'PROPS': Your Weekly Newsletter

N.J. Wing Members

Assist with Joint Base

Dronebuster Testing

New Jersey Wing members are working with the 87th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to test new Dronebuster technology unveiled Jan. 31 to deter trespass by drones.

Drones flown by aviation and photography enthusiasts have crossed into the base’s airspace, which isn’t allowed. Dronebuster enables Security Forces Squadron airmen to take control of the unauthorized drones or take them down, if necessary.

New Jersey Wing members are the only authorized nonmilitary drone operators in base airspace.

"Whatever we can do to support our military partners with whatever they need, we will do it,” said Col. Steve Tracy, the wing’s director of small Unmanned Aerial Systems.

More About the Program

Fla., S.D. Cadets Representing CAP

in CyberPatriot XII National Finals

Cadets from Florida and South Dakota will represent Civil Air Patrol next month in the Air Force Association 's CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition.

The Florida Wing's St. Augustine Composite Squadron will be making its inaugural appearance in the national finals, set for March 20-22 in Rockville, Maryland.

The South Dakota Wing's Big Sioux Composite Squadron returns to the national stage for the sixth time.

More About CyberPatriot

Vietnam Veterans of America

Chapter Provides Funding for

Michigan Wing Cadet Scholarships

Detroit Chapter #9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America has donated $12,500 to support the Civil Air Patrol Foundation’s scholarship fund.

The money will finance five $2,500 scholarships to be awarded to Michigan Wing cadets over the next five years.

The needs-based scholarships will support cadets pursuing their undergraduate or graduate education. Funds can be used for tuition, books and/or room and board.

Maj. Gen. Mark Smith, CAP national commander, was grateful that a member – chapter treasurer John Mullins, who serves as the Michigan Wing’s financial officer as a CAP captain – suggested the arrangement.

About the Donation

Indiana Wing Gains New Commander

Col. Robert Freese is the new commander of the Indiana Wing after succeeding Col. Philip Argenti during a change of command ceremony in Indianapolis.

Col. Matthew Creed, Great Lakes Region commander, seen here on the left passing the wing guidon to Freese as Argenti stands by, presided over the ceremony. “Col. Freese has been an integral part of the Indiana Wing leadership under the last three commanders, and I know he will continue to excel in his new role,” Creed said.

Freese previously held the position of wing vice commander. His predecessor, Argenti, is the Great Lakes Region's new deputy chief of staff for emergency services.

More on the Command Change

Mass. Fertile Keynote Team Visits 104th Fighter Wing

The Massachusetts Wing’s Fertile Keynote crew, led by Lt. Col. Tim Nelson, was treated to a tour of the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.

Capt. Martin “Heklr” Clark provided the visitors with an in-depth capabilities briefing on the F-15. He covered the jet’s history, current operational status and future expectations for the aircraft as well as the mission of the 104th.

He also discussed the important role Civil Air Patrol plays in helping train the fighter wing’s pilots to perform real-world intercepts. Learning about the F15, pilot workload and behind-the-scenes processes gave the Fertile Keynote team some good feedback on how to be more effective during the intercept exercises, held three to four times a month.

After a trip to the hangar to see an F-15 up close, the highlight of the tour was watching a multi-aircraft night launch, complete with afterburners, from the ramp.

More About the Fighter Wing

NHQ News

Need to Finish Up Your

Monthly Safety Education?

The February Safety Beacon Newsletter is now posted on the Safety Page.

Take some time to read through the tips and the other safety articles, then complete the quiz in CAP's Learning Management System for monthly safety education credit.

Remember to Stay Focused on Safety in 2020

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