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113-403: Acceptance into the program requires a team of four fliers (and any number of ground crew) and was done through the writing and submission (during late Fall) of a technical proposal which details among other things what the experiment was about, safety considerations, and outreach plans. In the 2007 campaign, 34 of the proposals submitted were accepted. Upon acceptance, a flight date was assigned and

226-520: A Close Air Support (CAS) scenario, integrating combat air and ground operations. New construction designated under the " Grow the Army " project was completed in 2010. The project consisted of ten buildings for the Army National Guard and reserve units, including a battle command training center complete with state-of-the-art computerized equipment. "This will be a tremendous cost benefit to

339-576: A case-by-case basis by the AFRCC . Civil Air Patrol is well known for its search activities in conjunction with search and rescue (SAR) operations. CAP is involved with approximately three quarters of all aerial inland SAR missions directed by the United States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base , Florida . Outside of the contiguous United States, CAP directly supports

452-627: A chief of staff, a national legal officer, a national comptroller , the chief of the CAP Chaplain Service, and the CAP inspector general . The national commander holds the grade of CAP major general , the national vice commander holds the grade of CAP brigadier general . The rest of the national commander's staff hold the grade of CAP colonel . CAP is governed by a board of governors, established by federal law in 2001 and consisting of 11 members: four Civil Air Patrol members (currently

565-510: A few exceptional cases, senior members are promoted to the grade of CAP colonel only upon appointment as a Region Commander, responsible for overseeing multiple states, or Wing Commander, responsible for the administration of CAP units across an entire state . Only the vice national commander holds the rank of brigadier general , and only the national commander holds the rank of major general . Former military enlisted personnel from E-4 up may choose to retain their grade as senior members in

678-519: A flight is formed by a mix of senior members and cadets, at least three of the flight's personnel must be senior members. A wing commander may direct a flight to report to a squadron, directly to a group, or directly to the wing itself. A CAP flight is a semi-independent unit that is used mainly as a stepping-stone for a new unit until they are large enough to be designated a squadron. Due to their transitory nature, there are very few flights within CAP structure at any one time. A flight will be assigned to

791-570: A new senior professional development program called Volunteer University. The Volunteer University provides education and training to CAP senior members through modules and instruction, replacing the previous system including the: Officer Basic Course, Squadron Leadership School, Region Staff College, and National Staff College. The Civil Air Patrol University senior member professional development awards recognize those members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in CAP. These awards include: Civil Air Patrol's cadet program

904-540: A plane crash in San Diego. The base, which consisted of a few hangars and some wooden headquarters buildings, was completed in a matter of months. By the end of 1917, the field was ready to receive its first squadron – the 120th Aero Squadron , which was transferred from Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas , along with its Curtiss JN4 Jenny biplanes, which were shipped in wooden crates via railroad. In December,

1017-500: A rigorous 18-week course consisting of instruction in celestial navigation and dead reckoning. To complete the course, cadets were required to have 100 hours in navigating both local and long-range flights. By 1944, the Navigator School used instructors with combat experience to teach classes. Veteran navigators from every theater of operations lectured cadets at Ellington Field. These lectures were invaluable to cadets because

1130-664: A significant portion base real estate and infrastructure was transferred to civilian control of the City of Houston for conversion to civilian aviation and industrial use. With these post-1976 transitions, the Texas Air National Guard and the 147 FIG became the dominant military presence at what was now-Ellington ANGB. The history of the ANG presence at Ellington dates to 1957 when the Texas Air National Guard's 111th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (111 FIS) at then-Ellington AFB

1243-1091: A squadron "parent", and it is the job of the flight and squadron commanders to work together to build the flight into a full and independent squadron. Flights are also used as temporary units within a squadron. These flights are dismissed after the activity or meeting they were created for. A flight within a squadron is assigned a letter , so a flight could be designated "Charlie Flight, Thunderbolt Squadron", for example. In larger squadrons, flights are permanent subunits and cadets are assigned to them. Civil Air Patrol has five congressionally mandated missions: The organization condenses these mandates into three core program areas, which are aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. Civil Air Patrol covers several emergency services areas. The principal categories include search and rescue missions, disaster relief, humanitarian services, and United States Air Force support. Other services, such as homeland security and actions against drug-trafficking operations, are becoming increasingly important. CAP missions are assigned on

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1356-570: Is a congressionally chartered , federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes members from all backgrounds. The program is established as an organization by Title 10 of the United States Code and its purposes defined by Title 36 . Membership in

1469-436: Is a category of Aerospace Education Member available to educators and these AEMs do not wear uniforms or attend meetings, but take advantage of professionally generated textbooks, lesson plans and other CAP-provided resources, in their capacity as educators. Nationwide, CAP is a major operator of single-engine general aviation aircraft used in the execution of its various missions, including orientation flights for cadets and

1582-549: Is a traditional military-style cadet program with over 28,000 cadets nationwide and is one of the three main missions of the Civil Air Patrol. CAP cadets wear modified versions of United States Air Force uniforms, hold rank and grade, and practice military customs and courtesies . They are required to maintain physical fitness standards and are tested on their knowledge of leadership and aerospace subjects at each promotion opportunity. The current CAP Cadet Program

1695-580: Is an Air National Guard (ANG) unit operationally-gained by the Air Combat Command (ACC). The 147 ATKW provides a 24/7 capability with MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Systems. In its conduct of combat support sorties, the 147 ATKW provides theater and national-level leadership with critical real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Air-to-Ground Munitions and strike capability. A collocated Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) provides terminal control for weapons employment in

1808-439: Is an optional level of command in CAP below that of wing. A wing commander may form a group within his or her wing when he or she deems a geographic area or the number of subordinate units to be too large for effective control by the wing alone. If a CAP group is formed, it must include no fewer than five squadrons . Local units are called squadrons . Squadrons are the main functioning bodies and primary operational commands in

1921-408: Is expected to bring thousands of retired and active military annually to Greater Houston to renew or pick up IDs, Navy, Marine Corps and Army Reserve maintenance and storage facilities, a security checkpoint and the relocation of Coast Guard Sector Houston/Galveston from Galena Park to a new $ 20 million facility scheduled to be completed in 2013. Ellington now has five of the six military branches of

2034-799: Is no mandatory retirement age for CAP members, and there are no physical requirements for joining. Members may enter retired status after twenty years of service. The only physical requirements senior members must follow are the weight and grooming standards required to wear the United States Air Force-style uniforms. Senior members who do not meet the weight and grooming standards of the United States Air Force may wear alternative uniforms known as CAP Corporate uniforms. Officer grades up to lieutenant colonel reflect progression in training and organizational seniority, rather than command authority. Because of this, it

2147-507: Is not uncommon for senior members commanding groups and squadrons to have members of superior grades serving under them. Current, retired and former members of the United States Armed Forces may be promoted directly to the CAP grade equivalent to their military grade, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training, although some choose to follow the same standards as non-prior-service members. Except for

2260-507: Is used in training exercises to prepare USAF pilots to intercept enemy aircraft over the Continental United States . Civil Air Patrol aircraft are flown into restricted airspace, where United States Air Force pilots may practice low-speed intercepts. Civil Air Patrol also provides non-emergency assistance to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection , Drug Enforcement Administration , and United States Forest Service in

2373-753: The 113th United States Congress , both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of Civil Air Patrol. The medal would be presented "in recognition of their military service and exemplary record during World War II." In October 2021, Civil Air Patrol was awarded the Master's Trophy for

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2486-510: The AN/FPS-10 height-finder radar. In addition to the main facility, Ellington operated two AN/FPS-14 Gap Filler sites: By 1960 Ellington performed air traffic control duties for the FAA with an ARSR-1 radar, being designated FAA site J-15 . On 31 July 1963, the site was redesignated as NORAD ID Z-79 . The 747th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was inactivated on 31 December 1969 and

2599-590: The AT-6 to the more complex twin-engine AT-10 or AT-11 . At that level, cadets were taught how to fly the larger multi-engine aircraft. After successful completion of the advanced training course, graduates were transferred to different airfields for more training in actual bombers. Eventually the USAAC Advanced Flying School was transferred to Blackland Army Airfield in Waco. Ellington Field

2712-657: The District of Columbia , and one in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico . Each wing has a commander who is a CAP colonel and is the sole corporate officer for that state, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Each wing commander oversees a wing headquarters staff made up of experienced volunteer members. The regions and their subordinate wings are: CAP-USAF assigns active-duty U.S. Air Force personnel to each CAP region and wing to provide liaison for them. The group

2825-668: The F-102A Delta Dagger and began 24-hour air defense alert operations to guard the Texas Gulf coast. In August 1961, as part of an Air Defense Command re-organization, the Group's assignment to 136th Air Defense Wing was terminated and the 147th was directly assigned to the Texas Air National Guard while being operationally gained by the Air Defense Command 's 33rd Air Division (33 AD). On 1 January 1970,

2938-613: The Girl Scouts of the USA and 4-H to fulfill the education goal set down in the organization's Congressional charter – to "encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities." As of 30 September 2023 , CAP had 65,531 members – 36,119 senior members and 29,332 cadets  – in over 1,600 local units in all fifty states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico , and at numerous overseas United States Air Force installations. CAP members are civilians and are not paid by

3051-827: The Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska , Hawaii , and Puerto Rico . CAP is credited with saving an average of 100 lives per year. CAP is active in disaster relief operations, especially in areas such as Florida , Mississippi and Louisiana that are frequently struck by hurricanes as well as Oklahoma and Texas which are frequented by large, damaging tornadoes. CAP aircrews and ground personnel provide transportation for cargo and officials, aerial imagery to aid emergency managers in assessing damage, and donations of personnel and equipment to local, state and federal disaster relief organizations during times of need. In 2004 , several hurricanes hit

3164-522: The Oklahoma Air National Guard assumed the 147th's former 24/7/365 alert mission and now maintains a rotational detachment of F-16C aircraft, pilots, maintainers, and security personnel as an operating location what is now Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base. On 28 July 2017, the 147 RW began transition to the also unmanned and remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper aircraft and began retiring its extant MQ-1 aircraft. With this transition,

3277-707: The September ;11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City when all general aviation was grounded, one of the first planes to fly over the World Trade Center site was a CAP aircraft taking photographs. CAP performs several missions that are not combat-related in support of the United States Air Force , including damage assessment, transportation of materials, transportation of officials, communications support (as "Highbird" repeaters) and low-altitude route surveys. The CAP fleet

3390-518: The Texas National Guard to establish an aviation squadron. General John A. Hulen, commander of the U.S. 36th Division, announced the formation of the 111th Observation Squadron . General Hulen assured the citizens of Houston that the new air squadron was not a daredevil outfit. Hulen believed that the reactivation of Ellington Field as a reserve base would provide Houston an airfield and rekindle public interest in military aviation. With

3503-603: The United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary . The Civil Air Patrol routinely drills for emergencies through Search and Rescue exercises ( SAREX ). CAP also requires members to renew their qualifications for emergency services usually done during SAREXs. The Aerospace Education Program provides aviation-related education and educational activities for members, including formal, graded courses about all aspects of aviation including flight physics, dynamics, history, and application. Courses covering

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3616-512: The United States House of Representatives , pushed for rebuilding Ellington as a pilot training center. Beyond the area's excellent weather for flying, Thomas argued that the Houston area's petroleum refineries, upon which the war effort depended, would need military protection in the region. In 1940, construction began on a much-expanded Ellington Field, which eventually included five control towers, two 46,000-square-foot (4,300 m ) hangars,

3729-475: The United States government for their service. Rather, members are responsible for paying annual membership fees and must pay for their uniforms and other related expenses. Senior membership is open to all U.S. citizens , and U.S. legal permanent residents aged 18 and over who can pass an FBI background check. There is no upper age limit, nor membership restrictions for physical disabilities, due to

3842-682: The War on Drugs . In 2005, CAP flew over 12,000 hours in support of this mission and led these agencies to the confiscation of illegal substances valued at over US$ 400 million. Civil Air Patrol makes extensive use of the Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance system, mounted on the Gippsland GA8 Airvan. The system is able to evaluate spectral signatures given off by certain objects, allowing

3955-879: The 1-star level, to a subordinate unit of 1st Air Force at the 3-star level with Civil Air Patrol–U.S. Air Force as a stand-alone unit lead at the Colonel (O-6) level. Since its incorporation charter, CAP has maintained its relationship with the USAF and has continued its three congressionally mandated missions. On 14 June 2011, Civil Air Patrol was awarded the Roving Ambassador of Peace by the World Peace Prize Awarding Council for its positive impact in American communities, its lifesaving efforts, and for "preserving liberty for all". During

4068-416: The 147 RW was redesignated again as the 147th Attack Wing (147 ATKW) and remains operationally gained by Air Combat Command. From the 1950s through the 1970s, Ellington Field was utilized for pilot and navigator training for the active Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Naval Air Reserve , Marine Air Reserve , and foreign students. Civil Air Patrol Civil Air Patrol ( CAP )

4181-658: The 147th became the Air National Guard's Replacement Training Unit (RTU) for the F-102A/TF-102B when the active duty Air Force ceased F-102A training and closed Perrin AFB , Texas on 30 June 1971. At that point, the 147 FIG became the RTU for all active duty USAF and Air National Guard F-102 pilots. In May 1971, the 147th added F-101B/F Voodoos and became the RTU for the twin-seat F-101F type, while also continuing as

4294-554: The 446th's interim inactivation, Air Force Reserve flying activities continued at Ellington under the 924th Tactical Airlift Group (924 TAG), which had flown the C-119 Flying Boxcar aircraft until 1967 when it also transitioned to the C-130 Hercules aircraft. However, instead of transferring host unit responsibilities from the 446th to the 924th, primary host wing/group responsibilities at Ellington shifted to

4407-487: The Air Force civil service personnel at CAP-USAF also are CAP members, and 22 of whom are stationed at National Headquarters, staff CAP-USAF. These members ensure CAP is organized, trained, and equipped to fulfill Air Force-assigned missions; advise, assist, and oversee Civil Air Patrol's operations; and provide liaison between CAP and the U.S. Air Force and other United States Government agencies. As of August 2019 ,

4520-607: The Army Reserve as travel and logistical costs will be streamlined," noted Major General Eldon Regua, 75th division commander. The $ 80 million construction project includes a 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m ) Battle Command Training Center, which simulates war conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan., a second Armed Forces Reserve Center with an assembly hall and offices, a Welcome Center, which will handle retention, recruitment and military identification services. The military ID center

4633-520: The C-130, the 446th also acquired C-124 Globemaster aircraft in 1971. In July 1972, the 446th was inactivated pending its redesignation as the 446th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) and its relocation to McChord AFB , Washington the following year as an Air Force Reserve Associate airlift wing to the active duty 62nd Military Airlift Wing at McChord flying the C-141 Starlifter . Despite

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4746-409: The CAP. Reporting directly to the wing, or to a group if the wing commander chooses to form one or more groups, squadrons have the responsibility to carry out plans and programs formulated by higher echelons of CAP. Civil Air Patrol squadrons are designated as either cadet, senior, or composite squadrons. A CAP composite squadron consists of both cadets and senior members, who may be involved in any of

4859-408: The Civil Air Patrol relocated their national headquarters a final time to Maxwell AFB , Alabama, but a local CAP squadron still remains at Ellington. After Ellington's transfer to CONAC in 1958, Air Force Reserve ( AFRES ) activities played a larger role at the base. In 1959, the 446th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium (446 TCW) hosted an "air rodeo" to determine which Air Force Reserve airlift squadron

4972-479: The Civil Air Patrol, with grades E-5 (CAP staff sergeant) through E-9 (CAP chief master sergeant) available, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training. Former CAP national commander, Major General Carr, unveiled plans to restructure the CAP NCO program to allow individuals to "enlist" as NCOs and progress through a specific professional development program. According to a U.S. Air Force article on

5085-608: The F-102 Delta Dagger RTU. In January 1975, after 14 years of service, the unit's F-102s were retired and the unit transitioned to solely F-101s. With the disestablishment of Aerospace Defense Command , operational claimancy for the 147 FIG shifted to Tactical Air Command . In 1982, the F-101s were retired and the 147th was reequipped with the F-4C Phantom II in the air defense mission. In November 1986,

5198-563: The F-4Cs were replaced by later model F-4D Phantom IIs . In December 1989, the 147th began receiving the Block 15 F-16 Fighting Falcon to replace their F-4Ds, with the last F-16A ADF arriving in April 1990. In 1992, the unit was redesignated the 147th Fighter Group (147 FG) and, with the inactivation of Tactical Air Command, became operationally-gained by Air Combat Command . In 1995, the group

5311-457: The FAA operated the ARSR-1 afterwards. Assignments: In late 1972, the radar facilities at Ellington were reactivated by the now-renamed Aerospace Defense Command and given the new NORAD designation Z-240 . Ellington became Operating Location "C" of the 630th Radar Squadron operating an AN/FPS-90 height-finder radar, which was later modified to an AN/FPS-116 circa 1977. The AN/FPS-116

5424-453: The Gulf of Mexico, but budget problems forced the closure of NAVAIRESCEN Ellington just a year later. The Air Force transferred Ellington AFB to Continental Air Command (CONAC) effective 1 April 1958 and undergraduate navigator training was reassigned to Mather AFB, California and James Connally AFB , Texas. As a result, in 1959, Ellington was downgraded to a reserve Air Force Base and, with

5537-608: The Gulf of Mexico. In AT-10s or AT-11s, bombardier students practiced bombing several small islands in Matagorda Bay or small target boats anchored in the bay. The Bombardier School remained at Ellington Field until 1942. In 1943, Ellington Field became the site for advanced navigator training when the Army Air Forces Training Command transferred the Navigator School from Mather Field , California to Houston. The USAAF Navigator School consisted of

5650-597: The North America Region for that year by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots . The award citation noted the auxiliary's service during the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster relief response to Hurricane Ida . Although a civilian organization, Civil Air Patrol is organized along military lines, with a streamlined and strictly hierarchical chain of command and a rank system patterned on that of

5763-767: The Senior Member Professional Development Program. CAP encourages its senior members to learn about aviation and its history, although this is not mandatory. Those who complete the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members may earn the Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Aerospace Education Award. Through outreach programs, including the External Aerospace Education program, CAP helps school teachers integrate aviation and aerospace into

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5876-493: The U.S. Air Force. There are several distinct echelons in its structure: National Headquarters, regions, wings , squadrons and flights . An additional group echelon may be placed between a wing and its squadrons and flights, at the wing commander's discretion. The volunteer leadership of the CAP consists of the National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol and their staff, comprising a Vice National Commander,

5989-606: The U.S. Department of Defense – Army, Navy and Marine Reserve units, Army and Air National Guard – in addition to the Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security, and NASA operations – on one base. The JRB is also the home base of a Civil Air Patrol composite squadron that routinely flies missions out of the Airport. In 1917, the U.S. government purchased 1,280 acres (5.2 km ) of land from Dr. R. W. Knox and

6102-463: The West Coast, General Mitchell came to south Texas for an inspection of Ellington Field. Once on the ground, Mitchell commented that the 111th Observation Squadron was one of the best units in the nation. Mitchell spoke to enthusiastic crowds at Ellington Field confirming his belief that a strong Air Force was vital to national defense. Also the possibility of a new municipal airfield endangered

6215-523: The Wright Land Company to establish an airbase in Houston. The location, near Genoa Township in southeast Houston, was selected because the weather conditions were ideal for flight training. Soldiers from nearby Camp Logan briefly assisted with the construction of the airfield when civilian workers went on strike. Soon after construction began on the airfield, the base was named after Eric Ellington, an Army pilot killed four years earlier in

6328-491: The base transitioned to Air Force Reserve claimancy, but was eventually shifted to other active duty USAF installations. That AFROTC summer Field Training program has since been consolidated at the Air Force's Officer Training School facility at Maxwell AFB , Alabama. In 1959, the Civil Air Patrol also moved its national headquarters from Bolling Air Force Base , DC to Ellington AFB. Eight years later, in 1967,

6441-524: The classroom by providing seminars, and course materials and through sponsorship of the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education . Members also provide their communities with resources for better management of airports and other aviation-related facilities and promote the benefits of such facilities. The organization also works with other groups, such as the Boy Scouts of America ,

6554-499: The commander of CAP-USAF is Colonel Mark A. Wootan, USAF. Below the national headquarters level are eight geographic regions and a handful of overseas squadrons at various military installations worldwide. Each region, commanded by a CAP colonel, encompasses several statewide organizations referred to as wings . There are 52 CAP wings, one in each of the 50 U.S. states , one (known as the National Capital Wing) in

6667-510: The construction of a municipal airport. That airport, the present day William P. Hobby Airport , confirmed the squadron's fears that Ellington's aging facilities were obsolete; as a result the Texas National Guard decided to move the 111th to new facilities at the municipal airport instead. The Texas National Guard and 36th Infantry Division bought most of the airfield's buildings, but the field remained unused; by 1928 Ellington

6780-477: The establishment of a multi-engine flying training program as part of Flying Training Air Force. As a cost-cutting measure, Headquarters USAF directed ATC in November 1953 to reorganize its Air Force Observer training program and decrease training time. ATC managed the restructure by converting primary observer training into a primary basic course and by providing advanced instruction in the basic course. Ellington

6893-445: The exception of a U.S. Coast Guard air station established in 1963, has primarily served a Reserve Component (RC) air base ever since. While a full-fledged active duty installation, Ellington AFB had routinely hosted several college level Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) summer Field Training encampments for AFROTC cadets from colleges and universities in 22 states. This program briefly continued at Ellington AFB after

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7006-428: The excess World War I storage and maintenance facilities at Ellington Field, the squadron did not have a true headquarters building. Major Law requested funds from Texas and the U.S. National Guard, but unfortunately monies were not available for new buildings. Law, however, was able convince several local Houston businessmen to donate space in a downtown office building. In 1924, the 111th Observation Squadron headquarters

7119-517: The existence of Ellington Field, rumors circulated throughout the Texas National Guard that the War Department wanted to transfer the aviation schools at Kelly and Brooks Fields to Houston. In 1926, Houston was in the process of planning a modern municipal airfield so that Houston would remain a center of commerce and trade in south Texas. Several years later in 1927, Ellington's status was again threatened as local city leaders began to discuss

7232-497: The experiment was done at Ellington Field 's hangar 990 concurrently for all teams in the flight week. The hangar houses the C-9 as well as NASA's two WB-57 high altitude research aircraft; the setup period typically goes for three days, after which the experiment was loaded onto the C-9, strapped into place, and finalized. Microgravity flights were performed during the next two days: two of

7345-417: The first "canteen girls", and the first aerial ambulance in American military history. Before the end of the war, approximately 5,000 men and 250 aircraft were assigned to the base. Ellington was considered surplus to requirements after World War I and the base was inactivated as an active duty airfield in January 1920. A small caretaker unit was kept at the airfield for administrative reasons, but generally,

7458-433: The first annual competition. From 1958 until 1972, the 446th was the host wing for Ellington, changing its name to the 446th Tactical Airlift Wing (446 TAW) in 1967 and acquiring C-130 Hercules aircraft the following year. In 1968, CONAC was inactivated, and the base and the Air Force Reserve flying units at Ellington were transferred to the sole cognizance of the Air Force Reserve (AFRES). While continuing to operate

7571-439: The first months of operation, Ellington Field had no pilot fatalities. Within the year, however, this record changed for the worse. By August 1918, Ellington Field recorded the most pilot fatalities of the 18 U.S. Army Air Service training bases in the United States. Ellington became well known in military circles, and had a series of "firsts", including the first camp newspaper, the first American aerial gunnery and bombing range ,

7684-401: The first planes from Ellington Field flew over Houston for a benefit for the American Red Cross. A flight of ten JN-4s took off from grass runways and followed the interurban tracks stretching north from Genoa to Houston. Throngs of men, women, and children watched in amazement as the JN-4s flew overhead. The roar of the aircraft was almost drowned out by the wail of sirens and factory whistles as

7797-419: The fliers on one day and the other two on the other day. The flight day begins with a briefing which involves last minute instructions and advice, and also the administration of anti motion sickness medicine. Each microgravity flight contains 30 zero gravity sessions, called parabolas, lasting 20 to 25 seconds each. Additionally, Lunar and Martian parabolas were done (one each). Transportation and housing for

7910-443: The flight week and the trip to Houston were not provided by NASA and must be arranged by the students. Ellington Field Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base is a joint installation shared by various active component and reserve component military units, as well as aircraft flight operations of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA ) under the aegis of the nearby Johnson Space Center . The host wing for

8023-426: The former Continental Air Command in 1959, the former Headquarters Command, USAF in 1968, to the Air University (AU) in 1976. Following Air University's reassignment as a subordinate command to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) in 1993, USAF oversight of CAP has flowed from AETC at the 4-star level, to AU at the 3-star level, to AU's Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development at

8136-459: The individual groups and squadrons that comprise the basic operational unit of the organization. Civil Air Patrol was conceived in the late 1930s by aviation advocate Gill Robb Wilson , who foresaw general aviation's potential to supplement America's military operations. With the help of New York Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia , in his capacity as then-Director of the Office of Civilian Defense , CAP

8249-576: The installation is the Texas Air National Guard 's 147th Attack Wing (147 ATKW). Opened in 1917, Ellington Field was one of thirty-two Air Service training camps established after the United States entry into World War I . It is named for First Lieutenant Eric Ellington , a U.S. Army aviator who was killed in a plane crash in San Diego, California in 1913. The United States Air Force 's 147th Attack Wing (147 ATKW)

8362-446: The lines, she frees a fighting man to join his fellow soldiers on the road to Victory," stated WAC director Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby . With the end of World War II, Ellington served primarily as a reserve air base from the end of the war in 1945 until 1948. In 1948, Ellington Airport was one of many airfields selected to be reactivated in an effort to maintain a large military force in the United States after World War II. The airfield

8475-424: The most modern medical complex in south Texas and 74 barracks . Ellington Field was the site for advanced flight training for bomber pilots. Initial plans called for the training of 2,800 bomber pilots per year at Ellington Field or about ten percent of the total number of pilots trained throughout the United States. Beginning at five-week intervals, classes of 274 cadets entered the 10-week course. Cadets moved from

8588-695: The national commander, national vice commander, and two members-at-large appointed by the CAP National Executive Committee), four U.S. Air Force representatives appointed by the United States Secretary of the Air Force , and three members from the aviation community jointly appointed by the CAP national commander and the Secretary of the Air Force. The board of governors generally meets two or three times annually and primarily provides strategic vision and guidance to

8701-541: The news of the formation of the Air Squadron, one Houston Chronicle reporter christened the 111th Observation Squadron "Houston's Own," thus beginning a long relationship between Houston and the National Guard. The squadron, which flew Curtiss JN-6Hs and Dayton-Wright DH-4s , provided mapping, photography, and reconnaissance support for the 36th Infantry Division . Though the 111th Observation Squadron had

8814-565: The number of different tasks which members may be called on to perform. Cadet membership is open to those aged between 12 and 18 who maintain satisfactory progress in school, as determined by the cadet's unit commander; upon their 18th birthday, cadets may become senior members or remain in the Cadet Program until they are 21. The Civil Air Patrol motto, to which all members subscribe, is "Semper Vigilans", Latin for "Always Vigilant". All CAP members are also obligated by their service to

8927-407: The only flight activity during this time was from Army pilots stationed at Kelly Field who flew down to practice landings on Ellington's runways. In May 1923, the War Department had ordered the small caretaker force at Ellington Field to dismantle all remaining structures and to sell them as surplus. Orders to abandon Ellington Field were abruptly halted, however, when the War Department authorized

9040-574: The organization and membership support for the 1,700-plus volunteer field units across the United States. Headquarters Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force (CAP-USAF) is an active-duty U.S. Air Force unit that operates under the joint jurisdiction of CAP National Headquarters and the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command , First Air Force . Commanded by an aeronautically rated Air Force colonel, Headquarters CAP-USAF consists of approximately 75 active-duty Air Force, United States Air Force Reserve , Air National Guard , and civilian U.S. Air Force personnel; all of

9153-909: The organization and to provide opportunities for senior members to take advantage of skills they have from their private lives. Available Specialty Tracks include Logistics , Communications , Cadet Programs, Public Affairs , Legal , Administration , Emergency Services, Finance , and many more. Additionally, senior members with specific civilian professional qualifications may be awarded grades based on their professional qualifications. Examples include FAA Certified Flight Instructors, Certified Ground Instructors, attorneys, medical professionals, Certified Public Accountants, clergy, and licensed educators or administrators who are often promoted directly to second lieutenant , first lieutenant or captain , after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training. Additional promotion may be available after one year time in grade. In 2020, Civil Air Patrol introduced

9266-521: The organization consists of cadets ranging from 12 to just under 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. These two groups each have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of pursuits; the cadet program contributes to the development of the former group with a structured syllabus and an organization based upon United States Air Force ranks, while the older members serve as instructors, supervisors, and operators. Most members wear uniforms while performing their duties. However, there

9379-553: The organization to abide by its core values: integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. Senior members are members who joined CAP for the first time past the age of 18, or who are former cadets who transferred to the senior member program, which must happen by the cadet's 21st birthday. Senior members who have not yet turned 21 years are eligible for flight officer grades, which include flight officer, technical flight officer, and senior flight officer, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training. There

9492-587: The other twenty-three sites. Radar facilities were activated in April 1952 with the 149th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron of the California Air National Guard operating an AN/CPS-6B radar set. On 1 February 1953 the 747th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron assumed operational control of the site. The station was designated P-79 . In 1955 the Air Force placed an AN/FPS-8 at Ellington that subsequently became an AN/GPS-3 . This set operated until 1960. In 1957 an AN/FPS-6 set replaced

9605-617: The planes passed over. As the planes circled the city, they dropped paper flyers for the American Red Cross. Next, the formation flew to Camp Logan and then turned south toward Galveston Island. The entire flight took about an hour. During World War I, Ellington served as an advanced flight training base. As of 1918, Ellington had its own gunnery and bombing range on a small peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico near San Leon, Texas . Training units assigned to Ellington Field were: For

9718-623: The program, they are given additional responsibility for scheduling, teaching, guiding and commanding the other cadets in their units. They also assist their senior staff in executing the Cadet Program. It is not unusual for a cadet officer to command an encampment of hundreds of junior Cadets. Cadets are given many opportunities to lead and to follow; they may hold leadership positions at squadron and wing activities and are often involved in planning these activities. Cadets may complete paperwork, command other cadets, and teach at weekly meetings and at weekend and summer events. The U.S. Congress stated in

9831-506: The provision of significant emergency services capabilities. Because of these extensive flying opportunities, many CAP members become licensed pilots . The hierarchical and military auxiliary organization is headed by the National Headquarters (with authority over the national organization) followed by eight regional commands and 52 wings (each of the 50 states plus Washington, D.C. , and Puerto Rico ). Each wing supervises

9944-486: The southeast coast of the United States, with Florida being the worst damaged; CAP was instrumental in providing help to affected areas. Civil Air Patrol conducts humanitarian service missions, usually in support of the Red Cross . CAP aircrews transport time-sensitive medical materials, including blood and human tissue , when other means of transportation (such as ambulances ) are not practical or possible. Following

10057-588: The space program, and new technologies and advances in aviation and space exploration , are also available. There are several programs for CAP pilots to improve their flying skills and earn Federal Aviation Administration ratings. The Cadet Program has a mandatory aerospace education program; to progress, a cadet must take several courses and tests relating to aviation. Cadets also have educational opportunities through museum tours, National Cadet Special Activities , military and civilian orientation rides, and guest speakers. Senior members may study aerospace through

10170-1103: The subject, "The current design of the NCO corps in the CAP only allows former active-duty NCOs to be a part of the corps, with no upgrade training for promotion within the ranks. The newly signed corps structure will mirror the Air Force NCO force structure with an established process to promote and develop NCOs." By 2018 a professional development and promotion pathway was in place for former military enlisted personnel who joined CAP at their previous rank. Senior members are provided with an optional Senior Member Professional Development program and are encouraged to progress within it. The professional development program consists of five levels, corresponding with grades from second lieutenant to lieutenant colonel. Each level of development has components of leadership training, corporate familiarization and aerospace education, and also professional development within chosen "Specialty Tracks". There are many Specialty Tracks and they are designed both to support

10283-604: The supervision of cadets and the proper execution of the cadet program. Overseas squadrons operate independently of this structure, reporting directly to the National Headquarters. The lowest level of CAP organization is the flight . Flights are temporary units, usually formed in remote areas with too few CAP personnel to form a squadron, but with a goal of forming a new squadron as quickly as possible by recruiting additional CAP members locally to increase its membership. A flight may consist of no more than 14 CAP members. It may be formed by as few as eight CAP senior members, but if

10396-531: The system to identify, for example, a possible marijuana crop. As a humanitarian service organization, CAP assists federal, state and local agencies in preparing for and responding to homeland security needs. The Red Cross , Salvation Army and other civilian agencies frequently request Civil Air Patrol aircraft to transport vital supplies including medical technicians, medication, and other vital supplies. They often rely on CAP to provide airlift and communications for disaster relief operations. CAP also assists

10509-447: The team must design and build the planned experiment by then. Prior to flight, submission of a TEDP (an in-depth description of apparatus) was also required, as were FAA approved physical examinations for all fliers and the optional alternate flier. The flight week began with an introduction to the facility, the crew, and a description of what was planned overall. The rest of the week involved training, tours, setup, and flights. Setup of

10622-464: The then- 147th Fighter-Interceptor Group (147 FIG) of the Texas Air National Guard and the installation became known as Ellington Air National Guard Base. In 1976, the 924 TAG relocated to Bergstrom AFB , Texas and with the 924th's departure, other portions of former USAF infrastructure at Ellington were transferred to NASA , to the U.S. Coast Guard as part of Coast Guard Air Station Houston , and to other DoD Reserve Component activities. However,

10735-405: The three missions of CAP. Composite squadrons have two deputy commanders to assist the squadron commander: a Deputy Commander for Seniors and a Deputy Commander for Cadets. A senior squadron includes only senior members, who participate in the emergency services or aerospace education missions of CAP. A cadet squadron is largely made up of cadets, with a small number of senior members as necessary for

10848-433: The unmanned, remotely piloted MQ-1 Predator aircraft and was renamed the 147th Reconnaissance Wing (147 RW) the same month. With the retirement of 147th's F-16 aircraft, the 24/7/365 Continental NORAD Region (CONR) air defense alert mission for the western Gulf of Mexico and southern Texas border previously performed by the 147th needed to be replaced by another F-16 unit. As a result, the 138th Fighter Wing (138 FW) of

10961-606: The veteran navigators gave their students insights into navigating under combat conditions and life overseas. From 1941 to 1945 the Navigator School graduated 4,000 USAAF navigators that were assigned to every theater of operations during the Second World War. By the end of 1943, more than 65 women who served in the Women's Army Corps were also stationed at Ellington. The WACs worked in noncombat Army jobs in order to free men for combat duty. "By taking over an Army job behind

11074-402: The volunteer leadership and corporate staff. CAP National Headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base outside Montgomery , Alabama . The headquarters employs a professional staff of over 100 and is led by the CAP executive director (analogous to a corporate chief operating officer ), who reports to the board of governors. The national headquarters staff provides program management for

11187-415: The war effort instead of grounding them. The organization assumed many missions, including anti-submarine patrol and warfare , border patrols , and courier services. CAP's coastal patrol reportedly flew 24 million miles and sighted 173 enemy U-boats , dropping a total of 82 bombs and depth charges during the conflict. Two submarines were reportedly destroyed by CAP aircraft, but later research found there

11300-481: Was again overtaken by tall prairie grass. That same year, a fire engulfed what was left of the airfield, consuming its remaining structures, except for the concrete foundations and a metal water tower. For the next 12 years, the U.S. military leased the land to local ranchers for use as pasture. World War II , with its increasing need for trained pilots, helped to reestablish Ellington Field as an active facility. Rep. Albert Thomas , one of Houston's representatives in

11413-586: Was also a site for the USAAC, later USAAF, Bombardier School, also known as "the Bombardment Academy of the Air." At Ellington Field, officials planned to train 4,480 bombardier cadets per year. Bombardier cadets spent most of their time during the 10-week course in the classroom learning the skills necessary to accurately drop bombs on enemy targets. Hands-on training for the bombardier cadets took place over

11526-635: Was authorized to expand to a group level and was redesignated the 147th Fighter-Interceptor Group (147 FIG) under the 136th Air Defense Wing. On 1 July 1957, the National Guard Bureau extended federal recognition to the 147th Fighter-Interceptor Group. Initially equipped with the F-86D Sabre , the group transitioned to the F-86L Sabre in 1959. In August 1960, the unit became one of the first Air National Guard units to transition to

11639-404: Was created with Administrative Order 9 , signed by LaGuardia on 1 December 1941 and published 8 December 1941. Civil Air Patrol had 90 days to prove itself to Congress. Major General John F. Curry was appointed as the first national commander. Texas oilman David Harold Byrd was a co-founder of CAP. During World War II, CAP was seen as a way to use America's civilian aviation resources to aid

11752-412: Was designated to provide primary observer training, with the establishment of the 3605th Observer Training Wing. In 1956, navigator and observer training were consolidated, which consisted of 42 weeks, including 180 hours of in-flight training. During 1958–59, USAF navigator training operations were eliminated at Ellington and consolidated at Mather AFB , California and James Connally AFB , Texas. This

11865-610: Was designed by John V. "Jack" Sorenson who held the position of Civil Air Patrol's Director of Aerospace Education in the 1960s. This program has four phases (Learning, Leadership, Command, and Executive) each of which is divided into several achievements. Achievements generally correspond to grade promotions, while phases are tied to levels of responsibility. The Cadet Program operates at a local unit (squadron) level with weekly meetings and weekend activities but also has national and wing-sponsored events, including week-long and multi-week summer activities and camps. As cadets progress through

11978-412: Was enhanced at Ellington when the Air Force installed a microwave navigation system. To help navigators learn celestial positioning, a Houston resident paid for the construction of a planetarium at Ellington. The planetarium, which stood 50 feet (15 m) high and was topped by an aluminum dome, could hold 40 students. In 1952, Air Training Command (ATC) expanded the training program at Ellington with

12091-503: Was followed by a second consolidation to Mather AFB as the sole USAF navigator training location in 1968. The City of Houston annexed Ellington Air Force Base in the 1960s. Ellington AFB was selected as one of the first of twenty-four Air Defense Command stations of the permanent United States surveillance radar network. On 2 December 1948, the Air Force directed the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with construction of this and

12204-565: Was no basis for this claim. By the end of the war, 68 CAP members had died in the line of duty. With the passing of the National Security Act of 1947 and the creation of the United States Air Force, CAP became the auxiliary of the USAF 26 May 1948, and its incorporating charter declared that it would never again be involved in direct combat activities, but would be of a benevolent nature. The "supervisory" USAF organization overseeing CAP has changed several times. This has included

12317-451: Was redesignated as the 147th Fighter Wing (147 FW) and in 1996 transitioned to the Block 25 F-16C/D and assumed an air-to-ground mission in addition to its historic air-to-air mission. The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended the retirement of all USAF Block 25 F-16C/D aircraft, the Block 25s primarily residing in Air National Guard units. On 7 June 2008, the 147 FW retired its last two F-16 aircraft and transitioned to

12430-476: Was relocated to the Gas Company Building in downtown Houston. The use of downtown civilian facilities, however, highlighted the two major inadequacies of Ellington Field: deteriorating facilities and the great distance of the field from Houston. In 1925 General William Mitchell conducted a "flying tour" of all National Guard Observation Squadrons throughout the United States. On a return trip from

12543-592: Was reopened for active duty on 31 March 1949 and renamed Ellington Air Force Base . The Air Force activated the 3605th Navigation School and opened a USAF navigator school, with the first class entering training on 8 August 1949. Navigator cadets trained in TB-25 "Mitchell" and T-29 "Flying Classroom" aircraft. The program was part of a two-base effort, in which Ellington would provide basic navigation training and its graduates would then be reassigned to Mather AFB , California for advanced training. Navigation training

12656-703: Was retired circa 1988. Active duty Air Force use of Ellington ceased on 30 September 1998 when an FAA ARSR-4 radar was activated nearby at Morales, TX (J-15A) as part of the Joint Surveillance System (JSS) and Ellington's remaining USAF presence remained strictly with the Air National Guard . The United States Navy opened a short-lived Naval Air Reserve Center at Ellington in 1957. Navy pilots and aircrews flew amphibious UF-1 Albatross and land-based P2V Neptune aircraft on antisubmarine and maritime patrol training missions over

12769-445: Was the most accurate in the nation. Competition took place in the skies above Ellington and on the blacktop tarmac below. Forty aircrews from 14 AFRES air cargo wings from 12 different states participated in the unusual contest. During the event, aircrews dropped 260-pound bundles from C-119 Flying Boxcar aircraft flying high above the base and attempted to hit designated targets on the ground. Ellington's own 446th Troop Carrier Wing won

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