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New York State Sen. Brian Foley cuts the ribbon for the museum display.
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New York State Sen. Brian Foley with Col Francis S. Gabreski Squadron cadets.
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Standing in front of the CAP display are (from left) Capt. James Ridley Sr., Long Island Group public affairs officer; New York State Sen. Brian Foley; Col. Leonard Blascovich, CAP national historian; and Maj. Lou Fenec, Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron commander.
Capt. James Ridley Sr.
Public Affairs Officer
Long Island Group
New York Wing
NEW YORK – The Long Island Maritime Museum is focusing some of its attention skyward these days with its latest exhibit, “The History of Civil Air Patrol during World War II.”
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The display commemorates CAP’s Coastal Patrol Base 17, which operated in Riverhead from 1942-1943. The exhibit features several vintage CAP uniforms, including one worn by a pilot at the base during the war.
Also included are numerous CAP insignia, patches and manuals, as well as photographs of CAP members, aircraft and activities related to wartime patrols above the waters off Long Island in search of German submarines and ships in distress.
The grand opening for the exhibit held Aug. 15, began with the presentation of the colors by the Col Francis S. Gabreski Squadron’s color guard, followed by speeches by the Gabreski squadron’s commander, Maj. Lou Fenech; Lt. Col. Jack Ozer, Long Island Group commander; the museum’s director, Natasha Alexenko, and registrar, Arlene Balcewicz; and New York State Sen. Brian Foley.
Foley then cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the display to the assembled CAP members, distinguished guests and museum patrons.
Alexenko spoke about the museum’s and CAP’s common interest regarding volunteerism and nautical history, saying she very pleased at having CAP history represented in the museum’s collection.
“We are very glad to partner with the Civil Air Patrol,” she said, “and I’m impressed with the cadets in the program.”
Balcewicz, who took the lead in arranging for the display, agreed with that sentiment. “This was really serendipity,” she said. “It is a wonderful relationship we now have with CAP, and I want to thank the cadets here and all the senior members who made today a reality.”
Foley said those gathered were “here to celebrate the new partnership between the museum and the Civil Air Patrol and to honor those who have served and sacrificed for their fellow citizens.”
“Our waters and air space are much safer because of them and all of you,” he told the assembled CAP members.
After viewing the display, Foley took the time to talk with the cadets present and take a few photographs with them and the exhibit’s creators.
On hand was CAP’s national historian, Col. Leonard A. Blascovich, who assisted with assembling the collection of memorabilia which is now on display.