COSTA MESA : Air National Guard Open House Is Today

Communication equipment used in Operation Desert Storm, a police helicopter and a 43-foot firetruck will be displayed today at an Air National Guard open house.

The 222nd Combat Communications Squadron set up satellite communications in Saudia Arabia during the Persian Gulf conflict, said Staff Sgt. Ken Hagihara.

Members of the guard unit also helped during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, he said.

Most military satellite communications are classified, Hagihara said, but the public will be able to listen on high-frequency radio transmissions and see other equipment displays.

The open house is being held to benefit local charities.

Members of the Los Angeles Rams cheerleading squad will accept canned food for the Orange County Rescue Mission, and a raffle of an autographed football and Los Angeles Raiders cap and other prizes will raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the March of Dimes.

Hagihara said the California Highway Patrol will use a crash dummy to demonstrate seat-belt safety. The CHP has a truck cab that spins to generate force, showing that, without a seat belt, the dummy is thrown from the vehicle, he said.

Visitors will also be able to pet police dogs and talk with their trainers. Members of the Costa Mesa police and fire departments will explain their work, Hagihara said.

The guard station is at 2651 Newport Blvd. The open house will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.