The Emergency Services exercise on February 28 with a backup weather date of March 1 will be our first under the new A31 mission symbol, which requires at least 5 people staffing mission base.
On the aircrew side there will be a visual route search for MS/MO training and an AP sortie. A Mission Scanner is needed.
Mission base will consist of an Incident Commander and Mission Radio Operator and other personnel who show up. Training will be provided.
At this time, nobody is signed up for any ground team tasks. If interested, please respond soon, so a scenario can be developed.
AND, if you want to assist, but not ready for ES training, I could use people out in the field to be the "targets" of the aerial search.
Best,
Lt Col Richard Courtney
Rhode Island Wing Director of Operations
Rhode Island Wing Director of Emergency Services
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 401.636.0659
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
[https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdfnoLZwYhrCXQ3cuLiuYTZOa8q…]
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Training with MA wing opportunities. There is a RI mission number to pay for ground and air sorties.
Lt Col Richard Courtney
Rhode Island Wing Director of Operations
Rhode Island Wing Director of Emergency Services
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 401.636.0659
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
[https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdfnoLZwYhrCXQ3cuLiuYTZOa8q…]
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
________________________________
From: O'Connell, James <james.oconnell(a)mawg.cap.gov>
Sent: Saturday, February 7, 2026 9:53 PM
To: all-members <all-members(a)mawg.cap.gov>
Cc: COURTNEY, RICHARD - Lt Col, CAP, RIWG/DOS <rcourtney(a)riwg.cap.gov>
Subject: February Emergency Services Training Announcement
MAWG February 2026
Emergency Services
Training Opportunities
Emergency Services training this month will be split into two events:
All MAWG and RIWG members are invited to join us.
EVENT #1 - SAREX: for Incident Command Staff and Aerial Photography Aircrews
EVENT #2 - Massachusetts Search and Rescue School (MASAR): for Ground Team classroom training in the use of topographical maps.
Dates (both events): Saturday, February 21st with a backup date of Saturday, February 28th.
Sign-up for either the SAREX or MASAR using the link below.
Sign-up deadline: 18 February at 2400L- NO signups after deadline
February SAREX and MASAR Signup Link<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCUdU2ii0taY1pdHyjrYRYRuqqe54BVk2…>
EVENT #1 - SAREX
This exercise will provide a real world incident and mission tempo. The training scenario is a major winter snow storm. This will include launching aircraft to perform aerial photography and visual observation.
The SAREX ICP will be located at the Bridgewater State University (BSU) Flight Training Center at New Bedford Regional Airport, 1852 Shawmut Ave North Dartmouth, MA 02747. There is no landline available, but there is guest Wi-Fi internet access. Restrooms and a kitchenette are available. A restaurant is located on the east side of the airport, and fast-food restaurants are nearby.
Nor East Aviation Services is located at 1475 Airport Road New Bedford, MA 02746. Avgas and a landline (508-996-1832) if needed for emergencies are available there.
SAREX ICP opens: 0900 L (1400 Z)
Initial briefing: 1000 L (1500 Z)
Remote tasks will be briefed no later than the day before to all aircrews.
The exercise is expected to end by 1600 L (2100 Z).
There will be opportunities to train for the following specialties:
Mission Pilot, Mission Observer, Mission Scanner, Aerial Photographer, Mission Radio Operator, and ALL Incident Command Staff specialties.
All MAWG and RIWG members are invited.
* All members who sign into the mission must have trainee status for the specialty they want to perform during the exercise.
* Members with only a GES qualification may observe and learn how to get started with their training at the Incident Command Post (ICP).
SAREX Program Officer: 2nd Lt Jaydin DeArco
Email: Jaydin.Dearco(a)mawg.cap.gov<mailto:Jaydin.Dearco@mawg.cap.gov>
Phone: 781-363-6899
Incident Commander: TBD
February SAREX and MASAR Signup Link<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCUdU2ii0taY1pdHyjrYRYRuqqe54BVk2…>
EVENT #2 - MASAR
This will be classroom training. Land navigation instruction will include an introduction to compasses and topographical maps: how to read them and how to use them for navigating. There will be opportunities to qualify or requalify for map-related UDF and GTM tasks.
Training will be held at the WESTCOMM regional dispatch conference room at 645 Shawinigan Dr, Chicopee, MA 01020 . There is no landline available. There is public Wi-Fi internet access available. Restrooms, a vending machine and kitchenette for warming food are available. CAP members are able to park directly on site.
The training center opens at 0800 local time.
Training starts at 0900 local time.
Training will end at 1500 local time.
All members can participate. Trainee status is not required for this event.
Participants should bring their own UDF gear if they have it. But it is not required for training.
Bring your own lunch, snacks and water.
MASAR Program Officer: Maj Daniel DeLesdernier
Email: daniel.delesdernier(a)mawg.cap.gov<mailto:daniel.delesdernier@mawg.cap.gov>
Phone: 413-522-9465
February SAREX and MASAR Signup Link<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCUdU2ii0taY1pdHyjrYRYRuqqe54BVk2…>
Maj. James O'Connell
Massachusetts Wing Director of Emergency Services
Westover Composite Squadron Finance Officer
Westover Composite Squadron Search and Rescue Officer
Westover Composite Squadron Asst. Emergency Services Training Officer
Westover Composite Squadron Asst. Communications Officer
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 413.387.9462
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
mawg.cap.gov<http://mawg.cap.gov/>
[https://admin.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/CAPEmailLogoNew_0F67A836DA869.…]<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Good evening members of the* Rhode Island Wing Civil Air Patrol,*
This coming *Tuesday, the 10th, from 1800–1900,* the Rhode Island Wing
Cadet Advisory Council (CAC) will be holding its monthly meeting. The CAC
serves as the official voice of cadets within the Wing, providing
recommendations to Wing leadership on cadet programs, activities, policies,
and overall cadet experience across Civil Air Patrol.
We strongly encourage *any *cadet interested in influencing *Wing-leve*l
decisions and contributing to the future of our cadet programs to attend
this virtual meeting as an observer.
We will be discussing foundational and finalizing logistics for upcoming
activities such as the cadet ball and the drill team. Furthermore, we will
be voting to establish a public affairs committee in which observing cadets
may be allowed to join.
*You may attend using the following link:*
https://meet.google.com/hxm-chfw-pjn
No uniform is required to observe, and cameras are not required to be on.
Observers must remain muted unless called upon or unless they raise their
hand and are recognized. Please note that this is a professional setting,
and proper etiquette is expected at *all *times.
Cadets will have the opportunity to share ideas during the open floor
portion of the meeting.
If you do plan to attend, please ensure your display name is formatted
as *Grade,
Name, Squadron*. (Ex. *SMsgt. Silva, Westbay)*
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or any CAC
Officers. The meeting agenda is attached below. I hope to see many of you
there!
RIWG will be conducting an Emergency Services Exercise on Saturday, Feb 28. Ground Team, Aircrew and especially Mission Base staff are needed to make for a successful exercise. Respond to this email with:
Name
CAPID
Area you want to participate in: Ground, Aircrew, or Mission Base
Exercise will start at 0900 and finish by 1600.
Best,
Lt Col Richard Courtney
Rhode Island Wing Director of Operations
Rhode Island Wing Director of Emergency Services
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 401.636.0659
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
[https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdfnoLZwYhrCXQ3cuLiuYTZOa8q…]
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Subject: Last Chance to Join the CAP/NASA 2026 Aviation Skywatch Mission
Take part in this new CAP Citizen Science Mission
[https://8dlh674ab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=e1806575-2969-4e06-b8a6-be8af00bd7f8…]
[https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/0957e61b-37b4-4ebb-9e5d-64f96…]
DISTRO TO:
Commander, DCS/AE, DAE, AEO
AE Leaders:
This is your last chance to register for the 2026 Aviation Skywatch Mission and take part in an exciting citizen science adventure with Civil Air Patrol. This official CAP mission is available to all Cadet and Senior members. Find out how you can be a part of this incredible opportunity before registration closes on February 14th.
What is the 2026 Aviation Skywatch Mission?
Aviation Skywatch is the 2026 CAP/NASA Mission. This will be the fifth mission conducted by Civil Air Patrol in collaboration with NASA, building on the success of the previous CAP/NASA missions. The mission harkens back to Operation Skywatch, a US Air Force program in the 1950s designed to identify and track aircraft before radar was available; CAP helped train the skywatchers of the Ground Observer Corps.
[https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/d09cd7b9-99d5-433f-862f-07c59…]
More About the Mission
* Collect data and atmospheric conditions (similar to the 2025 Aviation Weather Mission
* Identify and track specific aircraft across multiple wings and regions
* Help NASA scientists better understand weather conditions that impact commercial aircraft
* 3 Observation dates: 14 March, 11 April, and 16 May
* Teams must participate in two of the missions to receive credit
[https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/279e7f71-7d10-4a67-a35f-2228b…]
[https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/641ee80a-7cb3-4a47-a581-5256f…]
Why Join?
* Be part of a NASA-supported citizen science project.
* Learn about aviation weather, aircraft identification, orienteering, tracking, and communications.
* Gain hands-on STEM experiences that make a difference.
* Connect with a team of curious, motivated cadets and mentors.
* QCUA credit for STEM Team
* Participants are eligible to apply for CAP/NASA Micro Internships
Sign Up Today!
Participating squadrons are responsible for fielding an observation team of 8 to 18 CAP volunteers. These volunteers should:
* Be in good standing
* Completed their GES (General Emergency Services) training
* Received their first achievement (Curry Award) if a Cadet
* Completed Level 1 if a Senior Member
* Completed Cadet Protection Training if over 18
* Have a complete CAP utility uniform such as ABUs or CAP Polos. Note: A CAP Hot Weather uniform is authorized for this mission for situations such as extreme heat conditions when other uniforms may prove to be a safety issue.
* Complete the Core Training Materials before their first observation mission.
Teams can be comprised entirely of Senior Members, Cadets (with the required adult supervision onsite), or a combination of Cadets and SMs. If a squadron does not have enough volunteers to field a team alone, they are welcome to form a joint observation team with a neighboring unit.
Team Leaders must be a Senior Member meeting the requirements listed above. To register a Team (not individuals).
Register Now!<https://8dlh674ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001iD3eU8meK1fFiLUdAgVJ3IzsMHWsphELbT…>
Mission Staff positions (Operations, Training, Administration, and Data Management) are open to Cadets and Senior Members.
Apply Here!<https://8dlh674ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001iD3eU8meK1fFiLUdAgVJ3IzsMHWsphELbT…>
If you have additional questions or need clarification, please reply to this email or contact the Mission Director Capt. Dave Wells at dwells(a)cap.gov<mailto:dwells@cap.gov>, (865) 898-0056
Civil Air Patrol/Aerospace Education | 105 S. Hansell Street Maxwell Air Force Base | Montgomery, AL 36112 US
Unsubscribe<https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001IOrkHIkM6V2ntJFjyZyTlA==&c…> | Update Profile<https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?ch=37b52134-7173-11f0-8fe4-fa163e76a…> | Constant Contact Data Notice<https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice>
[Constant Contact]<https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/vr/home?cc=nge&utm_campaign=nge&rm…>
1
0
Aircrew Training
by COURTNEY, RICHARD - Lt Col, CAP, RIWG/DOS
29 Jan '26
29 Jan '26
All members 18 and older are invited to train in emergency services (ES) Aircrew Training. The positions are Mission Scanner, Mission Observer and Airborne Photographer. RIWG has set an ES exercise for February 28th with a rain date of March 1. Another exercise weekend is scheduled for March 28 & 29.
Additional training dates for a new aircrew qualification include: March 18, April 11, 12 & 22, May 9, 10, 27, 30 & 31. Other good days for training are Tuesday.
Right now there is a pilot looking for a trainee for Saturday.
Email me if interested with your availability. The ES crew will work to get your preparatory work done and in the air.
Best,
Lt Col Richard Courtney
Rhode Island Wing Director of Operations
Rhode Island Wing Director of Emergency Services
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 401.636.0659
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
[https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdfnoLZwYhrCXQ3cuLiuYTZOa8q…]
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Rhode Island Wing Members,
March 15 is approaching quickly, and we need your help to make this year’s Cadet Ball and Awards Banquet a success.
Once again, we are bringing the Cadet Ball and Awards Banquet together. The Cadet Ball is an important tradition. It is run by cadets, for cadets, with adult supervision. That means it truly takes a team effort from both cadets and senior members to make it happen.
Volunteers are what turn a good event into a memorable one. From welcoming guests to supporting our cadets behind the scenes, every role matters. Without volunteers, this event simply cannot happen in the way our cadets deserve.
We are looking for help in the following areas:
• Master of Ceremony
• Music
• Ticket / Sign-In Table
• Set Up and Decorations
• Photographers
• Awards Table Support
• Color Guard
• Distinguished Visitor Escorts (cadets in Class A uniform)
• Protocol Officer
If you are able to volunteer, please email 1st Lt Hirons directly at jhirons(a)riwg.cap.gov and let her know how you would like to help and your availability.
Your support will make a difference. This is also a great opportunity for cadets to step up, lead, and gain valuable experience, and for senior members to mentor and support them.
Thank you for your continued support of our cadets and our wing. I truly appreciate everyone who is willing to step forward and help make this a special evening for all involved.
If you still need to sign up for the banquet, please go to https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.Experiences.Web/Registration/RegistrationDetails…
Carpe diem,
Col Stan Skrabut
Rhode Island Wing Interim Commander
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 307.287.8147
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
riwg.cap.gov<http://riwg.cap.gov/>
[cid:7e85b0de-fee2-40aa-943c-87fb1c2178a2]
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures
Dear Rhode Island Wing Members and Families,
I want to share an important update regarding encampment opportunities for this year.
Due to ongoing renovations at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island Wing will not be hosting an encampment this summer. While this is disappointing, the good news is that several excellent encampments are available throughout the region and nation, and we strongly encourage our cadets to apply.
A current list of approved Civil Air Patrol encampments can be found here:
https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/activities/encampment
If a significant number of Rhode Island Wing cadets plan to attend the same encampment, the wing will explore the possibility of arranging group transportation. More details will be shared as we better understand where cadets are applying.
Encampment remains a cornerstone experience of the Cadet Program, and we are committed to helping our cadets access this opportunity even in a year when we are unable to host locally.
Thank you for your flexibility and continued support of our cadets and volunteers. Please reach out through your unit chain of command if you have questions.
Carpe diem,
Col Stan Skrabut
Rhode Island Wing Interim Commander
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 307.287.8147
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
riwg.cap.gov<http://riwg.cap.gov/>
[cid:b62623bd-18e7-4961-ad77-4fa1839e9458]
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures
Another opportunity with MA wing
________________________________
From: Kheyfets, Sergey <sergey.kheyfets(a)mawg.cap.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 5:03 PM
To: all-members <all-members(a)mawg.cap.gov>; COURTNEY, RICHARD - Lt Col, CAP, RIWG/DOS <rcourtney(a)riwg.cap.gov>
Cc: Daniel DeLesdernier <daniel.delesdernier(a)mawg.cap.gov>; Tina Hooton <tina.hooton(a)mawg.cap.gov>; Michael Ortega-Ramos <michael.ortega-ramos(a)mawg.cap.gov>; C. Michael Hiam <c.michael.hiam(a)mawg.cap.gov>; James O'Connell <james.oconnell(a)mawg.cap.gov>
Subject: SIGN-UP for Jan 24th Massachusetts Search and Rescue School (MASAR)
Greetings!
Massachusetts Search and Rescue School (MASAR) is pleased to offer FREE training for Urban Direction Finding (UDF) qualifications on 24 Jan 2026 at
Lincoln W. Stoddard US Army Reserve Center <https://maps.app.goo.gl/LmbRM5q7ykL5creh6> at 25 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
NOTE: Sign-up closes on 22 Jan 2025 at 2200 local
NOTE: This is a DIFFERENT event than Mission Aircrew Academy also conducted at Jan 24th at Beverly Regional Airport. There is NO planned aircrew coordination.
What
UDF - train and evaluate/sign off tasks
O-0214
determine and plot an azimuth on a map
O-0304
triangulate on a distress beacon signal
O-0205
locate a point on a map using the CAP grid system
O-0218
locate own position on a map using terrain association
O-0202
measure distance with pace count
O-0203
navigate past an obstacle
O-0204
locate a point on a map using latitude and longitude
O-0209
identify the major terrain features on a map
O-0210
identify topographic symbols on a map
O-0211
determine elevation on a map
O-0212
measure distance on a map
O-0213
convert between map and compass azimuths
O-0215
determine azimuths on a map using two points
O-0216
orient map to the ground using terrain association
O-0217
orient a map to North using a compass
When
Jan 24th, 2026
Drop-off time: 0900 local
Pickup time: 1600 local
Requirements
UDF
* Completed CAPT 116 (General Emergency Services Test (GES)) available in Absorb LMS
* Commander Approval for UDF Prerequisites in Operational Qualifications (just submit in Operational Qualifications)
* If you still need O-0010 task signed off, minimum equipment list is:
* Any CAP authorized uniform
* Notepad and pencil/pen
* CAP Identification (CAP ID card)
* Watch (or phone showing time )
* Orange reflective safety west, ANSI-2 recommended.
* Ground and UDF Team Task Guide<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Ground_Team__UDF_Task_Guide__24_…>
* If you don't have all of the equipment listed, you can STILL PARTICIPATE, the task will be signed off at a later date once you have equipment
* You would also require a Compass (lensatic or orienteering (prefered) ) with "glow in dark" dial for land navigation
Where
Pickup/Drop off location: 25 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01605, United States<https://maps.app.goo.gl/LmbRM5q7ykL5creh6>
Cost
Free
Food
Bring snacks, lunch and hydration
SIGN-UP LINK<https://forms.gle/FoxEvtJ32f4KtqDy9>
1st Lt Sergey Kheyfets
Emergency Services Officer, Hanscom Composite Squadron
Assistant Emergency Services Officer, Massachusetts Wing
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 781-392-4875<tel:781-392-4875>
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
[https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/CAPEmailLogo_AF2696D854CCA.png]<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Hi Team Rhode Island Wing,
I am pleased to share some very good news regarding the 102d Composite Squadron.
The 102d Composite Squadron will not be closing. I am happy to announce that 1st Lt Robert Ackert has assumed command of the squadron, effective immediately (pending processing of CAPF 27), relieving Major David DeMello.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Major DeMello for his service as Squadron Commander. His willingness to step up and lead is greatly appreciated, and we are grateful for his dedication and contributions to the squadron and the Wing.
I also want to thank 1st Lt Ackert for volunteering to take on the role of Squadron Commander. Stepping into command is no small commitment, and his decision to do so ensures the continued operation and success of the 102d Composite Squadron. We look forward to supporting him as he leads the unit forward.
Please join me in thanking Major DeMello for his service and welcoming 1st Lt Ackert into command. We wish them both continued success.
I would also like to thank all the others how helped make this possible—Major Finch, 1st Lt Hirons, and Col Hirons.
Carpe diem,
Col Stan Skrabut
Rhode Island Wing Interim Commander
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 307.287.8147
GoCivilAirPatrol.com<https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
riwg.cap.gov<http://riwg.cap.gov/>
[cid:2c8614bf-2dd8-4a41-8191-e55b3d74aeec]
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures