Virginia Wing Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol performs emergency services missions, including search and rescue missions. Other emergency services missions include disaster relief, reconnaissance, and counter-drug along with transportation missions, all of which are support for homeland security.[5] The CAP provides radio communications during disasters to maintain communication when commercial communications infrastructure is nonfunctional.[6]

Maj. Nathan McClure, an Air Force Fellow, guides his team of Civil Air Patrol cadets in the inflation of a Civil-War era balloon near Chantilly, Va.

In May 2020, the Virginia Wing began assisting the Virginia National Guard in its response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic by transporting coronavirus tests to and from the Eastern Shore.[7]

The CAP offers cadet programs for youth aged 12 to 21, which includes aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership.[8]

Virginia Wing cadets take part in activities including camping trips, model rocket launches, and fundraisers. In addition, cadets are eligible to participate in statewide activities such as an encampment, a week-long immersion into cadet life, held annually at Fort Pickett in Blackstone, VA. Cadets are also eligible to train for and participate in CAP emergency services operations. Cadets often serve as radio operators, ground team members, and mission base staffers. Cadets over the age of 18 can also serve on CAP aircrews.[9]

The Civil Air Patrol provides aerospace education to the public and its own members. Public education is offered through education programs directed toward the aviation community and the public at large. Education for CAP members is an internally focused program directed primarily at cadet members as part of their training program.[10]