CIVIL AIR PATROL REVS UP EMERGENCY EXERCISES.

Byline: Sandra J. Terrell Staff Writer

CAMARILLO - The Civil Air Patrol's Squadron 61 is planning to bolster its search and rescue exercises this year, hoping to stage more events to prepare area pilots for a leadership role in emergency operations.

The squadron housed at Camarillo Airport is made up of trained volunteers ready to rescue lost hikers, help plane crash victims or transport organs to hospitals when needed. It also participates in community events, such as the recent Point Mugu Air Show where the squadron helped with a food booth and security.

``I'm really proud of what we do,'' said Lt. Darwin Gettner, who has been squadron commander for four years. ``We do most of the search and rescue for the Air Force.''

The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force, located in all 50 states and performs three main missions: search and rescue, emergency service and the cadet program.

Squadron 61, one of more than 100 such units that make up the California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, is the largest. It conducts regular training exercises, continually prepares for potential emergency situations and is often called in if a plane goes down or a hiker is reported missing by the Sheriff's Department.

For example, often when a missing plane is missing it can be located by zeroing in on the the plane's Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), which is a signal broadcasted by the plane in an emergency, officials said.

The CAP volunteers, said Gettner, who also works as a computer programmer, ``will not stop until they locate (where) the transmission (is coming from).'' Even if they continue the search for 10 days, says Gettner, ``they will continue. Sometimes we're out till 2 or 3 in the morning.''

Each year, CAP is required to perform several training exercises for the Emergency Program of search and rescue of downed aircraft.

The first Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) this year was held last month involving pilots and cadets from Squadron 61, Squadron 35 from Whiteman Airport and Squadron 101 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The SEREX included three aircraft for a total of 15 air flights.

The group plans to hold three more SAREX events before August, more than it has in recent years, as it strives to provide additional training to prepare area pilots, said Gettner.

In May, the squadron will hold search and rescue training, and it also plans to participate in various upcoming community events including the Conejo Valley Days Parade and Memorial Day services.

The Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program, which trains students in customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, is open to young men and women 12-18 years old. Additionally, the cadet program offers military and non-military scholarships to students who meet CAP requirements. Meetings are from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Camarillo Airport.

The Civil Air Patrol is located in the east end of the Camarillo Airport, Civil Air Patrol headquarters, 55 Durley Avenue, Camarillo. For information on the Civil Air Patrol, call [phone].

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Photo: A Cessna 182 is checked prior to a search and rescue exercise mission conducted by the Camarillo Composite Squadron 61. The group plans to stage more such events.