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When the U.S. Air Force asks for backup, Civil Air Patrol responds to the call. That means more than just calls from Air Force Rescue Coordination Center about active aviation transmitters for CAP to track down, though.

Meeting at New Jersey Wing Headquarters at McGuire Air Force Base, (from left) U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Senior Chief Operations Specialist Edward Meeks, CAP Lt. Mark Goodfellow, retired Navy Chief Warrant Officer George Evans and CAP Capt. Joseph McGuire develop plans to work together at the upcoming McGuire Air Show.

In keeping with the finest traditions of CAP and the Air Force, the New Jersey Wing and the Northeast and Middle East regions are taking on the challenge of supplying manpower for the 2007 McGuire Air Show, set for May 12-13.

CAP is not alone in this mission. McGuire Air Force Base’s status as a premier joint service “mega-base” has inspired the New Jersey Wing and the New Jersey Division of the U.S. Navy Sea Cadets to team up and provide a joint auxiliary command staff to the McGuire show executive staff. CAP members and Sea Cadets will be teamed to provide support to the show.

Heading up the joint efforts are Capt. Joseph McGuire and Lt. Mark Goodfellow, both of the New Jersey Wing. Representing the Sea Cadets are Lt. Edward Meeks and retired Chief Warrant Officer George Evans.

Over the weekend of the show, CAP members and Sea Cadets will be handling parking control, cleanup, communications and more. They are also expected to help on concesssion stands, with local units sharing in the proceeds.

Plans call for CAP members to arrive May 11 and help set up for the air show. CAP members and Sea Cadets will be able to stay on base at neighboring Fort Dix for a nominal fee and will have all their meals covered.

As a way of thanking them in advance, the Air Force has also invited volunteers to a May 11 preshow party, with air show performers attending.. Cadets and officers alike will be able to speak with the Air Force Thunderbirds, other performers and a number of dignitaries.

One special guest scheduled to appear is Col. Drew Alexa, director of CAP's Advanced Technology Group, who will be showcasing the ARCHER system during the air show.

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