Conn. Members Witness F-35 Demonstration, Fly Simulator

Capt. Andrew Liput
Director of Professional Development
Connecticut Wing

Seven members of the Connecticut Wing’s New Haven Composite Squadron and the wing’s deputy commander attended a special demonstration Monday of new fighter technology at Spartan Aerospace in Manchester.

The F-35 is the latest advanced fighter, with its engine and other parts manufactured in Connecticut. Spartan is one of the companies in the state that supplies parts for the plane.

When employees at Spartan got to see how the combat aircraft flies, the eight Connecticut Wing members were able to join them as special guests. U.S. Rep. John Larson, who was present along with fellow Rep. Jim Hines, had extended an invitation to Col. James Ridley Sr., wing commander, for members to attend.

The Civil Air Patrol members also got a chance to try out the controls of the F-35 simulator.

In attendance were:

• Lt. Col. Jeffrey S. Travers, deputy wing commander;
   
• Maj. Laura Moore, New Haven squadron commander;
   
• Cadet 1st Lt. Dominic Sogliuzzo;
   
• Cadet 2nd Lts. Tyler Jordan and Emily Lukowski;
   
• Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Olivia Cretella;
   
• Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Penn; and
   
• Cadet Master Sgt. John Hayes.

Cretella just completed her first year at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Lukowski will be attending the Air Force Academy Prep School in the fall.

“We were honored to have been contacted by Congressman Larson’s office and invited to this special event,” Ridley said. “It was an outstanding experience for our cadets. It also demonstrates the great respect our lawmakers have for Civil Air Patrol’s contribution to aerospace education for our future civilian and military pilots.”