[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Senate] [Pages 23001-23002] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE CIVIL AIR PATROL Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, as a member of the Civil Air Patrol for more than two decades and now commander of its Congressional Squadron, I am proud to speak to you today about CAP, an all-volunteer organization celebrating 65 years of service to the United States of America. CAP was created on Dec. 1, 1941, to assist the U.S. military. During World War II, when Nazi U-boat submarines had infested our coastal waters, volunteer aviators of CAP's Coastal Patrol distinguished themselves valiantly. It was a time when the U.S. military was unable to effectively counter these submarines. Flying small single- and twin- engine aircraft armed with 50 and 100-pound bombs, these brave men and women flew more than 24 million miles during 86,000 over-water missions--a total of 244,600 flight hours to help win the battle against U-boats that were preying on coastal shipping. Despite the risk of death, they spotted 173 subs, attacked 57, hit 10 and sank 2. The Coastal Patrol aircrews also called in aid for 91 ships in distress, saved 363 survivors of sub attacks, discovered 17 floating mines, and flew 5,684 special convoy missions. Fifty-nine members of these courageous aircrews died, 26 were lost at sea, and 7 others were seriously injured. They were inspired by the highest sense of patriotism, and they served with pride. Today, CAP continues that tradition as one of the most unique volunteer organizations in America, consisting of everyday heroes from pilots, teachers, and youth counselors to technology experts, communicators, and more. These volunteers, most employed at a paying job, perform 95 percent of inland search-and-rescue missions in the continental United States. Whether performing search and rescue missions or helping communities [[Page 23002]] recover from floods, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, or terrorist attacks, CAP members are there to aid their Nation. In 2005 alone, they saved 73 lives. Following last year's terrible gulf coast hurricanes, 1,800 CAP volunteers from 17 States converged on hurricane-ravaged communities, serving over 50,000 volunteer hours. These patriotic members flew 1,000 air missions during 2,000 hours of flight time and provided more than 2,000 time-critical images of affected areas. They also ensured the well-being of Americans by visiting 4,266 homes, contacting 8,500 residents, and distributing 30,000 pounds of relief supplies. Coming full circle from its beginnings in World War II, Civil Air Patrol is again taking on homeland security responsibilities for the Nation. These include assisting the Air Force in ensuring the skies above Washington, DC, are safe and flying target-intercept training missions for U.S. military pilots all at a low cost of about $100 per mission. With 530 aircraft and thousands of trained aircrew members, CAP is a tremendous asset to the United States at a critical juncture in our history. This capability, however, is now greatly enhanced because CAP, over the past few years, had the foresight to invest in developing and obtaining sophisticated new technologies to help with its emergency missions. Today it uses two high-technology imaging systems Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance, ARCHER, and satellite-transmitted digital imaging systems, SDIS, to assist in search and rescue, disaster-assessment missions and other missions. These technologies make it a vital asset to the Air Force, State governments and local communities. CAP also provides exceptional growth opportunities to 22,550 youth in cadet programs, which stress leadership and moral responsibility and teach aviation and emergency response skills. Through CAP, these youth gain access to scholarship opportunities, top national summer flight academies, flight training in powered and glider aircraft, and programs that emphasize leadership and careers in aviation. They routinely help communities when disaster strikes and other emergencies occur by operating radios, helping park aircraft, and serving on ground search and survey teams. In addition, CAP's Aerospace Education Program touches over 400 educators, over 20,000 cadets, and thousands of other youths in classrooms across America by teaching them aerospace concepts that emphasize aviation's connection to history, math, science, government, and economics. CAP's Missions for America annually impact the lives of thousands of Americans. These 56,000 volunteers all everyday heroes are deserving of our highest praise. Please join me in honoring and recognizing the Civil Air Patrol on the occasion of its 65th anniversary of service to our great Nation. ____________________