Maxwell Composite Squadron, CAP

Squadron Newsletter

Good evening everyone,

Capt. Haigh and his assistants have once again put together an amazing newsletter for our squadron, with all kinds of stories about this summers events, news about what's going on in our squadron, and notifications of upcoming events.

Take a look!

TFO Tyler Gresham

MH-53M Static Display Dedication

A new static display is being dedicated at Maxwell Air Force Base today.

A Sikorsky MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter stands in front of the Air Force Research Institute. Former crew members and other members of Air Force Special Operations Command will attend the ceremony.

The MH-53M on display (SIN 69-5785) is painted and marked as it appeared in 2008 when it was assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron, 151 Special Operations Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Delivered to the USAF in 1970, #785 served with several combat air rescue units in Southeast Asia, where it successfully recovered at least three aircrew in 1971-1972.

In April 1975, it evacuated U.S. personnel from Phnom Penh, Cambodia; one month later #785 was hit, but not repulsed by enemy ground fire while inserting US forces during the Mayaguez Rescue Incident. The aircraft participated in the restoration of Panamanian democracy (Operation Just Cause, 1989), and it flew special operations missions during the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm, 1991).

More recently, #785 took US Special Forces personnel into harm's way in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, and in the Iraq War from 2003 until its retirement from active service in late 2008-where this aircraft, flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, led the final MH-53 combat mission before being flown here.

From the Montgomery Advertiser

Captain Otero, Myself (FO Tyler Gresham) C/CMSGT Joseph Spitzer, and C/SSGT Kyler Gresham attended the dedication of the Pave Low as a static display on Maxwell.

We were fortunate enough to meet, and take pictures with, some really outstanding Air Force men.

General Peck, Commander, Air University

Chief Master Sergeant Wayne Fisk, who himself was a Civil Air Patrol cadet, and is one of the most widely known and decorated enlisted members.

USAF Evaluated Exercise Dates Set

Subject: ALWG SAR/DR EVAL IAW CAP-USAFI 10-2701:

ALCON,

Maj Carlos V. Salinas, CAP-USAF SELR/DO, has notified the Alabama Wing that the ALWG SAR/DR Evaluation Exercise is scheduled for 19-21 June 2009.  We will begin making preparations for this USAF-evaluated exercise at our next meeting, Monday April 6, 2009.  Please deconflict the date on your calendars.

Aircrews, Ground Teams and Mission Base Staff will be needed for the EVAL Exercise.

Questions - contact Capt. Harrison


Regards,
Lee

Lee Harrison, Capt, CAP
Commander
Maxwell Composite Squadron

Tom Bragg AL-032 newest Form 5 Pilot!

Congratulations to Tom Bragg who completed his initial CAP Form 5 checkride in the C172 this afternoon!

ALWG Locates ELT on Routine Training Flight

An Alabama Wing aircraft has located an Active ELT in the MSL area.  The Aircraft has located the target from the air and has landed to take their vehicle to silence the ELT.

Mission Number 09-M-0296

Air crew that found ELT is Jerry Ford.

Air crew from MDQ assisting while enroute to MSL.

IC is John Neil

I spoke with AFRCC and they have been chasing a 406 all over Tenn, but could not pin in down.  Then we were just burning holes in the sky and found it for them.  This is another great example of CAP listening to the 121.5 Freq and finding an active ELT.  This is the fourth ELT The Wing has found this way.  If you are up flying make sure you monitor 121.5 on either the FAA radio of the DF equipment.  Your Fellow pilots lives may be depending on it.

John P. Neil, Major
Director of Operations

Alabama Wing

CAP

Fall 2008 AL-032 Newsletter

Thanks for everyone's hard work over the past few months! Please keep ideas in mind for the next edition of the newsletter.

Regards,
Capt. Harrison

Squadron News Items Needed!

Articles are needed for the upcoming CAP newsletter. If you have any items you would like to submit please contact Capt Jamey Haigh, our squadron PAO. His e-mail address is available through CAP eServices.

FAA Flight Plan Computer Glitch

Breaking news from CNN:
Communication problems at an FAA facility that processes 
flight plans are causing flight delays at airports 
across the U.S. (click text for story)

REDCAP Mission 08-M-1371 Press Release

Update: Mission has been suspended 08/02/08.

Maxwell Composite responded to Alabama Wing (ALWG) Civil Air Patrol Director of Operations John Neil's request for aerial support at 1600hrs 30 July 2008. Two sorties totaling 2.9 flight hours were flown Thursday July 30th, with an additional 4.7 hours flown on Friday, 31 July. ALWG Press Release can be found by clicking the link below.

Download 08-M-1371_Release.pd

ALWG Counterdrug Update

TO:  ALL UNITS

1. CD QUALIFIED – Based on current reports from NHQ, the following units have the number of CD qualified persons indicated:

001 – 5     005 – 1     024 – 3    032 – 4     034 – 3     041 – 1    

055 – 3     075 – 4     087 – 2     090 – 1     112 – 1     118 – 3 

            Names per listed unit will be provided to the unit CC upon request.

2. STATUS -  Response has been good and CD qualified strength has improved by 47% since we began this episode.    We are still receiving inquiries from members who have previously submitted an application and received zero feedback.  If this is your situation, and the time has exceeded seven months, it is suggested that a new application be submitted.
3. NEW APPLICATIONS – Recommend down-loading CAPF-83 (via e-services) in MS Word format.  Complete the form on your computer and “save as.”  Print it as ONE SHEET, both sides, head-to-head.  (Any handwritten applications or those printed on two sheets, will be returned for proper processing).  Sign and date where indicated. NOTE:  Fingerprint cards are no longer required.  Send to: Contact Capt. Harrison for address.
4. CLEARANCES -  Your clearance, when received, is good for four years.  However, the initial CD Orientation Course must be completed on-line before participation is authorized in the program.  Two years into the program, the CD Refresher Course is required to maintain your active status.  There are several members whose clearance is still valid but need to complete the refresher for reinstatement.   The process requires about 45 minutes.  Go to the e-services page, on-line exams section, CD Orientation/Refresher and “get ‘er done.”      
5. TRAINING – On 31 May 08, the GAWG CDO (Maj. Tod Keys) is conducting a training session at Lawrenceville Airport (LZU).  Starts at 0900 EDT and should end around 1400.  The training is open to all CD qualified persons and those with pending applications.   It’s a fly-in and taxi-to-the-building opportunity.   Maj. Keys has an outstanding program in Georgia and this should be an excellent session.   If you drive, the airport is two miles north of downtown Lawrenceville on route 316. 
6. CONTACT INFO – The following information is provided: Contact Capt Harrison for contact information.

       Col.  William Bass

 CDO, ALWG