MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — Boat and plane owners upgrading their emergency beacons to the newer technology may be tempted to toss their old ones in the nearest dumpster. But emergency beacons, also known as ELTs in aircraft and EPIRBs in watercraft, were not meant to be discarded like common trash.

Civil Air Patrol, in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, has kicked off a communications initiative – a “Don’t Trash the Beacon” campaign – to inform boaters and airplane owners about proper disposal of obsolete emergency beacons. CAP squadrons across the nation are supporting this initiative by displaying posters about proper disposal in their communities.

This year, National Capital Wing is partnering with North Carolina Wing for the summer encampment.  It will be held June 20-27 at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C.  Military airlift is being looked into for transportation from D.C.  Cadets who have attended a basic encampment may apply for a staff position.  There are also staff positions available for officers (senior members).  Applications using a CAPF 31 are due to National Capital Wing no later than March 6. 

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — During CAP’s 2009 Legislative Day on Feb. 26, the organization’s 52 wing and eight region commanders, as well as youth involved in the cadet program, will personally brief their congressmen in Washington, D.C., on how CAP’s primary missions – search and rescue, emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs – have made a difference in their communities during fiscal year 2008.

Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing Cadet Advisory Council is researching why cadets join, stay and leave the cadet program. If you are a CAP cadet, please take a few minutes to answer an online survey as your opinion matters to us. We will utilize your feedback to improve your CAP cadet experience. The survey is anonymous and will close March 1. Click here to take the survey.

As of Sunday, NOAA's Search and Rescue Satellite-aided Tracking (SARSAT) system no longer listens for distress signals transmitting on 121.5 or 243 MHz. All aviators, mariners and individuals using emergency beacons on those frequencies will need to switch to the newer, more reliable, digital 406 MHz frequency to be detected by satellites.

1st Lt. Derrick Barnette, on right, takes the Andrews Composite Squadron guidon from Col. Jane Davies, National Capital Wing commander, to officially accept command of the squadron Jan. 8. Photo by 2nd Lt. Bill Pritchard

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. — 1st Lt. Derrick Barnette took charge of Civil Air Patrol’s Andrews Composite Squadron in a change of command ceremony at squadron headquarters here Jan. 8.

A CAP National Capital Wing aircraft flies over the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Photo by Maj. Paul Cianciolo

BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. — In December, Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) National Capital Wing signed an official agreement with the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) to provide its services and volunteers for the public good. As a result, CAP will perform homeland security, communication support and other missions during the Presidential Inauguration.

Robert Wilson, center, is promoted to cadet colonel Jan. 5. His parents, Robert and Cheryl Wilson, pin on the three diamonds representing the rank. Photo by Mr. William Cooper

WASHINGTON — Civil Air Patrol Cadet Col. Robert Wilson, a member of National Capital Wing’s Fairfax Composite Squadron, was formally awarded the General Carl A. Spaatz Award during a ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon Jan. 5. This prestigious award was presented by Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Newton, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Keith Purvis, Andrews Composite Squadron cadet commander, recently earned his Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scout Troop 1575. His story is featured in The Sentinel. Click here to read the article online.