San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

The following personnel assembled at 1830 hours, Tuesday, 31 July 2007 at the Washington Street entrance to Lindbergh Field for a tour of the Air Traffic Control Tower and SDFD Airport Fire Station:

Sq. 144 Cadets
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly
C/2Lt Matthew Corey
C/MSgt Chandra Murphy
C/SSgt Alex Ramos
C/SrA Daniel Gorin
C/SrA Brown, Laura
C/Amn Scott Lynch
C/Amn Andrew Elsken
C/Amn Erika Goodall
C/Amn Spencer Beaulieu
C/Amn Kevin Mihalik
C/Amn Marshall Bryan
C/Amn Matthew Rosbrook
C/Amn Courtney Ellis
C/Amn Ben Sachs
C/Amn Anthony Tavan
C/MSgt Jakob Parsons (visiting from Connecticut)

Sq. 144 Senior Members
LtCol Ben Aaron
Maj Elbert McDowell
Capt Dennis Ammann
Capt David Saavedra
2Lt Chris Haukom
2Lt Jeff Cable
SM Anthony Ramos

Sq. 201 Cadets
C/2Lt Sgt Andrew Handrop
C/TSgt Amy Hannibal
C/TSgt Jason Hannibal
C/TSgt Mark Hannibal
C/SrA Steven Hannibal
C/Amn Jacob Pucci
C/TSgt Matthew Lytle

Sq. 201 Senior Members
LtCol Steve Handrop
Maj William Riddle

Mr. Michael Gagen, from the FAA met the two CAP squadrons at the security gate and we were quickly led through to the tower where the cadets formed up in formation. Capt Saavedra introduced Mr. Gagen to the two squadrons. He talked about his background and primary training as a Navy air traffic controlman aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. After active duty he applied for a job with the FAA and was quickly hired. He then introduced his assistant Mr. John Adi a new trainee just out of training at the FAA school in Oklahoma City.

Mr. Gagen then introduced us to Fire Chief Michael Brown who led us next door into the fire station. One of his firemen brought out a fire resistant silver crash suit and had a cadet don this heavy outfit. The fireman explained how they fight fires while wearing one of these bulky suits. Chief Brown explained the unique aspects of fighting an aircraft fire versus a building structure and the tactics they use to quickly extinguish an airliner on fire. He led us into the vehicle bay where four fire engines are maintained and ready to respond at a moments notice. While explaining the various firefighting systems these trucks have, one of his personnel demonstrated a special penetrating nozzle that can penetrate the side of a fuselage and spray water inside an aircraft in order to quickly put out a fire. After the fire station tour, the two squadrons thanked Chief Brown and his firefighters and went next door to the base of the control tower.

Mr. Gagen spoke briefly about the nine story tower adding that it is ten years old and the fourth one to be built since Lindbergh Field has been operating. He touched base about Charles A. Lindbergh, being the namesake for this very busy airport. The airport allows landings on runway 24/7 (magnetic heading of 090 degrees) with departures between the hours of 0630 to 2300 hours only because of noise restrictions to the surrounding neighborhoods. There are approximately 700 takeoffs and landings each day with two passenger terminals to support the airlines plus a cargo terminal. The airport has handled about every aircraft known to exist, even the giant Boeing 747, although they only flew here for about one year with British Airways. An even larger jet has visited Lindbergh Field in the past, the Russian made Antonov AN-124 Condor cargo plane.

Our host cycled eight people at a time to the top of the tower for a bird’s eye view of Lindbergh Field at night. The various approach radars were explained, responsibility of each traffic controller and their respective job (a total of four). Although Tuesday nights are not their busiest day, it did appear that one flight was coming in about every five minutes. One could imagine what it would be like on a Friday or Sunday night. After all personnel were cycled through the tower, it was time to leave at 2045 hours. We thanked our hosts and told them that we really appreciated this fantastic AE opportunity to visit the tower.

With the war on global terrorism, this was not an easy activity for Capt Saavedra to secure and is to be commended for his efforts in putting this activity together. Additionally, with so many cadets to transport, we are indebted to the five parents who helped drive the cadets to this event: Mrs. Jen Murphy, Mr. Tim Beaulieu, Mr. Art Brown, Ms. Michelle Winkenwerber, and Mr. Chris Lynch.

Respectfully submitted,

Capt Dennis Ammann
Public Affairs Officer

Posted by Vince at 11:35 AM | Permalink

This was the 13th year that Wings Over Gillespie (WOG) Air Show was held at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, CA. In order to prevent cancellation of the air show because of inclement weather, this year’s event was held on 16-17 June 2007. Last year it was almost rained out in the morning on one of the two days. CAP has been there from the start, helping out with flight line security. Mr. Steve Real, Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Air Group One Commander again requested assistance and San Diego Cadet Squadron 144 spearheaded the CAP support. Capt Dennis Ammann was designated as the Project Officer and attended the weekly CAF planning meetings one month prior to the air show.

On Saturday, 16 June, 0630 hours, the following personnel reported to the Project Officer in front of the airport admin building:

Skyhawk Composite Sq. 47
LtCol Michael Woods
Capt Tony Diaz
Capt Richard Nelson
1Lt William Dean
2Lt David MacGregor
C/CMSgt Kyle Wheeler
C/Amn Tyler MacGregor
C/Amn Michael Chung
C/Amn Kaila Reed
C/AB Conor Fox
C/AB Christian Saunders

South San Diego Sq. 201
LtCol Steve Handrop
C/CMSgt Andrew Handrop
C/TSgt Amy Hannibal
C/TSgt Jason Hannibal
C/TSgt Mark Hannibal
C/SrA Steven Hannibal
C/Amn Jacob Pucci

Group 7 Staff
Maj Deanna O’Sargent

San Diego Cadet Sq. 144
LtCol Ben Aaron
Capt Dennis Ammann
2Lt Jeff Cable
2Lt Chris Haukom
SM Tony Ramos
C/2Lt Matthew Corey
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly
C/MSgt Chandra Murphy
C/TSgt Alex Ramos
C/Amn Alec Benter
C/Amn Spencer Beaulieu
C/Amn Marshall Bryan
C/Amn Andrew Elsken
C/Amn Courtney Ellis
C/Amn Eric Johnson
C/Amn Brent Timm
C/Amn Chris Riha
C/AB Anthony Tavan

Capt Ammann welcomed the CAP squadrons to WOG and commenced the safety and WOG information brief. After the brief Chaplain Richard Nelson led the group in a word of prayer for the safety of all how worked, flew, and attended the air show that weekend. The group then proceeded to the admin building for the CAF portion of the safety, security, and information brief.

At 0800 hours Mr. Steve Real, welcomed and thanked the CAP personnel for assisting with the air show. He spoke about emergency services, aircraft crash procedures, flight line security, and taxi/runway incursions. He also introduced his First Aid Responder, Ground Boss, and Public Relations Rep.

After the two briefings, CAP control was set up next to a hangar by taxiway B-4. C/2Lt Matthew Corey was in charge of the combined CAP cadets with C/2Lt Joseph Connolly as his assistant and the two senior cadets from Squadrons 47 and 201 supporting the contingent. Three flights made up of about 25 cadets were assembled the first day along the flight line. Another responsibility for CAP was patrolling across runway 17-35. One hour watches were set up with one senior member and three cadets taking up positions there. Although CAF initially transported the security detachment across the active taxiway, 1Lt William Dean took the initiative to transport CAP personnel the rest of the day utilizing his van and receiving permission from the tower by utilizing his personal radio. This saved a lot of time and relieved CAF personnel to concentrate on other areas of the air show. The other cadets rotated on the flight line from taxiway B-4 to the intersection of runways 8-27L and 17-35. There were numerous other calls from CAF to assist with other aspects of the air show operations. All senior members rotated among the cadets in order to observe any safety concerns that might crop up with the aircraft or public spectators. The cadets performed very well, especially with the personnel who rent hangars and tie down spaces and expect to get in free by side stepping the front entrance. Most of the holes were blocked with cadets to avoid this situation, but a few times, senior members had to step in to back them up.

Maj Dee O’Sargent, Cadet Alex Ramos, and C/Amn Tyler MacGregor set up a recruiting table under the starboard wing of the C-53 Skytrooper (C-47 Skytrain derivative). This aircraft was configured as a paratrooper jump plane and participated in the D-Day invasion on 6 June 1944 of occupied France during WWII. Their recruiting efforts netted about 15 names that were divided up among the participating squadrons according to their geographical locations to the prospective contacts.

Some of the aircraft that flew during the weekend were: Four T-34 Mentors flying a missing man formation just before the opening ceremonies and National Anthem. Two A-1 Skyraiders owned by Bob Grondzik and Rick Morrison from Ramona Airport demonstrated low strafing/bombing passes as they might have done during the Vietnam War, complete with pyrotechnics in between runways 27R and 27L; this was a real crowd pleaser. The Planes of Fame flew a F8F Bearcat, F6F Hellcat, P-40 Warhawk, and a P-51 Mustang for low passes and aerial maneuvers. The California Department of Forestry (CDF) brought two aircraft; a modified ex-Navy S-2 Tracker aerial fire bomber and an ex-USAF OV-10 Bronco aerial fire command and control aircraft. They were to suppose to fly an aerial firefighting demonstration, but were called out to fight a fire at Bonsall, to the northwest. Mr. John Colliver performed his aerobatic show flying an AT-6 Texan with Mr. Craig Teft also flying an aerobatic show in his Pitts Special by-plane. Other flight demos were: four AT-6 Texans who flew around the pattern in formation; two L-19 Bird Dogs flew formation; a TBM Avenger like President George H. W. Bush (41st President) flew in WWII made a few passes with its bomb bay doors open; four L-19 Delfin jets flew formation demos. Unfortunately there were no heavy or medium WWII bombers like last year flying for the crowds at WOG because they were all on tour in other parts of the western United States.

Other aircraft in the static display area were: The C-53 Skytrooper that was previously mentioned, an A-20 Havoc twin-engine medium bomber, an F-14 Tomcat, F-86 Sabre, F-16 Falcon, and AV-8 Harrier all towed across the airport from the San Diego Air and Space Museum Annex at Gillespie Field; a DeHavilland DH4 WWI (70% scale) was flown in by an old WWII pilot from Arizona who modified his WWI light bomber into a post-WWI U.S. Mail plane. Numerous civilian antique aircraft were flown in by their owners and included: Stearmens, Wacos, Cessnas, etc. The largest plane on display, a C-46 Commando owned by CAF from Camarillo, CA. This aircraft was the mainstay for the re-supply effort in the China-Burma-India theater supporting the combined Chinese/Allied Forces during WWII. All supplies had to be flown over the Himalayan Mountains between India and China. Many C-46s and C-47 Skytrains crashed because of bad weather and overloaded aircraft, thus naming their route “the Aluminum Trail.”

At the end of the air show on Saturday, the combined squadrons formed up in front of the C-53 Skytrooper for a group photo. Squadrons 47 and 201 were thanked by Capt Ammann for their outstanding support for the CAF WOG Air Show and secured at 1730 hours.

The weather each day was overcast in the morning but lifted about 1000 hours and was clear the rest of the day. The high temperatures were in the middle 80 degrees with a cool breeze coming in about 1600 hours each day. Water was always available by the CAF water wagon that made numerous rounds along the flight line.

On Sunday, 17 June, the following personnel again reported in front of the Gillespie Field admin building at 0630 hours:

San Diego Cadet Sq. 144
Capt Dennis Ammann
2Lt Chris Haukom
2Lt Jeff Cable
SM Tony Ramos
C/2Lt Matthew Corey
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly
C/MSgt Chandra Murphy
C/TSgt Alex Ramos
C/Amn Spencer Beaulieu
C/Amn Marshall Bryan
C/Amn Courtney Ellis
C/AB Anthony Tavan
C/SrAmn Daniel Gorin
C/AB Scott Lynch
C/AB Kevin Mihalik


El Cajon Senior Sq. 57
1Lt Shairrie Van Duzer

Group 7 Staff
1Lt Richard Lovick

Although the number of CAP personnel reporting in on Sunday were scaled down from the previous day, the cadets took a lesson from the U.S. Marine Corps to “improvise, adapt, and overcome” in support of the numerous requests from CAF. Only one senior member was assigned across the runway with a two hour watch, taking a strategic position where the two runways cross. We utilized the airport security guard to transport the senior members across the active taxiway, again freeing up CAF. Cadets were spread thin but were alert to their expanded area. We were fortunate to have 1Lts Shairrie Van Duzer and Richard Lovick volunteer to augment our senior member force on Sunday. Lt Lovick drove all the way from Costa Mesa to help out.

A lesson learned from Saturday was to form a quick response team (QRT) like Capt John Binder, CAP Sq. 20 set up at the Chino Air Show for emergency responses. When the two CDF aircraft had to respond to a fire in Bonsall, CAP had no personnel on the other side of the static display, so were not aware they were leaving or needed assistance clearing the spectators away. On Sunday we were ready and alert for such a repeat of this situation. There were no CDF responses on Sunday.

There was a medical emergency at about 1600 hours with CAF requesting CAP assistance to clear the entrance to the front admin building parking lot as an eight year old female was having trouble breathing. The CAF Emergency Medical Team (EMT) initially responded and waited for back up from El Cajon Fire and Ambulance Department. 2Lt Jeff Cable (a SD Policeman by profession) took the lead at the T-street entrance directing traffic away from the admin building parking lot so the ES vehicles could enter. 1Lt Rick Lovick also assisted, directing people out of the entrance along with Cadets Corey and Connolly. Capt Ammann cleared people away from the front main entrance. This worked out very well, as the EMT were inside and performing their duties. CAP QRT was secured and returned to the flight line.

At 1730 hours, CAP was requested to start clearing people from the air show so that aircraft could be moved and vendors could secure their tents and merchandise. At 1830 hours, CAP was secured from duty and everyone who was left formed up in front of the AV-8 Harrier for a group picture.

In closing there were no runway/taxiway incursions or any accidents on the flight line thanks to the members of CAP. The CAP 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.

Thanks to all who attended!

Semper Vi !

Capt Dennis Ammann
WOG Project Officer
SD Cadet Sq. 144

Posted by Vince at 7:07 PM | Permalink

At 1400 hours, Wednesday, 4 July 2007 the following personnel reported to 2Lt David Saavedra, at the parade staging, Bernardo Center Drive and Lomica Drive, Rancho Bernardo for the start of the 38th annual "Spirit of the Fourth Parade."

CADETS
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly, Cadet Cmdr
C/2Lt Matthew Corey, Flight Cmdr
C/SMSgt Douglas Saavedra, Color Guard Cmdr
C/MSgt Chandra Murphy
C/TSgt Alex Ramos, First Sergeant
C/SSgt Daniel Gorin
C/SrA Joshua Flewellen
C/A1C Laura Brown, Color Guard
C/Amn Spencer Beaulieu
C/Amn Bryan Marshall
C/Amn Brent Timm
C/Amn Alec Benter, Color Guard
C/Amn Courtney Ellis, Color Guard
C/AB Scott Lynch

SENIOR MEMBERS
Capt. Dennis Ammann, Sq. Cmdr
2Lt David Saavedra, Proj. Officer
SM Anthony Ramos

After assembly, 2Lt Joseph Connolly discussed last minute marching strategies with his staff concerning the parade route. All personnel checked their uniforms, color guard equipment, and CAP banner prior to walking to the squadron’s assigned spot. The temperature that day was hovering in the low nineties, so water and other drinks were issued out to all concerned before the start of the parade. Mrs. Marla Lynch, mother of Cadet Scott Lynch and his sister Bridgette provided water while trailing behind the formation with their small wagon.

At about 1505 hours 2Lt Saavedra ordered Cadet Connolly to move his squadron to spot #73 and wait for the parade to begin, taking advantage of a nearby shade tree to wait under.

After waiting about 40 minutes, the squadron officially entered the parade marching behind the United States Air Force Color Guard Team from March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, CA. The squadron was led by the 2Lt Saavedra and Capt Ammann holding a CAP banner. Next in line was the Squadron 144 Color Guard, and finally the Parade Flight to the cheers of onlookers and spectators. Numerous shouts of "Go Civil Air Patrol", "Thank you for your service" and "Squadron 144 you rock” were heard from the crowd throughout the 1¼ mile parade route. It was also noticed that the spectators along the sides of the street stood up, removed their hats, and placed their hand upon their heart as the USAF Color Guard approached.

The highlight of the parade was passing before the reviewing stand and hearing the parade announcer introduce us as, "A first time entry of the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, San Diego Cadet Squadron 144, emphasizing aerospace education, emergency services and cadet programs since 1941. Visit them at cap.gov". At the appropriate moment the Cadet Commander gave the command, "Eyes Left!" as the squadron marched past the reviewing stand, looking very sharp!

The parade included several high school marching bands, numerous vintage and historical vehicles, all branches of the military and their respective color guard units, numerous veterans organizations, several highly decorated retired military members, including a medal of honor recipient, and several medal of valor awardees, public representatives, the Mayor of San Diego, and dozens of community organizations.

At 1650 hours the squadron marched to the dispersal area and came to a halt where the command to “Fall Out!” was given. Everyone gathered for a few group photos which included MSgt Mendoza from the March ARB Color Guard. He came over to congratulate the cadets about how well they marched, their military appearance, and bearing and that his color guard was very honored to march in front of San Diego Cadet Squadron 144. The feeling was mutual as the squadron also felt honored to be led by the sharpest military color guard in the entire parade.

Closing announcements and congratulations were extended to the cadets and their contribution to this high public relations profile event for CAP and Cadet Squadron 144 in particular. Grateful acknowledgments were made to all the parents gathered who supported their cadets to make this an outstanding event.

Special acknowledgments went to Mrs. Jen Murphy, Mrs. Barbara Saavedra, Mrs. Kuei-Mei Ammann, Mrs. Marla Lynch and Miss Bridgette Lynch for their individual contributions of refreshments, water wagon escort, billfold, cell phone caddie, and staying alert for any needs of the cadets during the parade route.

Respectfully submitted,
2nd Lt David Saavedra

Posted by Vince at 10:04 AM | Permalink