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Find
and Save Award for CAP Squadron 103 Ground Team |
HEADQUARTERS
CENTRAL COAST GROUP FOUR
United States Air Force Auxiliary
Civil Air Patrol
2023 N. Preisker Lane Suite D, Santa Maria, Ca 93454
Hm(805)929-8364 WK (805) 439-0049 FAX (805)349-0089
mlewismaj@aol.com
19-May-02
FOR IMMEADIATE RELEASE
FIND AND SAVE AWARD FOR CAP SQUADRON 103 GROUND TEAM
The USAF has authorized SAVE awards for the
Civil Air Patrol team that located a downed aircraft on April 29th, 2002. This
is an award issued to CAP personnel when their searches result in a
rescue.
On Sunday, April 28 at 12 15 AM Group 4 and
Squadron 103 were alerted by the USAF at Langley Field of an ELT (Emergency
Location Transmitter) signal emanating from the area of Lake Naiciemento.
Air groups were
alerted, but not launched, instead the CAP Ground team of Squadron 103 was
tasked to locate the signal and take appropriate action. Lt Col Beth Wordsworth
in Atascadero was the IC (Incident Commander), and the team was led by Maj Jon
Wordsworth, Group 4 team leader.
After a diligent search and using radio
location equipment the aircraft was found just after dawn, with three dead and
one survivor. The CAP team provided aid and comfort to the lone survivor until
the ambulance arrived and transported the survivor to the Twin Cities hospital.
The Sheriff's department was immediately notified, and provided additional local
rescue services.
The NTSB and FAA are investigating the
cause of the crash of the Beech Sundowner 23.
Additional team members were Maj Rodgers
Walker, Commanding Officer Squadron 103, Capt Rodger Coale, Emergency Services
Officer, Lt James Swarbrick, Team member, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Loren
Braden, Team member, all of whom were awarded the coveted "SAVE" medal.
The survivor sustained minor injuries. She
told rescuers that the foursome had planned a sightseeing trip from Oakdale to Oceano where they planned to have chowder then depart, circle Hearst castle a
few times and then return home. It was on the last leg of the trip back to
Oakdale when the accident occurred. The survivor was unable to shed any
light on the cause of the crash.
The Civil Air Patrol, directed by Air Force
Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia
responds to about 2,900 inland search and rescue calls in the United States each
year. California Civil Air Patrol performed 305 of these in the year 2000.
For further information contact:
Bernard E Tower, Maj, CAP
Group 4 PAO
(805) 928-5554
Fax (805)922-3338 |
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