During the weekend of August 29-30, the Wisconsin Wing conducted its bi-annual observed Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX). The La Crosse Composite Squadron was the host facility for this event, and the event was observed by U.S. Air Force personnel who provided post-event critique. Colonel Don Haffner, Wisconsin Wing Commander and Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force State Director Mike Archer were also in attendance.

The observed SAREX is used by many as a practice for the graded wing evaluation event which will be held next summer and as a training opportunity for those who have not had the opportunity to participate in a wing-wide activity.

The state-wide scenarios involved many elements that challenged our capabilities, including multiple simultaneous missions, differing mission types, weather and communications difficulties, and even the simulated personal distress of the next-of-kin of a missing pilot. Certain scenarios called for the use of our Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance (ARCHER) and Satellite Digital Imaging System (SDIS) technology capabilities. As part of the exercise, the wing Mobile Command Center (MCC) was also deployed in the Janesville, WI area.

In all, over 90 Wisconsin CAP volunteers participated in the event, many of whom were based in their local Squadron area while being tasked from Mission Base in La Crosse. Eight of our aircraft (including the G-8) and six ground teams were involved.

“This was a really great exercise in that we tested our capabilities against scenarios that I feel are tougher than the Air Force will throw at us next summer in the Evaluation.” commented Colonel Haffner. He added “Plus, we had to deal with actual weather and communications difficulties on Saturday, just like we would if this were the real thing. Our folks showed the initiative and flexibility that helps make Wisconsin a ‘Wing of Excellence’ “.

Among the visitors to Mission Base were representatives of the German and Austrian armies, who presented    La Crosse Squadron Commander Major Dave Snyder with the Bavarian state flag as token of friendship. Matt Harter, the newly elected Mayor of La Crosse, also visited Mission Base. Local media coverage was provided by the La Crosse Tribune, as well as WXOW-19 and WKBT-8, both from La Crosse.

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