Civil Air Patrol Members go Airborne with the Air National Guard

Civil Air Patrol members from Catskill Mountain and South Eastern Groups in New York Wing inserted earplugs and strapped into trooper seats, anticipating an exciting opportunity on August 29 to fly aboard a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter, with the 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, based in Newburgh, NY.

The day began with an aircraft briefing by 105th Operations Group personnel. CAP members learned about the C-17’s specifications and remarkable abilities, followed by a presentation from Master Sergeant Efrain Rodriguez (ANG) of safety equipment and life-saving devices aboard the aircraft. Participants then headed to the tarmac, filed up the gang way, boarding the C-17.

After final instructions from the aircrew, loadmasters secured the doors and the four, fully reversible, turbofan engines, rated at 40,440 pounds of thrust each, propelled the C-17 into flight. Once airborne, passengers moved freely around the cargo area, looking out of windows, taking pictures and visiting the cockpit for unique views. They also watched in admiration as the C-17 pilot skillfully maneuvered into position behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine ANG, for a practice mid-air refuel. For the closing demonstration members experienced two exhilarating practice assault landings at Stewart ANG Base.

Cadet Staff Sergeant Nick Ahern, a member of the Putnam County Composite Squadron, said “The C-17 flight was a thrilling experience above all else. I was pleasantly surprised with the high level of preparedness with all of the flight crew. My favorite part was the landing, mainly the speed at which we touched down and then stopped in a matter of just a few seconds. All of the maneuvers that were performed were very well executed.”

Civil Air Patrol’s orientation flight program imparts to cadets the thrill of flying and encourages them to explore aviation careers. Cadets learn the fundamentals of aviation through classroom activities, self-study texts, flights in powered and glider aircraft, and formal flight training.

Members of the Putnam County Composite Squadron meet on Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Paladin Center, 39 Seminary Hill Road, Carmel, NY. For squadron information email elenamac@aol.com or visit www.facebook.com/PutnamCountyCompositeSquadron.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. In addition, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to over 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com or www.CAP.news for more information.