It is commonplace to send or receive e-mails from all over the globe or to access volumes of information through the World Wide Web. Computers and the benefits of high technology have become indispensable. Computers and technical advances are playing an important role in our Civil Air Patrol activities and missions. CAP aircraft are being equipped with modern navigation aids including Global Positioning Systems. The use of search and rescue satellites to pinpoint the origin of emergency locator transmitter signals has become an integral part of many missions.
Weather forecasting is far more advanced through the use of satellites.
The list of achievements and benefits of satellite technology goes on and on. One particular high-tech computer program advancement is having a very positive impact on CAP in all three of our primary missions cadet programs, aerospace education and emergency services. In my travels across the country attending CAP conferences and events, you may have heard me talking about the Satellite Tool Kit and the CAP-STK Program. Pa. Paul Graziani, AGI president and CEO and a former CAP cadet, founded the company in 1989. STK is the premiere satellite analysis software used by governments, industry and educational institutions worldwide in all facets of space-related technology, training and operations.