Photos: Civil Air Patrol at Republic Airport

The Long Island Senior Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol came out to help at as it served as the host base for the 2011 Bethpage Federal Credit Union Jones Beach Air Show last weekend.

“CAP, especially here at Republic, in helping us out, is one of the best units I have ever seen. Very organized, very helpful, very happy, and very engaged," said Team Oracle pilot and aerobatic world champion Sean D. Tucker.

Capt. Joseph Pizzo, commanding officer of the Long Island Senior Squadron, was  pleased with his squadron’s performance this weekend. The Squadron performed flight line security and gate access for show performers and guests at the request of Sheltair, the fixed base operator hosting most of the performers in the show.

"The Long Island Senior Squadron is always ready to answer the call when requested. We train year-round in emergency and support services and the Jones Beach Air Show weekend is one of the busiest for our squadron," he said. "We are proud and honored to be able to assist these fine people."

The BFCU Air Show attracts upwards of half a million people to Jones Beach and has been a Memorial Day staple to Long Islanders for years. This year’s lineup included the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, as well as some of the best military and civilian aerobatic performers performing today.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, is a Congressionally chartered non-profit organization with almost 65,000 members nationwide.