The Effingham Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron held its first search and rescue exercise (SAREX) of the fiscal year last weekend, and in spite of bad weather and a very limited budget, they were successful.

Their goals included learning and monitoring the right ELT frequency and ensuring the ELT direction finder was being monitored and located.  Their goal as well is to have more training to better help locate an ELT from a downed airplane.

The Effingham Cadet Squadron, along with the Savannah Squadron, worked jointly at St. Simons Island Airport in operating an ELT locator as well as locating ELTs.

The Effingham Cadets also received training on the 24-hour pack used for emergency responses.

While at the St. Simons Airport the Cadets were able to tour a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) airplane. NOAA is the federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere.

The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit volunteer organization for people ages 12 and up. It consists of three primary missions: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. CAP currently has 64,000 members, over 27,000 of those being cadets. Civil Air Patrol offers hundreds of opportunities that cannot be found anywhere else.

For information on the local Civil Air Patrol Squadron contact Squadron Commander 2nd Lt. Richard Bush at 826-5506.

The Effingham Cadet Squadron meets every Tuesday night from 6-8 p.m. at 226 Goshen Rd. in Rincon in building 500, room 507.