Roost Ad

When the Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl (AOP) came looking for a location on the West Coast to hold their annual Roost for 2004, Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento responded with a resounding “Come on Down!”

What resulted was a very successful “Roost” thanks to the outstanding support and close partnership of McClellan Flotilla 31, active duty air station personnel, and Ptero members from the local and national region.

The AOP is an organization that supports Coast Guard Aviation and whose members include former and active duty pilots, aircrew, and friends of Coast Guard Aviation. Every year, the AOP “roosts” at a site near a Coast Guard Air Station.

The annual “Roost” brings together old friends, allows them to trade stories, and includes special events to honor active duty Coast Guard Aviators. Over 200 Ptero’s from throughout the nation converged on Sacramento for 4 days last September and October. The sponsored activities included guided tours to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, the gold mines in the Sierra foothills, and old town Sacramento. The weekend was capped off with a golf outing, a reception, an awards banquet, and a picnic finale. Several Ptero’s and their spouses enjoyed a special treat, a flight on a C-130.

The Roost was a resounding success – due in no small measure to the help of McClellan Flotilla 31, which has a strong contingent of Auxiliary aviators. Flotilla Commander Ron Clark attended the planning meetings for the Roost and volunteered Auxiliary help from the start.

Auxiliarist Ron Darcey manned the check-in desk and provided friendly information and hospitality for out of town visitors. Auxiliarists Kent Garner, Patrick Mullen and Rory Neumann manned a hospitality suite and kept the cheer flowing well into the evening.

The Auxiliarists of McClellan Flotilla 31 contributed greatly to the success of the event by supplementing the active duty members of the air station. The partnership of the “squadron style” McClellan Flotilla 31, the active duty members of the Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, and the Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl members helped to promote and recognize Coast Guard aviation to the highest level, which it richly deserves.

Well-done Coast Guard Auxiliary and McClellan Flotilla 31.