Cadet Basic Isaac Kimball launches his Saturn Rocket at Birchwood Airport.
(Photo by 1st Lt. Pamela Speer)
1st Lt. Pamela Speer
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Birchwood Composite Squadron
Alaska Wing
ALASKA – Cadets in the Birchwood Composite Squadron recently put applied aerodynamics into action by building and launching their own rockets in the course of completing the Civil Air Patrol Model Rocketry Program during an intense six-week period.
The squadron’s aerospace education officer, 2nd Lt. Paul Vaono, took on the challenge of instructing the course even though scheduling his time was tricky, since he works as a flight medic in a remote village. Rocket-building and -testing took place during meetings in lieu of flight time every other week for two months, with weekend sessions added to help speed up the process.
“In the CAP and especially in Alaska, you have to be flexible if you want to get things done,” said 1st Lt. Pamela Speer, deputy commander for cadets. “Lt. Vaono is a great example of volunteer service, scheduling around his job and family to make time for cadets.”
Cadets began with the Fizzy Flyer and Goddard Rocket, followed by the Redstone. The second stage was building, launching and testing for the Titan.
Then came the final phase, with cadets studying and passing the exam and launching their Saturn Rockets on Aug. 22. To mark the occasion, family, friends and cadets from neighboring squadrons were invited to attend a Rocket Launch Barbecue at Birchwood Airport.
Attendance totaled more than 30 people, and everyone helped out by bringing food. Senior Member Cary Kimball even bought his own barbecuing equipment and cooked all the burgers for everyone.
Finally, the time came for business. Radios were monitored, Notices to Airmen were issued, and the airport safety manager reported “all clear” for launch.
During final launch two cadets manned the flight line, two more were runners, and of course one served as official safety officer. Vaona placed an altimeter in each rocket before launch to determine an accurate altitude reading.
Those who satisfactorily completed the written and performance requirements for all three stages of the program were awarded the Model Rocket Program badge and patch for wear on their service and battle dress uniforms. Additional awards were presented for categories such as highest launch and best building and design of both Titan and Saturn Rockets.
Special thanks are due Senior Member Kathy Sutherlin, who provided a level of administrative and testing support without which the program would not have achieved such success.
For his part, Vaono’s service went far above the call of duty: His wife gave birth to the couple’s first baby girl the day before the barbecue, and he still made it to the flight line for launch day!
Completing the program were:
- Cadet 2nd Lt. Chad Speer.
- Cadet Staff Sgts. Emily Kroeker, Veronica Morthorpe and Sarah Peyton.
- Cadets Basic Andrew Keller, Isaac Kimball, Adam Pence and William Sutherlin.
Awards went to:
- Best Design, Titan Rocket – Cadet Staff Sgt. Emily Kroeker.
- Best Design, Saturn Rocket – Cadet Basic Adam Pence.
- Highest Launch – 2nd Lt. Chad Speer, 1,921 feet.