Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron conducts Mission Scanner training

2nd Lt. Francisco Molina
Public Affairs Officer
Iowa Wing

Cedar Rapids, Iowa -- Civil Air Patrol aircrews took to the skies as well as the classroom in eastern Iowa as part of their training to respond to search and rescue missions.
 
The mission scanner training, hosted by the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron and conducted by the unit’s director of operations, Capt. Leo Bertling brought together members from the Cedar Rapids, East Iowa Cadet and Dubuque Composite squadrons.

“We are flying scenarios to practice mission scanners’ skills as in a real event,” Bertling told the members during the mission briefing.
 
The practice missions concluded rigorous training for mission scanners that included the theory and practice of the skills required to become part of Civil Air Patrol search and rescue aircrews.

Graduates from the mission scanner course included: Iowa Wing Headquarters – 2nd Lt. Francisco Molina, Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron – Sr. Mbrs. Dave Eicher and Gary Neiger, Dubuque Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col Bill Mausser and 2nd Lt Dennis Decker.

 
In addition to the training, Iowa Wing aircrews provided orientation flights to local ROTC cadets.

TRAINING PICTURES

Capt. Leo Bertling of the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron conducts the classroom session of the mission scanner course.

Col. Ron Scheitzach, Iowa Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Eric Schneider, vice commander, provide an overview of Civil Air Patrol to ROTC cadets before the youths’ orientation flights.