Civil Air Patrol prepares for Air Force evaluation

EPHRATA — Outside the Civil Air Patrol's base in Ephrata, it was a calm Saturday morning, but inside it was thriving as people prepared for the weekend's rescue scenarios.

In about a month the U.S. Air Force is coming to evaluate how the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) responds to a missing person call. The weekend provided time to practice.

Air crews and ground crews were briefed on their assignments before embarking on their simulated missions.

A ground crew consists of six to eight team members, including a team leader. Ground crew cadets range in age from 12 to 21 and upon reaching 21 receive officer status.

Air crews have three members, a pilot, an observer and a scanner, whose job it is to photograph the ground below. The photographs taken are relayed to base and examined for whatever or whoever is being searched for. The man overseeing everything is Lt. Col. Larry Mangum, and all matters must go through him.

Mangum said the Air Force's evaluation is a little nerve-wracking.

"Even if you have lots of experience, there are tribulations," he said.

Adding to the stress of having a group from the Air Force watching them perform their search and rescue, someone giving the evaluation may unexpectedly remove someone from their post, leaving the rest to operate in their absence. Other unexpected challenges can arise any time, Mangum said.

The scenarios practiced over the weekend involved a missing person rescue and a hazardous material search. Director of Public Affairs 1st Lt. Paula Mangum said amidst the preparation and exercises, all precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the crews. The crews must check in every half hour and if they're not heard from within five minutes of check-in, a rescue team is sent for them.

The Air Force determines how much funding each department of the Civil Air Patrol receives based on the grade given to it.

The Civil Air Patrol receives an overall grade. In 2003 the patrol received an outstanding rating, the highest possible. The Air Force conducts its evaluation of the Civil Air Patrol June 23.