Hawaii Wing Provides Aerial View, Photos of Mauna Loa Eruption

The Hawaii Wing flew a U.S. Geological Survey volcanologist over newly erupted Mauna Loa early Nov. 28 while also providing photos of lava flows and other activity stemming from the first eruption of the world’s largest active volcano since 1984. 


First Lt. John Bassett, the CAP pilot featured (above left) in an interview with NBC affiliate KHNL in Honolulu, took off at 6:45 a.m. from Hilo International Airport in a CAP plane with volcanologist Natalia Deligne and 1st Lt. Susan Bassett, aerial photographer, aboard. They flew over the Mauna Loa summit and the North East Rift Zone.

A second flight, also piloted by John Bassett, followed at 4:42 p.m. with 2nd Lt. Jason Dzurizin, aerial photographer, and 1st Lt. Jason Ozbolt, mission observer, aboard. Bassett circled around the Northeast and Southwest Rift Zones as Dzurizin took photos and video.


Luke Meyers, the state’s Emergency Management Agency administrator, flew with CAP on Dec. 1. “This was a good opportunity to see the hazards and threats from the Mauna Loa eruption,” he said. “It really gave me a better perspective of the situation and where the lava flow is going.”


Lt. Col. Dana McLaughlin (above right), the Hawaii Wing's director of emergency services, discussed the CAP flights with KITV, the ABC affiliate in Honolulu. Another round of flights is scheduled this week in support of the USGS and the state EMA.

More About the Hawaii Wing's Response

The Hawaii Wing's response and its aircrews' imagery have been mentioned in more than 500 news stories across the globe the past nine days, reaching a potential audience of nearly 500 million.

CNN.com
'Flying Magazine'
Hawai'i Volcano Blog

Ray Foundation Supports Aspiring CAP Pilots

Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet Wings program is moving onward and upward at full throttle.


The ceiling seems unlimited for the U.S. Air Force-funded program, which helps cadets of every gender, race, economic, or ethnic background earn their private pilot certificate.


The goal is to train new pilots and help diversify America’s pilot corps, which is weathering a shortage in its ranks.


And thanks to a grant from the Naples, Florida-based Ray Foundation Inc., Cadet Wings has cracked the 200-pilot threshold. Of the 213 cadets who have earned the privilege and responsibility of flight so far, 18 were funded through the Ray Foundation grant. 

Meet 5 New Pilots Who Benefited from James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarships
About the Cadet Wings Program
Cadet Wings Graduates

Texas Squadron Hears From Former Astronaut

Members of the Texas Wing’s Pegasus Composite Squadron received a first-hand perspective on test piloting and on space flight when retired U.S. Air Force Col. Sidney M. Gutierrez discussed his years in the military and in NASA, including 20 days and eight hours in space as pilot of one space shuttle flight and commander of another.


Gutierrez supplemented his slide presentation with accounts of his career flying Air Force fights as well as space shuttle missions. 


He has logged over 4,500 flying hours in about 30 types of airplanes, sailplanes, balloons, and rockets.

More About Col. Gutierrez's Presentation

Air Force's Wagner Visits CAP National Headquarters


Alex Wagner (top center and at right), assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, visited CAP National Headquarters recently.


Wagner is responsible to provide supervision for matters related to manpower, military and civilian personnel, Civil Air Patrol, Reserve component affairs and readiness support for all Air Force airmen and Space Force guardians. Before his appointment, he served as vice president for Strategic Initiatives at the Aerospace Industries Association, leading efforts focused on talent development in the aerospace and defense industry, including specific programs to enhance workforce diversity and expand STEM education access.


As you can see from the attached picture with Alabama Wing cadets and two members of our national staff, plus the picture of him holding a Sphero ball from one of our STEM kits, he thoroughly enjoyed his visit, said CAP Chief Operating Officer John Salvador.


In addition to learning more about the cadet and aerospace education programs, Wagner received a National Operations Center tour from John Desmarais and visited with CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, CAP-USAF Commander Col. Tyler Frander, and Board of Governors member Col. Don Kang to strategize about CAP’s federal budget.

Cadets Carry Out Successful Conference, Ball

Members of the New Jersey Wing Cadet Advisory Council did it their way last month, planning and hosting a cadet conference and ball that drew more than 200 participants to J.P. Stevens High School in Edison.


The advisory council lived up to its motto, “For the Cadets, By the Cadets, “ by arranging  everything from class schedules to the banquet and music.


Classes covered such topics as color guard training, Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Special Activities, encampment, flight training opportunities, model rocketry, Gen. Billy Mitchell Award exam preparation, drone competitions, leadership, drill competitions, emergency services, and effective delegation.

More About the N.J. Cadet Conference and Ball

NHQ News

Donate by Dec. 31 to Shape Their Future


Your gift can help deserving Civil Air Patrol cadets attend encampments, create cadet scholarships, and fund teachers and aerospace and STEM education.


Your donation of…

  • $35 will pay to support a teacher in accessing our aerospace education curriculum;
  • $50 will pay for several school-aged children to participate in aerospace and STEM education;
  • $150 provides one hour of flying time for a cadet;
  • $250 funds a scholarship to attend an encampment;
  • $500 funds a cadet activity; or
  • $1,000 or more provides a full academic or flight scholarship for a deserving cadet.
Shape Their Future and Donate Today

New Aircraft Artwork Series Underway

The popularity of Maj. Ronald C. Finger's “Timeline Flight” paintings leading up to CAP's 80th anniversary has inspired a second series of vintage aircraft artwork — the Silvered Wings Series.


Debuting in August, this series once again features the work of Finger, a national staff member on CAP's Marketing & Strategic Communications team.


Here is the sixth installment of the Silvered Wings Series, as posted on CAP.news.

Sixth Installment of Series: Rearwin Sportster 900-L 

Share Your CAP Spirit This Holiday Season

If you’re looking for a special gift item for the Civil Air Patrol member who has everything or just want to share your holiday spirit, consider these options now available through Vanguard:

  • 2022 holiday ornament illustrating the inspiration for CAP's new Flying V logo;
  • CAP-themed holiday cards featuring original art from Maj. Ron Finger;
  • COVID-19 operations coin to complement your Crisis Service ribbon;
  • Limited edition (numbered) Flying V logo launch coin; or
  • Assorted merchandise with the new logo.


There are plenty of other gift items available and ample time before the holidays. Vanguard has also extended use of the Promo Code from Civil AIr Patrol Volunteer magazine (CAPMAG)m so don’t delay and get yourself a little something, too.

Deadline Set for Old CAPF 15 Cadet Applications

Cadet Programs' recent changes to the Curry Uniform Voucher Program required an update to the CAPF 15 Cadet Application. Applicants can access the most recent CAPF 15 form, dated Oct. 22, at this link.


The new Oct. 22 version of the application asks parents to report the level of uniform financial assistance desired for their cadet. This new information can be found on page 2, section II of the form. Responses are not required, and if the section is left blank, the default selection is “3rd Priority Cadets $75.”


Applications received after Jan. 1 must be the new Oct. 22 version. Any previous versions of the CAPF 15 will not be accepted. The squadron commander and parent will be contacted and asked to provide the Oct. 22 version of the application.


Email questions to MembershipServices@capnhq.gov.

New National Volunteer Staff Position Announced

National Headquarters is accepting applications for National Logistics Manager through 5 p.m. Central Time Dec. 29.  This is a volunteer position and will report directly to CAP's director of logistics and mission resources.


For details and the desired requirements for the position, visit this link.

Tweet of the Week @Civil Air Patrol

Insta Photo of the Week #Civil Air Patrol

Operation Pulse Lift

Every unit of blood collected through the combined efforts of Civil Air Patrol volunteers saves three lives, according to the Red Cross. So far in fiscal 2023, Operation Pulse Lift has collected this number of units:

Report Your Blood Donation to CAP

During its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Pulse Lift has collected a total of 17,143 units of blood  — 857 units shy of its yearend goal of 18,000 units, which would potentially save 54,000 lives. With 26 days left in 2022, Mission Director Lt. Col. Robert Ditch says OPL needs a shot in the arm to get to the goal.Ditch is urging CAP members to support scheduled blood donor centers in their states or give individually in their communities.


For more information or to report your donations to CAP, email PulseLift@capnhq.gov.

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