Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol USAF Aux.

SAR DEMO - 20 May 2006, Sturgeon Bay, WI
On May 20, members of CAP Northeast Group convened at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin's Cherryland Airport to participate in a multifaceted Search-and Rescue Demonstration exercise. The exercise included squadrons from Twin Counties, Shawano, Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Also present were CAP's "glass cockpit" C-182 and the Gippsland GA-8. The exercise was conducted in cooperation with other area Emergency Services agencies including the Door and Kewaunee County Sheriff Departments, Door County Emergency Services, and local Red Cross. A critical part of the exercise was a test of inter-agency communications systems and operational capabilities. Several scenarios were performed simultaneously, to simulate a large-scale emergency. Teams were dispatched to survey simulated storm damage; investigate suspicious activity near the Kewaunee nuclear power plant; search for the ELT of an aircraft reported missing; and investigate a potential threat to an area dam. Participants were pleased with the result. Several problem areas were identified, and "fixes" are being prepared prior to an actual emergency. Local emergency services agencies were impressed with the assets and professionalism of CAP's operations, and future exercises are in the works.
	SAR Demo Incident Commander confers with a Red Cross volunteer and Ann DeMeuse, Door County Emergency Services Director. In the Background is Lt. Jim Dickelman, Historian of the Sturgeon Bay squadron.

	Capt. David Fish maintains the Mission Operations Board

	Ground teams receive a briefing prior to Search-and-Rescue exercises

	Flight line marshalls prepare to usher CAP aircraft outbound on SAR missions

	CAP's Gippsland GA-8 and a "glass cockpit" Cessna 182 were on display for other emergency services agencies to inspect.

	Interior of the GA-8

Side view of GA-8

	Final approach to Door County Cherryland Airport, Sturgeon Bay WI, in GA-8

	GA-8 Cockpit
photos courtesy of Maj Pierce Sherrill, Door County Senior Squadron