SQ188 - Year in Review - 2010

SQ188 Members Training

In 2010, Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188 wholly engaged in the three CAP Missions of Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs.  The Squadron continued to provide for the ongoing support of Emergency Services, by providing highly qualified aircrew and ground personnel and ensuring continued operational excellence.

Members of Squadron 188 have continued to upgrade, train, and participate in the full range of emergency services operations in support of Group 2, California Wing (CAWG), and Pacific Region (PCR).  Squadron members made a determined effort in obtaining mission qualifications.  To ensure Squadron members were well trained in aircrew ES ratings a Mission Observer course was held for five members and a Mission Scanner course was held for 15 members.

In addition, squadron 188 members completed National Incident Management System (NIMS) training with the following new NIMS graduates: ten ICS-100; five ICS-200; nine ICS-700; six ICS-800; three ICS-300 and one ICS-400.

Oakland SAREX

Squadron 188 members were often the first responders to non-distress beacons and members were awarded finds for four aircrew finds and five Urban Direction Finder (UDF) finds.  Capt Jeff Ironfield and Capt Noel Luneau were each awarded the Air Search and Rescue ribbon for their involvement in ten search and rescue sorties.

Group 2 held three SAREX’s and Squadron 188 members were closely involved in both Aircrew and Base Staff positions.  The highlight of the year, which successfully tested the operational capabilities of the Squadron, was the planning and execution of a two-day five-plane SAREX located in Oakland.  Twenty Squadron 188 members participated in the SAREX in all positions ranging from Project Officer, MP, MS, MO, UDF, GTM, AOBD-T, MSO-T, PIO, CUL, and GBD.  On 18-May-10, Squadron 188 aircrew flew an engineer from East Bay Municipal Utilities in support of the Homeland Security exercise - Golden Guardian.

NESA Awardees

Members attended advanced ES training courses to enhance the Squadron’s operational capabilities.  In Jul-10, five members graduated NESA, and 1st Lt Luis Rivas and 2d Lt Doug Perriera distinguished themselves by taking home the top crew award.  In Oct-09 our Commander, Capt Jeffrey Ironfield successfully completed the Mountain Flying Course.

Blood Bourne Pathogen training was completed in Jul-10, as part of a continuing commitment to first aid readiness,  The majority of squadron members received recertification training in Cardio‑Pulmonary resuscitation in Nov-10 and Standard First Aid. Lt Col Matarrese, and Capt Kumar Misra, our Health Services Officer conducted these courses.

Livermore Open House

At the Sep-10 Livermore Open House, Squadron 188 worked closely with Squadron 18 to setup an exceptional static display of an aircraft, two CAP vehicles, and assisted in operating a recruiting booth.  This event proved to be an excellent method to increase the visibility of the Civil Air Patrol, further the Aerospace Education mission, provide support to the Cadet Program, and recruit new senior members to the Squadron.

Lt Col Juan Tinnirello

An aerospace education program was conducted in 2010, to ensure that the Aerospace mission is well represented within the squadron.  Paul Groff, Wing Safety Officer, Phil Blank, Wing DOV, and other qualified instructors were instrumental in the monumental achievement of elevating the number of Yeager Award recipients. Squadron members planned and attended visits of the USS Hornet and the Chabot Space and Science center.  The Squadron flew AFROTC cadets, to enhance our Aerospace mission.  Two flights were conducted from the Oakland Airport for four AFROTC cadets.

Squadron 188 conducted O’Rides for Squadron 18 at Livermore Airport.  This is to ensure that the cadets experience firsthand a flight in a CAP plane.

CAP Cessna 182 Skylane at Oakland

Finally, Squadron 188 is fortunate to be located in a large facility at the old Oakland Terminal and Hotel.  The Squadron lent out this facility and provided support to CAWG for the National Check Pilot Standardization Course (NCPSC) in Jun-10, and the Mission Pilot Academy – Ground School in Jul-10.

2010 was a great year for Squadron 188 and we're looking forward to 2011 being even better!

Capt Luneau is Squadron 188's Deputy Commander and is a qualified Mission Pilot.

Images courtesy of Lt Col Juan Tinnirello, Capt Noel Luneau, Captain Kenneth Sturgill, 2d Lt Patrick Bitz and NESA.