Civil Air Patrol - Squadron 188 Oakland

02/26/2020

Another full house event tonight at the squadron. Maj George Michelogiannakis presenting training for the #g1000 for IFR, as part of his ongoing series of FAASTeam seminars for Bay Area pilots. Thank you, George!

02/22/2020

Members taking part in training today leading to an American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED certification or renewal

02/22/2020

Hosting Airborne Photographer ground school at the squadron this weekend!

01/15/2020

Tonight's meeting topic was on Aerospace Education, with a focus on hovercraft. Major Fridell showed us how to construct DIY hovercraft. SM Serrill-Robins was our test pilot. It hovered!

01/12/2020

National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

Today in 1935: Amelia Earhart was greeted with fans and flowers as she arrived in Oakland, California after becoming the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland, in her red Lockheed Vega 5C. Image Source: Hawaii Department of Transportation

12/17/2019

Congrats to SM Ku for passing his F5 check ride today and becoming CAWG's latest CAP Pilot! Thank you to Capt Breton for being his check pilot. Way to go, Dennis!

12/17/2019

"The X-59 is shaped to reduce the loudness of a sonic boom reaching the ground to that of a gentle thump, if it is heard at all. It will be flown above select U.S. communities to generate data from sensors and people on the ground in order to gauge public perception. That data will help regulators establish new rules to enable commercial supersonic air travel over land."

A milestone for NASA Aeronautics: our X-59 ✈️ was cleared for final assembly and integration of its systems. The X-59 is an experimental piloted aircraft, designed to fly faster than sound without producing loud sonic booms. Data from the flights will help establish new rules to enable commercial supersonic air travel over land. https://go.nasa.gov/2Q1ouJs

12/17/2019

Don't start a forest fire in your living room!

Did you know a dry Christmas tree can become a flammable disaster? Filling up your tree with water daily can keep it from becoming dry. Dry trees are more likely to catch fire if it comes in contact with a nearby heat source! #HolidaySafety

12/10/2019

Stay #HolidaySafe out there!

The holidays are the time for festive decorating but be sure that you are still being #HolidaySafe. Prevent electrical fires by not plugging a power strip into another power strip or a power strip into an electrical cord.

12/04/2019

Last night was Sq188's final all-hands meeting for 2019, which included three promotions, several awards, reports from members on activities last month, a safety briefing and concluded with some holiday cheer. What a great turn out to end an accomplished year!

12/04/2019

Come join CAP on Saturday at Livermore airport for an aviation history event!

Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation will hold a Flying Tigers event at Five Rivers Aviation (700 Terminal Cir) on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 at 1:00 PM. Arrive early and purchase lunch next door at Elevation LVK starting at 11:30 AM. LVK tenants who would like to display their aircraft may contact Jeff Greene at [email protected]
For more information visit the article on Livermore Patch https://patch.com/california/livermore/wwii-pilot-99-hopes-fly-restored-warhawk-pearl-harbor-day

11/20/2019

Azellia White, trailblazer for African American women in aviation, dies at 106

"Dorothy Cochrane, a curator in the aeronautics department of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, credited Mrs. White with overcoming the double barrier of perceptions, widespread at the time, that neither women nor African Americans were qualified to fly airplanes."

Blue skies, Azellia!

Mrs. White, who said she found freedom in the skies, was one of the first black women to earn a pilot’s license in the United States.

11/14/2019

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Southwest

Great video of how our partners at USCG help to keep Bay Area football fans safe!

Bet you didn't know the Coast Guard Canine Explosive Detection Team patrols areas not near the water, did you?

Petty Officer 1st Class Jordan Brosowsky, a Maritime Security Specialist at Marine Safety and Security Team San Francisco, and his partner Ricky helped out the Santa Clara Police Department and Santa Clara County Sheriffs patrol the 49ers game at Levi's Stadium.

11/11/2019

AEROSPACE EDUCATION OFFICER, Technician Training Class.
This past weekend Squadron 188 hosted an Aerospace Education Officer (AEO) training presented by the AE officers of the California Wing. Thirty eight members from squadrons throughout California, including two who are educators, attended the event.
The first day of training focused on the AEO core curriculum designed to help prepare the candidates on how to implement an AEO program for cadets and senior members at the squadron level and promote AE in local schools. Participants who complete this part of the training are then eligible to serve as an AEO assistant with the goal of earning a technician rating after six months of service.
The Sunday session was a day filled with fun while learning. The AEO candidates were introduced to an array of teaching materials available to them. There were more than seven classrooms set up with hands on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities the AEO can use to teach aerospace education to the cadets and senior members. There were activities such as how to make paper airplanes, learning about airplane control surfaces, and much more. Airplane flight simulators were on hand as well as quad helicopters. The AEO candidates were able to fly the quad helicopters through an obstacle course.
The long list of STEM related activities included interactive robotic machines, radio controlled cars/airplanes, Virtual Reality, weather stations and more.
Each AEO candidate experienced firsthand how to use all the equipment/material available to them and how to use it in an AE setting.
Squadron 188 salutes the ten instructors who delivered the training.
Photos by Lt Col Tinnirello except as listed.

11/11/2019

Civil Air Patrol

On Veterans Day -- and every other day -- Civil Air Patrol salutes all who have served.

11/10/2019

On Saturday Civil Air Patrol - Squadron 188 Oakland hosted a Group 2 Communications meeting, led by CAWG Deputy Director of Communications (and Squadron 188 Commander) Maj Hayes. The training was a mix of theory and practice, with lots of hands-on activities for all 20 of the members who participated.

11/07/2019

November All Hands Meeting
By Capt Rivas, photos by Lt Col Tinnirello, 2d Lt Roudnev

Squadron 188 had another busy All Hands Meeting in November. Commander Hayes kicked it off with a summary of activities the squadron took part in during the month of October. Highlights include promotions to 2d Lt for senior members Alvarez and Salimi. Red Service ribbons for years of service were awarded to Lt Col Glenn (30 years), Capt Perreira (10 years), Lt Devine (5 years).

Commander Hayes presented Lt Roberts with the Grover Loening Award. It recognizes those who have dedicated themselves to leadership and have completed Level III of the CAP professional development program. Capt Hollerbach was presented with an Achievement Award for her recent work organizing a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems training exercise.

Members of SQ188 participated in an ELT search near McClellan Air Field. The crew members heard the distress signal as they neared the airport but it soon stopped. The crew believes it was turned off before they could narrow down its location.

Several members of squadron 188 and Group 2 also participated in an unsuccessful search for an overdue aircraft. A Piper Arrow with two passengers aboard departed Shelter Cove airport heading south. It is believed to have disappeared off the coast between Shelter Cove and Fort Bragg. No signs of the passengers or aircraft were discovered and the search was suspended after several days.

A representative of the Oakland Flight Standards District Office, and a FAAST team member spoke to the squadron. Harlow Voorhees recounted serious airspace violations by experienced pilots his office has investigated. The purpose of his talk was to point out mistakes can happen to anyone, to take a pause and request confirmation if you sense something isn’t right. Beware of “expected” biases.

The evening closed with Capt Hollerbach sharing her experience on a recent flight when the aircraft had an engine failure. The squadron was hanging on her every word as she described the abrupt change to the sound of the otherwise smooth running engine. CAP aircrews train for this type of scenario and the crew on this flight resorted to their training by running through the checklists, informing base of the problem, and locating a nearby airport for an immediate landing.

The calm reaction of the 3 crew members resulted in an otherwise uneventful landing at a private airport.

11/03/2019

PILOT’S APPRECIATION DAY
By Lt Col Tinnirello, photos by Lt Col Tinnirello

A Pilots Appreciation Day was held at the Hayward Airport. Members of CAP squadrons 10, 18, 80,156 and 188 gathered in a hanger generously provided by Meridian Aviation to show their appreciation to the many CAP pilots who have provided Orientation Rides (O-Rides) to the cadets.

Orientations rides are a capstone event in the cadets' overall aerospace education experience. Cadet aerospace education includes at least three major components. First, cadets learn about aviation basics by studying the Aerospace Dimensions modules and completing achievement tests to advance through the overall CAP Cadet Program.

Second, local aerospace education officers enrich this learning through experiential activities where cadets use CAP STEM Kits and AEX activity guides.

And finally, orientation flights place cadets in the cockpit, where the aviation fundamentals they learned about through their textbooks and classroom activities come to life in an exciting way.

Squadron 18 Commander 1st Lt Hurst, CAP organized the event and kicked it off with a warm welcome, followed by a Safety Brief by 1st Lt McCoy, CAP. The day included ground instruction on topics such as the dynamics of flight, aircraft control surfaces, flight maneuvers and weather. The cadets were also given the opportunity to fly an aircraft! Three CAP planes were on hand to provide O-rides to the 18 cadets in attendance.

Senior Squadron 188 provided a BBQ grill, burgers and hotdogs with all the fixin’s. Parents of the cadets provided various side dishes and desserts. There was an invocation by Ch Col Parris, CAP, before lunch.

More than 60 people were in attendance and the day gave parents a chance to meet the pilots who give their time in support of their cadet’s advancement in the Aerospace Education program.

10/30/2019

In this Oct. 27, 2019 photo released by the U.S. Air Force, the Air Force’s X-37B successfully lands at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility on Merritt Island in Brevard County, Fla., following a record-breaking two-year mission. (U.S. Air Force via AP)

10/24/2019

Last night Civil Air Patrol - Squadron 188 Oakland Deputy Commander and FAAST (FAA Safety Team) member Maj George Michelogiannakis hosted ATC controllers from NorCal who presented some "behind the scenes" information to the general aviation pilot community. Hosting events like this reinforces CAPs strong commitment to a culture of safety. Thank you George for putting this event together!

10/24/2019

Green Flag Presentation
By Capt Rivas, photos by Lt Col Tinnirello

Capt Hollerbach gave a presentation on a major program the Civil Air Patrol supports, Green Flag. Green Flag is the name given to the US Air Force’s realistic air-land integration training program in support of US and allied forces. CAP’s role is to support training of ground forces in their use of air assets. CAP also provides training and support to CAP’s Emergency Services mission, including disaster relief and search and rescue.

CAP C 182 and C-206 aircraft are aircraft modified with full motion video systems similar to those used by USAF. Once aloft video is transmitted in real time to ground receivers either being used by military units in training or linked into Federal/State emergency communications centers.

The aircraft is flown by three highly skilled CAP members and may operate in challenging conditions, including instrument conditions, mountainous terrain, and/or at night. The aircrew are trained in the use of the sensor ball camera, managing the mission (in the air), communicating with ground teams and other air assets, and of course flying the aircraft. Not all crew members must be pilots, but can expect to be trained to multiple crew positions.

Capt Hollerbach is a CAP Mission Pilot and is about to enter her 3rd year as a crew member of Green Flag. She is trained in the use of the sensor ball and mission management.

10/21/2019

Saturday, October 19, Patriot Jet Team Foundation Career Day - Byron, CA

Saturday afternoon, Lt Col Juan Tinnirello, together with Capt Joseph Spears and other members of composite squadron 156 from Livermore, were at the Patriot Jet Team Foundation Career Day at the Byron airport.
The Patriots Jet Team (www.patriotsjetteam.com) is an all-volunteer organization of aviation enthusiasts who maintain and fly a six-jet precision demonstration team. The Patriots are the civilian version of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. The Team’s mission has been to entertain millions while inspiring and educating our nation’s youth about aviation.
Civil Air Patrol was invited to their annual career day, which was hosted at the impressive Patriots Jet Team Foundation hangar in Byron, CA (which can be thought of as an amazing, private aviation museum). The event was focused on providing information and excitement about a variety of careers related to Science/Technology in general and Aerospace in particular. In addition to Civil Air Patrol, there were representatives from such organizations as United Airlines, Cal Fire, Alameda Sheriff, CHP and the USCG along with many static displays.
A large group of youngsters attended the event asking questions to the presenters and touring the facility. Several Patriot jets were displayed as well as a Sheriff’s helicopter and a Cessna 206, plus the Buchanan/Byron fire truck. CAP had their 172 G1000 in display and as usual, it attracted youngsters to sit on it. All in all, it was not only a fun afternoon, but also, an exciting time, filled with interesting information and displays for young adults’ attraction.

10/20/2019

This morning, Lt Col Tinnirello visited the 747 jet plane at NASA Moffett field that houses the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) telescope. It was a great experience and a fun morning.
“SOFIA is a joint German-US space science project. Carrying a 2.5-metre telescope inside a modified Boeing 747SP, the airborne observatory performs astronomical observations in the infrared and submillimeter wavelengths, high above the disturbance of Earth's atmosphere. The scientific objective is to understand the development of galaxies and the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems from interstellar clouds of gas and dust”. Taken from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=134lMUKA7Vs
For more information on the 747 see: https://www.sofia.usra.edu/multimedia/about-sofia/sofia-aircraft
For more information on the project see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5z6fZKOtP4
Attached photos by Lt Col Juan Tinnirello, CAP

10/18/2019

Congrats 2d Lt Antonio Forenza for completing CLC!

This weekend 30 senior members, 6 instructors, and 2 directors took part in the professional development weekend (Squadron Leadership School/Corporate Leadership School) at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. #CAP #CivilAirPatrol #GoFlyCAP

10/16/2019

CAP Nationwide Communications Exercise Underway

By Capt Rivas, photo by 2d Lt Terry Baldwin

Members of SQ188 are currently participating in a nationwide radio communications exercise orchestrated by the United States Air Force (“USAF”). USAF gave CAP 24hrs notice for the start of the 5 day exercise.

The scenario is that it’s a “very bad day” and all the commercial phone/internet infrastructure has been impacted, so all we have is HF radio and maybe VHF. In California Wing (“CAWG”), several HF stations are manned most days by CAP members who have radios at home; and some members will travel into a base to use the radios at that facility. Radio stations will report in, messages will be exchanged, and training will be conducted.