KENTUCKY WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Press Release

FRANKFORT — What is Civil Air Patrol? It is flying, search and rescue missions, and rockets. It has been a vital part of the community since 1941. When the soldiers went overseas during World War II, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), patrolled our coast. Volunteer pilots and crews spotted 173 U-boats and attacked 57of them off the shores of the United States. While CAP pilots don’t carry depth charges anymore, they are still flying and serving our communities.

CAP now focuses on Cadet Programs, Aerospace, and Emergency Services. It is a volunteer part of the U.S. Airforce. It operates a fleet of 560 aircraft and performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions (AFRCC) that saves an average of 80 lives annually.

The Cadet Program, for ages 12-18, centers around its core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. They have the opportunity to become exceptional leaders and many develop a passion for flying, field medic, cybersecurity as well as many other careers that they are exposed to while serving their communities.

Cadet Lt Chloe Birt, who attends the Stuart Powell Cadet Squadron in Danville, said, “I joined because I loved flying. Once I was involved in CAP, I discovered that I loved the Emergency Services part.” This vibrant cadet is only 14 years old and has had more field training for search and rescue than most adults. Instead of playing video games, Cadet Lt Birt spent her summer going to Leadership School, training for Color Guard, survival training at Hawk Mountain, and leading a cadet boot camp that CAP calls Encampment.

Youth and adults get to experience flying, participate in missions with emergency services, develop leadership skills, explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects, and so much more.

The Aerospace program provides many opportunities for adults and youth to experience everything from rocketry, quadcopters, astronomy to flying Cessna planes.

In Emergency Services, members train for disaster, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions. They develop skills in radio communications, first aid, and train to help our community in a state of crisis.

There are 17 squadrons participating throughout the state from Paducah to Lexington during August 19-29. There is something for everyone from ages 12-102.

The Stuart Powell Cadet Squadron open house is being held Monday, August 26 at p.m. (Youth and Adults).

Civil Air Patrol offers teens and adults with experiences that build skills while serving their community.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. In addition, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to over 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs.

Visit GoCivilAirPatrol.com or CAP.news for more information.