HEADQUARTERS
CIVIL AIR PATROL NEW YORK WING
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AUXILIARY
WESTCHESTER COUNTY AIRPORT – 24 LOOP ROAD, BLDG 1
WHITE PLAINS NY 10604-1218
Tel: 914-683-1000   Fax: 914-683-1005

Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the Executive Budget
Public Protection
February 4, 2016

Chairwoman Young, Chairman Farrell, and other members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to present testimony to the Joint Legislative fiscal committees regarding the public protection portion of the 2016-17 Executive Budget.

My name is Col. Jack Ozer I am the Chief of Staff of the Northeast Region of CAP and former NY Wing Commander as well as a retired Sergeant with the Suffolk County Police Department.

I am here today representing the New York Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol, or CAP, is a non-pro?t corporation and the auxiliary of the United States Air Force. We assist the state in relief efforts during natural disasters; damage assessment; counterdrug missions; search & rescue; air reconnaissance.

In New York, CAP presently has 69 units that include approximately 2,500 senior and cadet members, ages 12-18. We have 14 single engine aircraft that typically log approximately 2,500 flying hours in a given year.

We also have a very successful cadet program that teaches respect, leadership and community service. This program allows young people ages to progress at their own pace through a 16- step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical ?tness and moral leadership. Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in ?elds such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others.

In addition, we have an aerospace education that offers an education program which includes history, aerospace principles and the relevance of flight in today’s world; intended to inspire interest in careers in science, technology, math and engineering or STEM education.

During the last several years the New York Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has been called upon by numerous state and local municipalities within New York State to respond to ?ooding, hurricanes, damage assessment, counter drug flights, Pine Barrens overflights, Homeland Security missions, DMNA family assistance, ?re watches, and lost children searches. During that time CAP has assisted in every County in New York State and it is estimated that CAP has saved the State of New York in excess of 2 million ($2,000,000.00) dollars.

Recognizing CAP’s key work in assisting New York in many of its public safety initiatives, the New York Wing received $200,000 in funding through the 2014-15 state budget. These funds were used to upgrade our mission bases, improve communication capabilities, install generators, which greatly aid us in being better prepared to support the state in future needs.

Specifically we purchased permanent automatic generators for our Long Island and Rome mission bases, new heating system for Long Island, and additional cameras and radios dispersed throughout the rest of the State. We also purchased rocketry kits to teach our cadets science and mathematics and support a program to bring the CAP cadet program to ?nancially depressed areas.

Last year, CAP exhausted the remaining funds of the initial state appropriation and is requesting the state’s assistance in continuing this critical funding in the 2016-17 state budget. This year, we are requesting $255,000, which will be utilized to continue our efforts to better assist New York State when called upon. Specifically we plan to: perform necessary upgrades to our Islip, Rochester, Schenectady, and White Plains mission bases; upgrade the electrical and HVAC systems at the Rome Mission Base; and invest in our cadet programs, particularly in economically depressed or underserved areas.

CAP will be able purchase uniforms and pay registration fees for these young people that can bene?t from self- discipline, leadership, moral training, and pride in themselves. The Appendix includes a complete itemization of where this funding would be utilized. Continuing New York State’s commitment to the Civil Air Patrol is vital to the future of the New York Wing and our efforts to serve the state and local municipalities during disasters or emergencies.

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share the Civil Air Patrol’s priorities with you this afternoon and would be happy to respond to any questions you may have. Thank You.

HEADQUARTERS
CIVIL AIR PATROL  NEW YORK WING
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AUXILIARY
WESTCHESTER COUNTY AIRPORT – 24 LOOP ROAD, BLDG 1
WHITE PLAINS NY 10604-1218
Tel: 914-683-1000 Fax: 914-683-1005

APPENDIX
REQUEST FOR FUNDING
2016-17 BUDGET

Electrical and HVAC upgrade for Rome Mission Base:                                                  $50,000.00

Cameras and down load setup with internal GPS and accessories:                             $14,000.00

Maintenance and supplies – mobile command post and communication vehicles:    $5000.00

Upgrades to Additional Mission Bases
(lslip, Rochester, Schenectady, White Plains):                                                                 $25,000.00

Radio, CAP frequency and NITA Compliant:                                                                    $20,000.00

Computers, tablets, software printers, and supplies:                                                      $25,000.00

Emergency and Local Assistance operations:                                                                   $10,000.00

White Plains Headquarters operations
(rent, utilities, supplies, postage):                                                                                       $32,000.00

Cadet Training in economically depressed areas:                                                            $10,000.00

Cadet Programs:                                                                                                                        $7,000.00

Aerospace education and STEM training programs:                                                       $30,000.00

Emergency Service training and equipment:                                                                     $10,000.00

Multi-media projectors and accessories to facilitate operations:                                    $7,000.00

Internet and security equipment:                                                                                         $10,000.00

Total Request:                                                                                                                         $255,000.00