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Carroll Composite Squadron prepares for emergencies
By
Brenda A. Reed, 2dLt, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Posted January 30, 2005
WESTMINSTER, MD Members of the Civil Air Patrol's Carroll Composite Squadron hosted radio communications courses on January 16. The classes were held in the Parish Center at St. John's Catholic Church in Westminster. Approximately 25 cadets and senior members attended the all day sessions.
First Lieutentant Marc Erickson taught a morning course in basic radio communications, which is the first step to becoming a CAP radio operator. An advanced radio communications course was taught by Erickson in the afternoon.
The Carroll Composite Squadron is preparing to assist local and state government agencies should an emergency situation arise. Trained cadets and senior members form the backbone of the squadron's emergency services teams. Both aircrews and ground teams are available to assist in crisis periods. CAP maintains one of the largest unified communications networks in the country, available 24-hours a day.
During Hurricane Isabel in the fall of 2003, the Carroll squadron assisted the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at Camp Frettered near Reisterstown. Cadets manned radios for MEMA, while senior members provided transportion during the emergency.
Carroll Composite Squadron is commited to increasing its emergency services capabilities in the event they are requested to assist in the community by local and state agencies. First Lieutentant Kevin McHale, squadron commander, and First Lieutentant Mike Zabetakis, Carroll's emergency services officer, are marking sure the Carroll Composite Squadron's 86 members are trained to respond.
CAP's Maryland Wing has 12 single-engine aircraft and a number of ground teams trained in search and rescue. There are currently approximately 700 members in the Maryland Wing, with Carroll being the second largest squadron in the wing.
Civil Air Patrol, the official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is a civilian, volunteer, nonprofit, service organization. Members perform more than 95% of inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue and Coordination Center. CAP's cadet programs provide young men and women with a safe and motivating environment in which to grow and explore opportunities in the military and aviation industries.
Carroll Composite Squadron meets Tuesday evenings at the US Army Reserve Center on Malcolm Drive in Westminster. Prospective members are always welcome. More information can be found at www.carrollcap.org.
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