With over 80 years of service to our country, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has a rich and remarkable history. Founded in 1941 as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, its mission was to mobilize civilian aviation support and resources for homeland defense during World War II. CAP’s mission has evolved through the years, but thankfully it remains relevant and active in our country, its history still being written.
Central Oregon is home to the CAP High Desert Composite Squadron, with approximately 50 members. CAP consists of 1,414 squadrons in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico with more than 25,000 youth and 35,000 adult members.
“During WWII, CAP was tasked with patrolling the west coast for Japanese I- & S-boats and the east coast for German U-boats to help protect coastal water ways, among many other duties,” explains Captain Steven Burns, Commander of the local squadron. A retired wildland fire fighter and fuels technician for the Bend/Ft. Rock Ranger District, Burns has served with CAP for over 20 years.
“Our main purpose today is providing emergency services, including search and rescue,” states Burns. “We also teach aerospace education and facilitate our Cadet program for youth ages 12-18. One interesting fact that many people might not know is that the first aerial photos of Ground Zero of the Twin Towers from 9/11 were taken from a CAP plane.”
“I was looking for an aviation program when I found CAP three years ago,” states 16-year-old Cadet 1st Lieutenant Taylor Goodrich, who plans to go into the Air Force. “For me, the highlight so far was going to the glider academy this past summer, and my first solo flight."
Another CAP cadet, 16-year old Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Mavric Price, has also been with the local squadron for three years. “CAP has far exceeded my expectations, not only regarding what I can do, but what a team can do together.”
“There are so many opportunities for cadets that serve them throughout their lives,” states Major Mike Wissing, Oregon Wing Vice Commander. “One of the things I am most proud of is the fact that we are absolutely bringing up leaders."
“Beyond training these cadets, the greatest services CAP provides are our search and rescue and photographic missions," remarks Major Bruce McLellan, Deputy Commander of the local squadron. McLellan, a retired Bend cardiologist and pilot, used to fly his private plane to see patients in John Day. "I wondered when I first started, ‘Why are we doing this? Why is the military or the guard not doing it? Mainly because it is phenomenally expensive for them.”
The Air Force provides CAP with the funds, equipment and infrastructure to effectively and safely conduct these missions, while CAP provides the volunteer hours. In 2022, CAP contributed $219 million in volunteer hours, serving our country through disaster relief and emergency services. Overall, CAP provides unequaled value as a force for good with an average $3:1 return on investment.
"We do about 95 percent of all inland search and rescue missions for downed planes. The Coast Guard does the rest,” Wissing notes. “In my years with CAP, I have served on 17 or so search and rescue missions, with three live rescues.”
Adds Wissing, “Years ago I heard a guard member say that flying two of our airplanes for ten hours is the equivalent of a National Guards Black Hawk flying for one hour."
As for their photographic work, McLellan explains that airborne photography can be used during their search and rescue missions. CAP also assists the U.S. Corps of Engineers with photographic surveys, documenting previous burn areas, erosion patterns and infrastructure, including bridges, reservoirs and roads.
“Anyone who wishes to give back to their community and nation is welcome to come to a CAP meeting,” invites Burns. Meetings are held Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. at Bend Builders Assist.
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
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