N.Y. Wing Training, Plane Ride Impress U.S. Rep.

Maj. Franklin G. Birt
Government Relations Adviser
New York Wing

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., spent Sunday exploring how the New York Wing conducts disaster relief missions and seeing cadets experience their first flights, then rode in a CAP plane herself.

Tenney’s visit to a training exercise conducted in Rome began with a greeting from Col. John Jones, New York Wing commander. After she toured the mission base, Maj. Grant Sussey, the wing’s director of operations, briefed her on the wing’s capabilities and on the day’s scheduled events.A New York Wing aircrew then flew Tenney over the Utica/Rome area to simulate how CAP would survey her district for damage after a natural disaster or other major emergency.

Throughout the day, New York Wing cadets received orientation rides introducing them to flight – one of the CAP youth program’s most popular features. 

Cadets also demonstrated and practiced their communication skills as they prepared radio equipment to receive messages from four wing planes. 

The wing “plays such an important role in supporting emergency operations in our community and across the nation,” Tenney said. “They stand ready to respond and offer their support at a moment’s notice.

The exercise she witnessed “shows just how much preparation and training goes into their work,” she said, adding that CAP’s “cadet program gives young people such a unique opportunity to learn about emergency response and aeronautics, which many build on to pursue outstanding careers in the military and aerospace.

”“Today’s training session was such a special opportunity to see the Civil Air Patrol’s expertise and resolve first-hand. I am committed to supporting their efforts in Congress and across New York,” Tenney said.

“We had a successful training event and are thankful for the congresswoman’s continued support,” said Jones, the wing commander.