial area within six blocks of the first hearing .....

We were able to gain access, by the owner, to a Metals Storage Yard and Warehouse where the signal was the strongest. It was determined that the ELT was located immediately on the other side of the wall of the warehouse that it shared with an adjacent company, a Metals Salvage Yard. Mer repeated phone calls to the Salvage Yard Company it was decided to have one of the team members stop by there early the next morning and turn off the ELT ...

THAT WAS DONE!!!! MISSION COMPLETE!!!!!!!!!!

The ELT transmitter was part of a salvage load picked up at an airport that day and was located exactly where the team thought it was the night before, 50 feet back from the front of the building immediately next to the wall .......... .

Winter 2006/2007

- 06M1787 Journal by 1Lt. John C. Hill

- Commanders Corner by 1Lt. James H. Roadarmel

- Constellation System CEV & CL V by 2Lt. Tony Sage

- Cessna 182 now available by 2Lt. Cecilia Aguilar-Des nfants

- Bits & Pieces by 2Lt. Cecilia Aguilar-Des nfants

- Commanders Corner written prior to change of cornman. by Maj. Mike Watkins

- First Quarter Calendar

Digital Editor: 2Lt. Hiran C. Fernando Public Mfairs Officer

Asst. Public Affairs Officer:

I

Yellow Jacket r

The Winds of change ....

As we approach the holiday season, we have had a year of many changes within CAP. To some, change is welcome and challenging, to others ... it presents unfamiliarity with new and potentially taxing processes and procedures. The changes that we see in our or­ganization are ones necessary to further the mission of CAP.

From -new forms, to new financial regs ... from new procedures, to new communications equipment. All of these changes are meant to enhance our capabilities and help our mission tracking, and visibil­ity, as well as make our organization more visible to our benefac­tors.

I hope that you will join me in embracing the myriad of changes that are on our horizon and, as all of you have so faithfully done in the past ... Engage in our mission as one of the USAF's "Quiet Warriors". "The AF's best kept secret" .

Our Squadron ... Our Pride!!!

It has now come to that critical period in my command life that I take time to reflect on "the first 90 days". Since my ascension to the command of the Squadron, I have been witness to many events that I feel are of note.

Our Squadron received the honor of Group 7 Senior Squadron of the Year (thanks to Maj. Mike Watkins for his incredible leader­ship). We have attracted and continue to attract an influx of new members who are excited to engage in our mission and become part of this proud organization. I have engaged highly qualified in­dividuals to take charge as department heads, and have seen strides that are not only far reaching within the squadron, but also have positive effects within the Group 7 ranks. Our reputation as a "CAN DO" squadron has been noted at the recent California Wing Conference.

These indications of our prowess as a highly functional squadron are not only due to our leadership structure ... Moreover they are the significant contributions by our rank and file membership, who are not shy about rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to "Make Things Happen" Take note: All of your contributions no matter how large or smalL .. make this squadron strong, respected and what is to me, and I hope for you also ... A Great Source of Pride.

Thank you all for making this critical transition period, a seamless and resounding success.

- 1 Lt. James H. Roadarmel

By 2Lt. Tony Sage

The 19 October Squadron meeting was devoted to Aerospace Education, with a presentation on the next generation space shuttle. Unlike the current space shuttle, the 'Constellation System' is more akin to the classic Apollo space vehicle design from the 1960's and 70's. The Constellation system consists of two vehicles; The Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) capsule known as 'Orion', which can accommodate 4 to 6 astronauts; and the Cargo Launch Vehicle (CLV), a 2-stage re-configurable rocket similar in size and performance to the massive Saturn 5 (to be named at a later date). A mission will normally consist of two CLVs; one for the capsule/crew, and one for the cargo pay­load.

The program was launched with the contract award of the CEV to Lockheed Martin in August 2006. The contract award for the CLV expected in July of 2007 with contending teams Boeing/Northrop and Lockheed Martin/Orbital Sciences bid­ding for the design and build contracts. While the move to

design a capsule style system would at first appear to be a step backwards in technology, the system does have some distinct ad­vantages; flexibility and economics. The Constellation design will allow a greater flexibility in launch/mission platforms, byal­lowing a variety of motor and payload combinations and a flex­ible service module, the vehicle can meet the requirements for Earth Orbital, Lunar, (and eventually) Mars missions. The new vehicle will use the current shuttle liquid and solid rocket motors, and a reusable crew capsule. The refit and refurbishment of the capsule is minimal, and the use of existing propulsion sys­tems, make the Constellation more economical to operate than the current shuttle system.

The Constellation system is expected to begin orbital service in 2014, the same year the space shuttle is planned to retire. Lunar missions are scheduled to begin in 2020 and the Mars missions are to follow in 2030.

United States Air Force Auxiliary I

~'IIii.~~I.l

By 2Lt Cecilia Aguilar-Des Enfants

Last October 12,2006, Capt. John Van Der Neut announced to everyone at the regular CAP SQ150 that CAP Squadron 41 has now a Cessna 182 currently based at the Long Beach Flightline. This is a 265HP 182- with a performance that should meet or exceed book specifications. All CAP SQ150 pilots that have form 5 and form C-182 who may wish to avail of this special opportu­nity should take it. The high technical experience you will gain is something that you may value as a worthwhile experience indeed. And to figure out, the cost is $44 per hour dry though now it could actually be more. Approximately, may probably run like $50.00 rate per hour plus fuel. The said aircraft is managed by John Chapman of Squadron 41. Feel free to call our fellow CAP officer at his telephone number 562-377-0450.

By 2Lt Cecilia Aguilar-Des Enfants

Hi welcome back to our regular column updating you with good news here and there ....

At the outset, we'd like to give our special thanks to the following instructors at the Radio Communication Class held last October 21,2006 at CSU Dominguez Hills: Capt. Bill Phinizy, Lt. Tom Gibbons, SM Tom Barbre (Trainee), Capt. Mike Cardenas ofSQ 21 , Major Mike Woods, SQ 47 and Major Joe Di Mento ofSQ 87. Of course, we wish to thank also Capt. Mark Cartwright, the Wing Professional Development Officer who was instrumen­tal in getting the venue for all the participants. Not to forget the same day, a Level One Training was also held simultaneously at the Los Alamitos Base with our very own Unit Commander Lt. Jim Roadarmel as the Main Facilitator and backed up by no less than Major Mike Watkins walking thorough and meeting the needs of our new members in the squadron.

There was also a large turnout of delegates who attended the CAWG Conference 2006 held last October 27-29, 2006 at the Double Tree Hotel in El Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield in California. Thanks for being there for us folks. The ones who graced the occasion were mostly our handsome gentlemen offi­cers from the CAPSQ150.

New caps of various designs in the CAPSQ bookstore are avai­labe that are very attractive and savvy courtesy of no less than 1 Lt John Hill. Find time to check them out as you drop by the base during the regular Thursday meeting. And see what can be needed during important activities the CAP would require the use of such accessories.

Incidentally, two of our members 2Lt.Orly Mangahis and 2Lt Leo Jaudalso along with a former CAP member, Paul Burgos and their friend Cecilio Zabala had a thrilling jungle experience last Oct. 16-19 at the Royal Rut Ranch in Price, Utah. The very cold temperature and high peak mountains did not dampen their spirits to go up even to the high peaks, thereby enabling them to master the skills they learned in radio communication as well as other mountain skills they have picked-up from Civil Air Patrol. (Kudos to the famous jungle expert, Capt.Tony Nigro).

Finally, the countdown has begun since the USO Show invita­tion was sent out three weeks ago - the supposed to be ending bonding activity of the volunteer organization for the year 2006. Lots of surprises are in stored for all members and special some­one you guys have to be with on that big party. Hope to see each one of you with the best attire geared for that special night. But don't forget, there will be FUN .. . yes, new gigs Capt. John Van Der Neut has prepared for everyone. This much awaited activity will be set aside so you have something to be excited about and prepare for the coming New Year. That means, have to wait till probably February 2007. It's going to be a long wait folks. So hang on in there.

CommaJftQe~rs

By Maj. Mike Watkins

The announcement a year ago that we can continue to use the Long Beach (LGB) flight line for training was a welcome one. It allowed us to put uncertainty and doubt behind us and move on. It did nothing, however, to restore the members and friendships lost over the past three years.

For the more recent members; three years ago the LG B flight line was a lease between the CAP California Wing commander and the City of Long Beach. Today, it is a lease between the City and a new corporation called ESCAP that is not a part of CAP. The circumstances causing the change began three years ago when the CAWG Inspector General (I.G.) issued an opinion that Califor­nia Wing (CAWG) was not in total compliance with the terms of the lease. It was an opinion not shared by many of the CAP members whose planes occupy the lease.

To make a long story short, the CAWG Judge Advocate General OAG) agreed with the I.G.'s opinion as did the Group 7 JAG and CAP National HQ. National HQ, however, went a step fur­ther. They wanted the lease terminated altogether due to liability concerns. The solution was found in the creation of ESCAP which is a corporation composed of CAP members and members of other volunteer organizations such as Angel Flight, Sheriffs Auxiliary, etc.

Continued on page 4

Civil Air Patrol

Commanders Corner .. . continued from page 3

Fortunately for us, ESCAP allows CAP to continue using the flight line for training.

I will not go in to the discussions, sometimes heated, that ensued after the I.G. finding. I will only mention that disagreements and hard feelings arose among long-time CAP members and friends. My purpose in mentioning the issue is simply to share with the new members a piece of Squadron 150 history; one that the old­timers will talk about for many years.

We can't undo the past. We can only pick up the pieces and move on. In my opinion, we are doing that very nicely. A member who only attends one or two meetings a year was seen at a meeting recently. His comment on leaving was, "sure isn't much left of the old Squadron". He was referring to the once­heavy concentration of high seniority members who no longer attend. His words were an expression of dismay I do not share. I see a more balanced membership today - one where the new people feel more ownership and where the remaining gray-beards freely share their experiences with the new folks.

This doesn't mean I don't miss the folks who are gone. It's just that I choose to look forward in furthering an effective emergency services squadron. To those who departed I wish the best and give thanks for their years of dedicated service. To the rest of you, see you Thursday!

mO:>-;)lpX;)@O~lUOJP"enbs :I!"ewH

60y'l-Ly8-y 1 L :x-ed O£lL-Ly8-ylL :;)Uoqa

Oy 1 ~-O'lL06 "e!UJOj!J"e:::> 'SOl!W"eTV SOl -;)AY uopnlpsuo:::> 9L6£

Are!I!xny ;):>JOd J!V S;)l"elS p;)l!Un O~ 1 uOJp-enbs JO!U;)S q:>"e;)g ~uol

IOll-ea J!V I!A!:::> AreH!xny ;):)JOd J!V S;)l"elS p;)l!Un

First Quar er Calendat

January 2007: 04. Squadron Objectives for 2007 11. Disaster Preparedness - 2Lt. Tom Barbre IS. Aviation Weather I Icing Considerations - Maj. Watkins

& Capt. Seymour 25. BCUT - 2Lt. Gibbons @ IS:30

Narrow Band Radio - 2Lt. Gibbons @ 19:30

February 2007: 01. Aerospace Education Topic - 2Lt Sage OS. Safety Lecture - lLt. Smith 10. Potential Squadron Party date 15. Table Top SAREX - Maj. Watkins, 1 Lt. Hill & 1 Lt. Roadamel 17. Potential Squadron Party date 22. Ground Team Operations - Maj. Brickman 23-25. Imperial Mission

March 2007: 01. SAREX Communications Briefing - 2Lt. Gibbons

Newsletter Submission Deadline 03-04. SAREX LGB OS. Yeager Class 15. Yeager Class 22. Staff Meeting @ lS:30

Aviation Medicine - LtCol. Green @ 19:30 29. Guest Speaker LGB Airport Manager - Maj. Sieberling