San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

This was the 14th year that Wings Over Gillespie (WOG) Air Show was held at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, CA. Although WOG was cancelled last year because of cost expenditures and other issues, Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Air Group One (AG-1) decided to press ahead and hold this local hometown popular air show on 6-7 June 2009. Col. Bob Simon, CAF, AG-1, Wing Leader, took the lead and gathered the necessary permits, FAA approval, and community support to successfully pull this off commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of occupied France by Germany. CAP was there on Saturday and Sunday, helping out on the flight line keeping spectators safe and any other task asked of them. This was the first year, CAP was asked to present the colors at opening festivities at 1000 hours each day.

The following personnel from five local CAP squadrons supported WOG:

Skyhawk Composite Sq. 47
LtCol Michael Woods
*Maj John DiGiantomasso
*Capt Andrea DiGiantomasso
*Capt Carl Godbee
*C/CMSgt Michael Chung
*C/MSgt Ruby Rosado
*C/MSgt Noah Chun
*C/SrA Nicholas Chun

Escondido Cadet Squadron 714
Maj Robert Rea
C/SMSgt Alex Ramos
C/AB Jonathon Ruiz
C/AB Matthew Johnson
**C/Amn Cesar Escalona
*C/AB Hunter Le Pla
**C/AB Ryan Grenier
C/AB Simon Stewart
C/AB Andrew Johnson

San Diego Cadet Sq. 144
Maj Dennis Ammann
Capt David Saavedra
1Lt Jeff Cable
1Lt Chris Haukom
SM Adam Dorin
CS William McFarland
C/2Lt Chandra Murphy
C/2Lt Daniel Gorin
C/SMSgt Rebecca Olson
C/TSgt Jesse O’Keefe
**C/A1c Matthew McFarland
C/Amn Brett Ward
C/Amn Michael Saavedra
C/AB Robert Wolfe

San Diego Senior Squadron 57
Capt Shairre Van Duzer

South San Diego Sq. 201
C/SMSgt Jacob Pucci
C/TSgt Zack Hamner
C/SSgt Wayne Stokes
C/SrA Philip Barlis
C/A1c Brian Thomas
C/A1c Alex Thomas
C/Amn Heidi Froslie
C/Amn Jackie Froslie

* color guard duties only
** color guard duty & flight line security

Maj Dennis Ammann, Project Officer assembled CAP personnel at 0630 hours each day at the Admin Bldg parking lot and briefed the personnel concerning CAP’s responsibility, taxiway B-4 taxiway CAP HQs, schedule of events, and most importantly the standard safety brief concerning aircraft movements, propeller hazards, prop wash, hydration, sun exposure, etc. C/2Lt Chandra Murphy, Cadet OIC, quickly assigned personnel to their respective positions and posts.

At 0800 hours Capt David Saavedra and Maj Ammann attended the WOG pilot’s briefing at the airport maintenance hangar, meeting with other staff members. After the briefing, C/2Lt Murphy was updated on a few more tasks assigned by CAF. With her experience at CAWG Encampment and other activities, she quickly adapted and reassigned personnel and tasks without delay or mishap. Unfortunately CAP’s numbers were down this year because of final exam studies and Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT), accordingly flight line distance covered was reevaluated and adjusted.

Each day opening ceremonies started at 1000 hours with the National Anthem song by a female member of CAF. On Saturday, Sq. 714, lead by Maj Robert Rea and C/SMSgt Alex Ramos assembled their color guard and had them post the colors. The Sq. 714 color guard consisted of cadets: Cesar Escalona, Hunter Le Pla, Ryan Grenier, and from Sq. 144 Cadet Matthew McFarland. Sunday’s CAP color guard consisted of cadets: Michael Chung, Ruby Rosado, Noah Chun, and Nicholas Chun lead by Maj John DiGiantomasso from Sq. 47. Also present was a local Sea Cadet color guard, adding an additional element of patriotism. The Condor Squadron consisting of four North American AT-6 Texans flew over the airfield for the Missing Man Formation. As the four plane formation flew by, one broke straight up to represent the fallen warriors from past wars while the other three continued straight and level to the west.

During the afternoon various aircraft performed fly-bys including the largest aircraft present, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (C-47 Skytrain derivative). This aircraft was configured as a paratrooper aircraft and participated in the D-Day invasion on 6 June 1944 of occupied France during WWII 65 years ago. Six skydivers exited the aircraft, each displaying one of the armed forces and one with the POW/MIA flag. The Condor Squadron demonstrated low strafing/ bombing passes as aircraft similar to them might have done during WWII, complete with pyrotechnics in between runways 27R and 27L; as always, this was a real crowd pleaser. Another crowd pleaser were the WWII enactors representing units from the German, American, and British Army, providing a mock rifle battle along runway 27. 1Lt Ken Blaze from Sq. 47 is a member of the British Army enactor unit representing Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery’s Northern African Corps.

Some of the aircraft that flew during WOG were: Four T-34 Mentors; The Planes of Fame flew a F8F Bearcat, F4F Wildcat, P-40 Warhawk, Vought F4U Corsair, and a P-51 Mustang for low passes and aerial maneuvers. The California Fire (CalFire) brought two aircraft; a modified ex-Navy Grumman S-2 Tracker aerial fire bomber and an ex-USAF North American OV-10 Bronco aerial fire command and control aircraft. The Bronco flew a few low passes and the Tracker demonstrated a water drop in between the runways 27L and 27R. Mr. John Colliver performed his aerobatic show flying the AT-6 Texan and Mr. Mark Kennedy flying his Staudacher S600 aerobatic plane. The Red Stars also performed flying formation flying in their Russian Yak trainers.

Aircraft in the static display area were: Two medium WWII bombers, a North American B-25 Mitchell and a Douglas A-26 Invader along with a Russian Antonov AN-2 Colt (world’s largest bi-plane and pick-up truck of the air). Three helicopters were on display: A Navy Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, USMC Boeing CH-46 Seaknight, and a SDFD Bell UH-1 Iroquois. From the San Diego Air and Space Museum Annex were the following: Grumman F-14 Tomcat, North American F-86 Sabre, General Dynamics F-16 Falcon, and Douglas AV-8 Harrier all towed across runway 27 from their hangar at Gillespie Field. Numerous civilian antique aircraft were flown in by their owners and included: Stearmens, Cessnas, Pipers, etc. There were three excellent Piper J-3 Cub examples next to CAP HQs, one of which was a float plane.

The weather each day was overcast in the morning but lifted about 1000 hours and was clear the rest of the day. The temperatures were wonderful in the middle low 70 degrees with a cool breeze coming in about 1600 hours each day. Water was always available by the CAF water wagon.

On Sunday, CAP personnel were scaled down from the previous day, with C/2Lt Murphy learning from the U.S. Marine Corps to “improvise, adapt, and overcome” in support of the numerous requests from CAF.

At the end of each day, the combined squadrons formed up in front of a Fairey FR.MK 4 Firefly (Saturday) and a Stearman PT-17 Kadet (Sunday) for a group photo. The squadrons were thanked by Maj Ammann for their outstanding support of WOG Air Show and secured at about 1630 hours.

In closing there were no runway/taxiway incursions or any accidents on the flight line thanks to the members of CAP. Our cadets were very professional, sharp looking, and always ready to lend a hand at any request demanded of them. CAP made a very positive public influence at this air show by not only setting up a recruiting booth but also providing a commanding visible appearance while working the flight line.

A special work of thanks to 1Lt Chris Haukom who mentored C/2Lt Murphy and offered her valuable managerial advice. Congratulations to Cadet Murphy for her superb performance managing the cadet component each day, one of her largest undertakings since becoming Sq. 144 Cadet Commander. Finally to Capt David Saavedra, Assistant Project Officer who actually took on most of the work and learned the “ropes” as next year’s CAP Project Officer for WOG.

Thanks to all who attended and worked so hard!

Semper Vigilans!

Maj Dennis Ammann
WOG Project Officer
San Diego Cadet Sq. 144

Posted by Vince at 12:29 PM | Permalink

Outstanding turn-out for the 2009 Challenge Air event at Brown Field Airport with 18 cadets and three senior members from two squadrons – Sq. 144 & 201. This was our third year supporting this wonderful organization dedicated to special needs children.

In addition to the above, CAP members of Ryan-Hemet Composite Sq. 59, Lt David Peabody C/Amn Stacy Peabody, C/Sgt Joshua Burnham, and Lt Bill Dean along with our own Lt Chris Haukom provided their skills as aircraft directors in a non-CAP status earning credit for the CAP Community Service Ribbon.

The following personnel reported in at 0730 hours, Saturday, 18 April to the Project Officer, Capt David Saavedra, Sq. 144:

Sq. 144
Maj Dennis Ammann
C/2Lt Chandra Murphy
C/MSgt Hanna Olson
C/MSgt Hayden Sheyda
C/SSgt Jesse O’Keefe
C/TSgt Nathan Blackburne
C/TSgt Alexander Lange
C/A1c Andrew Overson
C/Amn Michael Saavedra
C/Amn Calvin Amos
C/Amn Andrea Atkins

Sq. 201
LtCol Steve Handrop
C/CMSgt Jason Hannibal
C/SSgt Matthew Valdez
C/SSgt Zack Hamner
C/SrA Jacob Hamner
C/Amn Philip Barlis
C/Amn Heidi Froslie
C/Amn Jacklyn Froslie
C/AB Joshua Gibson

With C/2Lt Chandra Murphy taking charge as Cadet Commander, she quickly formed up the cadets and assigned element flight leaders.

The initial plan was to help the Challenge Air staff set up the hangar in preparation for the special needs children who would be arriving at 0900 hours with their parents. Then attend the informative brief given by Mr. Byron Laszlo, Director of Challenge Air and his West Coast Director, Mrs. Lonna Gibson. The brief consisted of who the founder was, how Challenge Air became such a valuable asset and therapy for the children, and how the various community groups can provide future support. Afterwards, flight line posts were set and everything went very well throughout the day.

A USAF C-130H Hercules from the Georgia Air National Guard was parked adjacent to the Challenge Air ramp, so Capt Saavedra introduced himself and asked permission for our cadets to have a look around. They were all rotated through the C-130 and up to the cockpit for a very quick tour of this huge cargo hauler before the flight crew had to pull chocks and depart for Texas and then home to Savanna.

At about 0900 hours, Mr. Dave Scott from KUSI, a local news TV station, interviewed our CAP celebrity, Capt David Saavedra. He spoke about CAP and the benefits it provides to today’s youth and how the program instills leadership, responsibility, and maturity in our cadets.

Many of us again saw the smiling faces of the children as they disembarked from the aircraft and received Challenge Air flight pins and certificates. The parents were so happy for them and grateful to Challenge Air for allowing their children to fly. About 120 children received aircraft rides throughout the day.

Although the weather was excellent with a slight sea breeze, and 80 degree temperatures, no sunburn, dehydration, or personal injuries resulted. At about 1600 hours the last flight was completed with the sixteen Challenge Air volunteer pilots departing to their respective home airports for a well deserved rest. The other community groups who helped departed as well. Although our CAP cadets were tired and ready to return home too, their work was not finished as they formed up inside the hangar for a ‘FOD walk down’ and left the hangar in a clean state for San Diego Jet Center to re-spot their corporate aircraft inside.

Many thanks to our very good friends from Ryan-Hemet Composite Sq. 59 for volunteering in a non-CAP status. The West Coast Director, Mrs. Lonna Gibson really appreciated their help and expertise keeping the volunteer pilots happy and more importantly, SAFE! Thanks to Capt David Saavedra for spearheading this effort as Project Officer, transporting cadets, looking after their safety and concerns. Special thanks to LtCol Steve Handrop for bringing Sq. 201 cadets so that they too can experience Challenge Air. Finally thanks to C/2Lt Chandra Murphy’s outstanding job supervising the cadets, responding to personnel requests, and rotating them around the flight line.

I’m sure everyone will be looking forward to next year’s Challenge Air event and becoming part of the famous Challenge Air Force, well perhaps, temporarily that is.

Semper Vigilans!

Maj Dennis S. Ammann

Posted by Vince at 8:29 PM | Permalink

Posted by Vince at 1:13 PM | Permalink

Chollas Creek Park Tree Planting - Community Service


National City, CA Eleven San Diego Cadet Squadron 144 personnel and three guests lead by Capt David Saavedra, Project Officer, volunteered to participate in the 24th Annual California Coastal Clean Up Day, sponsored by the California Coastal Commission, on Saturday, 20 September 2008. The squadron was assigned to the Chollas Creek Park at 38th and Alpha Streets. This project consisted of planting trees and shrubs, weeding, watering, and removing debris from Chollas Creek Park.

In order for the cadets to earn hours in order to qualify to wear the CAP Community Service Ribbon, this event was designated as a non-CAP activity. Each cadet received credit for four hours; sixty total hours are required. Even though all personnel were in civilian clothes, the civilians in charge knew that Civil Air Patrol was present, thus providing good community relations and positive results for this park beautification project.

At 0800, Saturday, 20 September 2008, the following personnel reported for duty with Capt David Saavedra, Sq. 144 Project Officer:

Cadets
C/2Lt Douglas Saavedra
C/SrA Caleb Duescher
C/SrA Emily Duescher
C/SrA Hanna Olson
C/Amn Matthew McFarland
C/AB Brett Ward

Senior Members
Maj Dennis Ammann
Capt David Saavedra
2LT Heidi Olson
Cadet Sponsor Connie Duescher
Cadet Sponsor Mack McFarland

In addition to the above CAP members, three prospective members also volunteered to assist: Mr. Bob White and his niece, Miss Robin White and Michael Saavedra, Capt Saavedra’s son. They both pitched in as though full CAP members and if they desire to join CAP will make excellent future members.

All volunteers checked in by the event coordinator and received event T-shirts and job assignments by Michele and Rochelle the event leaders, who briefed the volunteers where to work throughout the site, what plants to weed, and where the best places are to plant the new plants. After her brief, gloves, shovels, rakes, and spades were distributed.

A safety brief was conducted by National Steel and Shipbuilding Industrial Safety Engineer, Mr. Bart Deem. He asked everyone to apply plenty of sun screen and drink water that was provided by the sponsors.

The volunteers spread out where they began shoveling and pulling out weeds and cacti. The time quickly passed with small trees and shrubs planted and watered throughout the park. After gathering up the trash bags and returning the gardening tools, this portion of the activity ended about 1200 hours.

The squadron headed to the barbecue about one mile from the site where everyone enjoyed a hearty lunch consisting of hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage links, carne asada, nachos, rice and beans, salad, including cold drinks. Several large trees provided welcome shade to the eaters.

During this period, Michele and Mr. Hugo Bermudez, Groundwork San Diego Captains, informed Capt Saavedra that they were again impressed by how well behaved, efficient, and effective Squadron 144 demonstrated themselves. Capt Saavedra informed them how proud he too was of the CAP volunteers because of their diligence and quick response to the short notice they received to participate and how they distinguished themselves among the other youth groups in attendance. He thanked them for their complements and observations.

At 1330 hours the activity secured and all personnel departed for home.

This successful event underscored how vital its purpose was, to encourage camaraderie and teamwork within the squadron. This non-CAP activity helped to reinforce leadership attributes, learned from CAP experiences, and practiced during the event by our cadets which will undoubtedly prove to be valuable in they future. Equally important, this “advertised” CAP to the community and offered recruiting opportunities to our cadets, essential to the successful continuation and growth of Squadron 144.

The best reward is looking at Chollas Creek Park and seeing it look cleaner with new plants and trees added. A feeling of accomplishment was felt by all during the event. Hopefully the cadets will add more hours to their respective “log books” and pin on this coveted CAP Community Service Ribbon after acquiring a total of sixty hours of community service.

Any event like this could not happen without our usual parent, Cadet Sponsors, and Senior Member drivers. Cadet Sponsors William McFarland and Connie Duescher and Mr. Bob White not only drove they also pitched in and worked right alongside with everyone. 2Lt Heidi Olson, squadron Public Affairs Officer took numerous photos for our website and newsletter while working hard too.

Respectfully submitted,

Captain David Saavedra
Project Officer

Posted by Vince at 11:42 PM | Permalink