CAP Talk

General Discussion => The Lobby => Topic started by: Capt Rivera on November 12, 2007, 04:54:59 PM

Title: Civil Air Patrol's Congressional Squadron
Post by: Capt Rivera on November 12, 2007, 04:54:59 PM
"The Civil Air Patrol Congressional Squadron is open to Members of Congress and their staff members. Membership is honorary (and complimentary) and carries a number of benefits."

The only info I've found thus far is from the NJ WING Office of Government Relations which "...represent the interests of the New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol and state organizations whom NJW CAP jointly interacts." http://www.njwg.cap.gov/gra/index.htm (http://www.njwg.cap.gov/gra/index.htm)
I would think there more info out there besides the limited amount on the above website and its hyper links.

Its been around for some time now but I still cant find any real information about the Congressional Squadron. Who is in it? Does it actually do anything? What "abilities" does it give its members? etc... What can/should it be doing? Website?
Title: Re: Civil Air Patrol's Congressional Squadron
Post by: Eclipse on November 12, 2007, 04:56:55 PM
Its mostly honorary...
Title: Re: Civil Air Patrol's Congressional Squadron
Post by: CAPSGT on November 12, 2007, 06:54:51 PM
They do actually have ES qualified folks that participate in stuff.  They support MDWG's Bridge Patrol operation every year, as well as participating in some of our SAR Exercises and occaisionally actual missions. 

-Mike Crockett
Title: Re: Civil Air Patrol's Congressional Squadron
Post by: alice on November 12, 2007, 11:11:37 PM
The Congressional Sq does much more than just ES.  They regularly participate in the training and testing of air intercept ops over the Capitol's restricted airspace.  Many newspaper articles have appeared about that over the past few years.

They also do quite a lot of counterdrug missions, O-rides, and other flying.  I dare say the corporate aircraft assigned to that squadron get more than the minimum number of hours on them each year.

I've seen their very nice facility at Andrews AFB which they have worked hard for many years to create -- and to maintain after 9/11 -- which wasn't easy when a certain Air Force unit wanted their facility "Now!" for alert aircraft....

The Squadron Commander is Senator Harkin of Iowa.  He is often current and does the occasional actual CAP mission.  A past squadron commander was Cokie Robert's mother, Congressional Rep Lindy Boggs. 

Having an active working squadron at Andrews AFB which reports direct to the CAP national leadership has been a godsend many times for CAP for many years.
Title: Re: Civil Air Patrol's Congressional Squadron
Post by: Capt Rivera on November 13, 2007, 02:44:02 PM
Quote from: alice on November 12, 2007, 11:11:37 PM
The Congressional Sq does much more than just ES.  They regularly participate in the training and testing of air intercept ops over the Capitol's restricted airspace.  Many newspaper articles have appeared about that over the past few years.

They also do quite a lot of counterdrug missions, O-rides, and other flying.  I dare say the corporate aircraft assigned to that squadron get more than the minimum number of hours on them each year.

I've seen their very nice facility at Andrews AFB which they have worked hard for many years to create -- and to maintain after 9/11 -- which wasn't easy when a certain Air Force unit wanted their facility "Now!" for alert aircraft....

The Squadron Commander is Senator Harkin of Iowa.  He is often current and does the occasional actual CAP mission.  A past squadron commander was Cokie Robert's mother, Congressional Rep Lindy Boggs. 

Having an active working squadron at Andrews AFB which reports direct to the CAP national leadership has been a godsend many times for CAP for many years.

Wow... Why is this not public knowledge? So we actually have Senators & Reps doing actual mission related tasks? It would seen NHQ should be taking every opertunity to disclose at least select non-sensative information to other members & supporters.

I wonder in every individual who meets the requirements to be in the squadron was invited, and if new electiees are getting invited? I would love to know if those I voted for participate or even if they know the opportunity is there.

Why do you suppose theres no information dissemination beyond that the Congressional Squadron exists?
Title: Re: Civil Air Patrol's Congressional Squadron
Post by: SAR-EMT1 on November 13, 2007, 08:49:36 PM
If I may ask:
What do the facilities they maintain at Andrews consist of?
What A/C and ground vehicles are assigned to the unit?
Is there a cadet flight for children of said Senior Members?
How often do they meet?