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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Eight members of the Civil Air Patrol and members of United States Northern Command visited Cherry Point Aug. 26 for joint departure and arrival testing with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2.
The Civil Air Patrol is an official auxiliary unit for the Air Force that began in World War II as civilian pilots volunteering to guard the shores and border from enemy boats and submarines.
USNORTHCOM partners to conduct homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation within its area of responsibility to defend, protect and secure the United States and its interests.
Participants conducted the testing using two RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicles. The UAVs were used to provide in-depth information taken from their high-tech cameras and infrared equipment while relaying real-time video and images to a ground control station to help the ground control station assess situations and make important decisions quickly.
During this testing the UAV’s provided surveillance while operators tested departure and approach procedures. Participants also evaluated the Shadows’ ability to track and follow larger aircraft like the Cessna 182 Skylane.
“The intent of these tests is to simplify and prove that a standard procedure can and will work for the entire military,” said Maj. Joshua G. Boomer, the director of safety and standardization with VMU-2.
The Civil Air Patrol departure and arrival testing is taking place within the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration.
In preparation for this testing, the Marines attended briefs, practiced in simulators and executed practice runs.
Maj. Erik T. Siegel, the test chief with USNORTHCOM, said these tests are setting the foundation for a standard operating procedure that will be proposed to the FAA.
“Everyone is imperative in the success of this training,” he said. “The Marines are assisting with setting up the site, launching and recovering aircraft, ensuring all gear is operational and sitting in as observers on flights with the Civil Air Patrol.”
“This testing has been very successful so far,” said Boomer. “A lot of preparation went into it beforehand, and so far, we have been 100 percent successful.”
The testing is scheduled to continue through Sept. 12.
Sgt. Albert F. Campos said the training is going smoother than expected and everyone involved is working together to make testing a success while proving the procedure’s effectiveness for any service. Campos is a UAV operator with VMU-2.
(Story by Pfc. Grace L. Waladkewics)
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2013 09:31 |
| Story ID: | 113306 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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