Official Newsletter of Mount Rainier Composite Squadron

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The Vigilance
Welcome Commander Jonquiere
! It was conducted by Southwest Area Vice Commander for Washington Wing Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Green. Personnel Director and Professional Development Ofcer for Washington Wing Major John Bittinger was also present. ! More than a full-term Commander, with nearly four years in the position, Capt Rojas has done much to revitalize the squadron. When he took the position, Mount Rainier CS was on the verge of collapse, with almost no cadets or senior members. It was a daunting task but he was determined to succeed. ! In danger of being decommissioned, Capt Rojas with the support of First Lieutenant Scott T. Stansbery worked tirelessly in multiple roles to save and revive the venerable squadron. ! Through his perseverance, Mt Rainier... ! cont. on page 3

Courtesy N.A . Hutchison

L to R: 2d Lt Jonquiere, C/SMSgt Lenell, Col Green, Cpt Rojas. ! By 2d Lt Bynum, P.A.O. tain Edgar F. Rojas to Second ! THUN FIELD -- On 6 June Lieutenant Martin S. Jonquiere. 2011, Mount Rainier Composite The ceremony was held at the Squadron celebrated the peace- squadrons building located at ful transition of power from Cap- Pierce County Airport.

Aviation Day 2011

! By 2d Lt Bynum, P.A.O. ! SEA-TAC -- Mount Rainier Composite Squadron was honored again to attend the third annual Alaska Airlines Aviation Day. The only program of its kind presented by a major airline, the one-day event is presented with Boy Scouts of America and various sponsors to help achieve the attending Scouts aviation merit badge. Having enjoyed our rst attendance last year, we proudly toured with an entire group of non-Boy Scouts. ! Mt Rainier CS would like to thank all those who put this great program on. All Alaska Airlines employees, and those who attended their various crafts and vehicles, volunteered their time and resources for this amazing event. We also thank them for inviting us... ! cont. on page 2

Upcoming Events
07/19-31: Washington Wing Flight Encampment 07/23-08/06: 2011 NESA 07/24-30: Intermediate FEMA PIO Training 07/31-08/06: Advanced FEMA PIO Training 08/17-20: Annual Conference & National Board 2011 (70th)

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cont. from page 1 ...back and giving everyone such rare, detailed access to active aircraft and those who operate and maintain them. ! Upon arrival, those from our squadron split into two groups. The rst group toured the facility and was made up of cadets who had not attended last year. The second group was assigned to help staff the F-15 display of the Oregon Air National Guard. ! Differing in format from last year slightly, the program started with each tour group in their own computer room at Alaska Airlines Flight Operations and Training Center. Our guide, Ansel James, gave a hour-long presentation with images about the history of ight, its mechanics, dynamics, and forces, and the various kinds of aircraft and how they operate. ! Next, the group went to the ight attendant training area where a mock of the front-half of a Boeing 737 stands. Along with the evacuation training seen last year, an inatable survival raft was present. The cadets helped to assemble the top shelter cov-

ering used to protect against sun and rain, and were shown how the craft helped survivors be found and rescued. ! We briey got to see a new stationary simulator, built by Rediffusion Simulation. It was a big upgrade from the older models toured last year. The full-motion simulators that we explored, one of three GE/Thomson Training & Simulation models, was running recently upgraded software, showing views of south Puget Sound with Mount Rainier to the left over downtown Seattle. ! We next learned about the safety operations of Alaska Airlines. Pilots are in regular contact with safety ofcers stationed at the Sea-Tac-based facility and converse on the best routes for safety. They can override the air-trafc controllers ight route if such takes them into dangerous skies, and will easily ground a plane if the conditions warrant. Cadets also got to see a live feed of all airborne Alaska Airline ights and then all carriers over the United States. ! Finished with the facility tour, the group got to visit the Main-

tenance Hanger on the South end of Sea-Tac International Airport. We paused for lunch inside this mammoth hanger. ! After lunch, we passed the 737-900 with a Were Going to Disneyland livery to famed the Starliner 75th, a 737-800 ETOPS (Extended Twin Engine Operations certied) with a special retro livery commemorating Alaskas 75th birthday. The new cadets enjoyed the detailed and hands-on exploration of this active commercial airliner. Flight Attendant Clinton, an energetic and spirited volunteer from last year, recognized our squadron and gave us a warm greeting. ! Our group then took a tour of the airport. Unlike last year, we were given permission to drive over the south bridge and onto the start for runway 34R, as all trafc was coming south under its alternate designation of 16L. This gave us an impressive view of the tarmac and airport, a view rarely seen outside a cockpit. ! We then met with our second group, which was assisting answering questions about the McDonnell... cont. on page 4

Spring Quarter 2011 Promotions

Cadet:!! ! ! Amanda A. Dyachkin! Stuart M. Emery ! ! Joshua D. Haley! ! Amelia M. Herrman! ! Caset M. Hunter! ! Benjamin Lam! ! Zachary Lam!! ! Amanda J. Lance! ! Thomas M. Lenell! ! New Rank:! C/MSgt! C/TSgt! C/SMSgt! C/A1C ! C/Amn! C/SSgt! C/TSgt! C/Amn! C/SMSgt! Date: 08 May 06 Jun 06 Jun 25 Apr 06 Jun 28 May 28 May 03 Apr 06 Jun Cadet:!! ! Joshua M. Ng! Ryan T. Paschell ! Ching Y. Yap!! ! ! ! ! New Rank:! C/CMSgt! C/Amn! C/A1C ! Date: 23 May 04 Apr 02 May

Promotions are an important part of the cadet and senior programs. They not only help to advance your CAP achievements, but build yourself into a better person. If you have problems reaching your next rank, or questions on a specialty track, feel free to contact your superior for assistance.

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Official Newsletter of Mount Rainier Composite Squadron

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cont. from page 1 ...CS again ourished. Over the proceeding years, a full stafng of senior members lling nearly every role was achieved, and with a very active cadet program. ! Under his command, cadet Clayton D. Amann received the 1750th General Carl A. Spaatz Award, the highest a cadet can achieve. Only 0.5% ever earn it. Capt Rojas leaves with 42 active cadets and 30 active seniors. All seniors are also Second Lieutenant or higher, a rare event. ! His successor, 2d Lt Jonquiere, has participated in the squadron for over a year and was mentored for his new position. An Air Force reservist, he now works for AmeriCorps as a paid volunteer for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs in Task Force Phoenix. Jonquiere has distinguished himself by his diligent efforts, dedication, and positive spirit and attitude at the squadron.

! After the monthly promotion awarding, with six cadets promoted, Col Green conducted the ceremony. Cadet Senior Master Sargent Lenell presented the squadrons guidon to Col Green, who gave it to Capt Rojas to symbolically hand over command to 2d Lt Jonquiere. ! Capt Rojas said he would miss his roles and time with the squadron but his best memories would always be here. He was proud and honored to have led such a wonderful group of volunteers, and while his future might be elsewhere (Washington Wing), he would always consider this squadron home. ! 2d Lt Jonquiere followed this by saying that Capt Rojas would always be welcomed at Mt Rainier CS and his absence would be bittersweet. As the new Commander, he would carry on the missions and spirit of the squadron his predecessor helped restore and nurture.

! T h e n e w D e p u t y C o mmander for Seniors under 2d Lt Jonquiere is Major Shawn E. Carr. Lt Col Gary A. Roberts will continue in his role as Deputy Commander for Cadets. ! On behalf of The Vigilance newsletter, its editor wishes Captain Rojas all the best in his new endeavors and hopes that his participation here persists. It also congratulates 2d Lt Jonquiere on accepting this noble and challenging role and looks forward the squadrons prosperity under his leadership.

Courtesy R.W. Bynum

Mrs. Rojas, mother of Capt Rojas, was also in attendance. Here, escorted by the Chaplain, 2d Lt Eric B. Turner.

Chaplains Corner
The Quarterly Thoughts of 2d Lt Eric Turner
What is Character Development at CAP?

Each month a lesson on character development is given to the cadets and everyone else present. Nicole McKnight is our Moral Leadership Ofcer, and she always does an excellent job. Occasionally, when a conict in her schedule arises, the chaplain teaches the lesson for her. Character development is a vitally important to the cadets personal growth, as well as preparing them for their future careers. They need to have a solid foundation of knowing how to handle the many difcult situations everyone faces in life. These situations will re-

quire good judgment, concern for the well-being of friends, family and co-workers, putting themselves in the place of others, and having a strong sense of right and wrong. The purpose of character development, then, is to equip the cadets with all these qualities. The lesson involves reading a case study, discussing the facts of the case, assumptions, problems, and nally, some possible solutions. Called FAPS, this teaching format works well to analyze a scenario for the best possible conclusion. Thanks Nicole, for your important contribution to Mount Rainier Composite Squadron and the community.

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Courtesy R.W. Bynum

Left to Right: Duane Roland,1st Lt Welzmiller, 2d Lt Bynum, Cadet Roland,Cadet Bright,C/Amn Paschall,andCadet Cheung posing with the Starliner 75th.

cont, from page 2 ...Douglas/ Boeing F-15 Eagle. (Such ghters from the Oregon facility created the twin sonic booms in Seattle last year when a seaplane violated presidential airspace.) Piloted by Major Todd Hofford, he and our volunteers helped informed visitors about the their aircraft, missions, and Air National Guard. ! The vehicles on display were on hand last year, including the Valley S.W.A.T. armored vehicle, a Remotec Andros F6A, the Port of Seattle Police Bomb Disposal Unit's Hazardous Duty Robot, and a Oshkosh Striker 4500 retruck from Sea-Tac Airport Fire/ Rescue. ! There were ten small private aircraft on display for the day. These included a Piper PA-22150 Tri-Pacer and PA-18-150 Super Cub, a Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking, a Beech E18S, a Cessna 140A, 170B, 172 Skyhawk, and a 182S Skylane. Of

special interest was the experimental Gweduck made by Ellison-Mahon Aircraft, Inc., a twin engine ying-boat style amphibian made of composite materials, and the Piper PA-46 Malibu of Alaska Airlines' CEO William S. Ayer. ! We were invited to stay for the post-tour barbecue, which was held for Alaska Airlines employees and families so they can experience the same hanger tour. The food was great and for having stayed longer, we got a special treat. ! After eating, we watched the F-15 being readied for departure. An accompanying ground crew member, on hand throughout the day, helped his pilot partner prepare the ghter jet for take off. This gave the audience a display of the preparation required to y this critical military technology. Two of our cadets got to watch this from the turret of the Valley S.W.A.T. vehicle.

! After this, the pilot waved to the large crowd and taxied down to the North end of the runway, where it disappeared for about ten minutes. Our patients was rewarded as coming from the north the F-15s screamed as it ew less than fty-feet off the deck before engaging its afterburners and banking high up into the clouds where it disappeared to the shouts and applause of everyone watching. ! The experience of Aviation Day is truly unique, even for those who go more than once. It is a rare opportunity that few get, even in the industry. Mount Rainier Composite Squadron looks forward to attending more of these in the future, and hopes to contribute to its volunteer efforts as well. From cadets to seniors, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn.

Courtesy R.W. Bynum

Your Feedback Counts!

As editor of The Vigilance, I am always looking for new ideas to improve the quality and content of this newsletter. If you have any suggestions, comments, questions, or concerns, please contact me via e-mail at: PAO@MtRainierCAP.org -2d Lt Bynum, Editor

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Official Newsletter of Mount Rainier Composite Squadron

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Cadet O-Rides & Encampment

! By 2d Lt Bynum, P.A.O. ! Cadets! There is a lot to do in the Civil Air Patrol, and a lot to take in. From encampments to O-Rides to ight certications, there is enough to ll your plate without mentioning CAP promotions and weekly meetings. Add school, social life, family, and sleep, and the task to choose seems overwhelming. ! The best way to solve this is to select what interests you most. Mt Rainier CS is very aviation-centric, and so provides many aeronautic opportunities. Here are a couple you will hear of frequently at our squadron. ! One of the benets cadets get upon joining the cadet program, something senior members do not, is the eligibility for ve glider and ve powered orientation ights (O-Rides for short) funded by the U.S. Air Force. The glider program is a great way to get into the air, and can help you achieve your nonpowered license! Be warned, it is rare that a squadron gets an entire day to itself for gliding, and often the slots are limited. So it is best to keep your eyes out and your credentials current. ! For gliders, our squadron ies out of Centralia, where the Washington Wing has two L23 Super Blanik gliders towed by two Cessna 182s. These ights usually last a half hour and with dedication you can quickly solo. O-Rides give cadets the chance to y and even pilot a CAP Aircraft, including those 182s or even a 206. ! Encampments are another great opportunity. There are various types, though the ones here in Washington are more often ight encampments. These are great multi-day experiences that teach everything from ight mechanics to personal growth. It is another way for cadets to achieve their nonpowered and powered licenses. ! This year our squadron is honored to announce that we have ve cadets going to ight encampment in July, and four of them received scholarships. The Vigilance newsletter congratulates these cadets. Like the rare Mt Rainier CS glider days, this amount of representation of any squadron at encampment is not common. These slots are also more limited and have higher requirements to be met. ! Check with your superiors or a senior member to learn more about these and other opportunities in CAP and what it takes to achieve them. It may be hard work, but the rewards for your efforts are many and great; and you will come out a better, stronger person, too.

S.B.X. Docks in Seattle: Q. & A.

By 2d Lt Bynum, P.A.O. ! SEATTLE -- Noticed anything new on the Seattle waterfront? If it is large and has at least eight white domes, it is the Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) Radar vessel. What is it and what does it do? The Missile Defense Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense describes it best. ! "The Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) Radar tracks, discriminates, and assesses the ight characteristics of ballistic missiles. The SBX provides an advanced... !! Cont. on page 3

Courtesy Department of Defense

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Corrections: On pages 1, 8: Communications emblem de- was in fact a Cessna 305. On page 6, Chaplain misspelled picted as Public Affairs emblem. Also, newsletter title incor- as Chaplin in column title. All these plus other spelling errectly labelled The Vigilant instead of The Vigilance. On rors corrected in second run, save the last. page 4, the Bird Dog is incorrectly labelled a Cessna 170; it Find an error? Contact 2d Lt Bynum, Editor.

cont. from page 2 ...capability to the overall Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), greatly increasing the Missile Defense Agencys ability to conduct operational and realistic testing of the BMDS, while providing an operational capability to the Combatant Commands." ! From its Facts Sheet, the SBX "obtain[s] missile tracking information while an incoming threat missile is in ight, discriminates between the hostile missile warhead and any decoys, and provides that data to interceptor missiles so that they can successfully intercept and destroy the threat" It uses an In-ight Interceptor Communication System Data Terminal to communicate its acquired data to Interceptor Missiles. ! What is it doing in Seattle? The vessel is housed at Vigor

Shipyards (formerly Todd Pacic Shipyards) for maintenance and upgrades. Who is doing the work? On the radar end, Boeing. They won a $27.1 million contract. How long will it be around? The work will take about three months from mid-May. Where is it headed? That is unknown. It will not stay in Seattle and normally operates throughout the Pacic ocean wherever its capacities are needed. ! Will the radar be in operation here? No, according to the news release. However, a contributor to a myballard.com article about the vessel's passage near Ballard, Hovie Hawk, notes that several of his remote electronics "were on the blink" and blamed SBX. However, as there have been no other reports of this, the experience is best taken with a grain of salt.

! Can I take photos of it? Yes, and there are many photos already posted online from civilian, government, and media sources. However, you should be careful not to get too close. As the news release notes, "a naval vessel protection zone (NVPZ) will be in effect around this vessel. The US Coast Guard will be assisting with the NVPZ." That means you are not allowed within one hundred feet. ! What are the SBXs stats? It is larger than a football eld, 240 feet wide, 390 feet long, and 280 feet keel to dome top. It displaces nearly 50,000 tons, oats on fth-generation semisubmersible oil drilling platform technology with twin hulls, and is self-propelled. It contains everything one needs to operate a mobile radar station, from power generation to living quarters.

The Vigilance Contributors

2d Lt R.W. Bynum: Editor, Writer, & Photographer; 3 photographs, 4 articles 2d Lt E.B. Turner: Resident Columnist; one article U.S. Department of Defense: two photographs C/SSgt N.A . Hutchison: one photograph
Courtesy Department of Defense

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