Civil Air Patrol members from around the state expanded their search and rescue capabilities, during an all-day training-exercise Saturday. Operations were based in both Fargo and Mandan with Mandan hosting cadets and adults from Minot. Two aircrew from Jamestown also flew into Mandan to provide aircrew SAR training. Lessons learned during the day were imperative to developing lifesaving response for missing persons and aircraft.
Cadet 1st Lt. Joshua Unruh, cadet commander at the Mandan Composite Squadron, said, “It’s great to see everyone have a chance to get out and practice for real. Better than just having classroom training.” Cadets with smiling faces at the end of the day recalled their field search for a simulated immobile person and emergency beacon transmitting a training signal. “We formed a long line and walked across the field for the first search, it was fun out there today!” said Cadet Senior Airman Culver, cadet commander from Magic City Composite Squadron. Cadet activities from the day included classroom training with video conferencing between Fargo, line search and other search techniques in the field, emergency beacon finding, and personnel extraction using a litter.
Low hanging clouds complicated aircrew search and rescue training operations, however, crews from Minot and Jamestown remained persistent. Afternoon weather allowed for a total of five training flights plus round-trip travel for the Jamestown instructor aircrew. Two members from Magic City Composite Squadron were able to complete their first CAP aircrew qualification in the back seat of Cessna aircraft – allowing them to participate in future search and rescue missions as needed out of Minot. Moreover, Deputy Commander, Capt. Benjamin Conlin completed his SAR Pilot evaluation re-enabling airborne SAR capability in Minot.
Air and ground crews continued to practice their skills on the drive and flight back to Minot, after training was officially complete for the day. “It’s exciting to see everyone press into the training today,” noted Magic City Comp. Squadron Commander, Maj. Jeffrey Slocum. People who are interested in participating in CAP for search and rescue and aerospace education can visit gocivilairpatrol.com for details how to join, as early as age twelve.
