The Loop Antenna was used for navigating by radio, which was a common practice in WWII, just as it is today. Obviously, modern radio navigation antennas look much different! Antennas like this would be attached to the top or bottom of an airplane’s fuselage. The Loop Antenna was part of a system known as a radio compass. Instead of having a flight deck indicator needle pointing toward the north pole, the needle with a radio compass would point toward a broadcasting radio station at a known location on a map. The antenna would pick up the station’s signals.

As shown in one of the attached pictures, the strength of the received signal depended upon the position of the antenna relative to the station. An air crew would tune in the frequency of the radio station, and based on the strength of the received signal, the direction of the station relative to the airplane could be determined.

Picture four shows three ways the Loop Antenna was used on airplanes. On Miss Mitchell, the loop antenna is enclosed by a black teardrop shaped structure, as shown in picture two.

Earlier this year, we found out that our L-5 had some major engine trouble. Once we dug into it further, we realized that it wasn't something small, but it was a rather large fix, requiring a new cam and accessory gears. 
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If you are looking for a project to donate to this holiday season, please consider donating to our L-5 to help get her back in the air in 2020. 

The L-5 Sentinel was a versatile aircraft of World War II. This unarmed aircraft was often used for observation, spotting, search and rescue, and transporting personnel. They were also used as air ambulances depending on the model. It's slow landing speed made it capable of literally landing and taking off from almost anywhere. For that reason, it was a very popular aircraft and saw use in all theaters of the war. 

 To donate, please click the button below.  

On June 6, 1944, a young man from South St. Paul, Minnesota was among the thousands of US Troops that made history and defended our freedom with the invasion of Normandy.  That young man was my dad, George Alex, Jr. During the Normandy Invasion he served on board LCI (L) 414.
 
George Alex Jr. was born on September 2nd 1925 and entered the U.S. Navy after his 18th birthday on November 12th, 1943. He was assigned to the LCI (L) 414 on March 17th, 1944, and by March 24th, he departed Norfolk, Virginia on board the LCI (L) 414, bound for England. His ship reached Falmouth, England on April 12th. At 12:00 AM on June 6th, the ship departed England for Omaha Beach in Normandy, France to land Army troops for the invasion.
 
George Alex Jr. continued to serve in the Navy until January 3rd, 1946, when he was discharged and returned home to South St. Paul. He married, raised a family, and continued to live there for the rest of his life. He passed away on July 8th, 2012 and is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in South St. Paul.
 
The history of the local museum, its former use as a Naval training base during the war, and the location in South St. Paul make this a perfect place to display the uniform of a South St. Paul man that served his country.  My family and I are honored at the opportunity to display the uniform and share the story of his service. This display is how I got involved with the Commemorative Air Force and I am proud to be a new member.

We would like your help to purchase an AED for the CAF Minnesota Wing Museum. This will benefit our members as well as our guests.

What is an AED? AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. This device monitors the heart rhythm and can send an electronic shock to the heart during a heart attack.

Why do we need an AED?
An AED can restore a normal rhythm to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. It can increase survival by more than 90%.

We are looking to purchase the Defibtech Lifeline AED.

Features:
Voice prompt, LED prompt, IP Rating: IP54 (Dust Protected and Water Splash Safe), 8 year warranty,
Pediatric Capability
Price Range: $1,245 to $1,500

If you would like to make a donation to help keep our members and guests safe, please  do so below!

Thank you for your support.