THUNDER BAY COMPOSITE SQUADRON

CIVIL AIR PATROL

Service List

Young adults (youth aged 12-18 years old) participate in a number of exciting activities and programs such as:

Search and Rescue

Flying

Model Rocketry

Communications

Drill & Ceremonies Competition

Academics

Sports

Collectively, these activities are designed to develop their leadership skills with hands-on experience and practical application.  Therefore, the program is run by the cadets under the supervision of senior members (adult members over the age of 18).

Cadet Programs

CAP's aerospace education program focuses on enlightening both it's members and the community at large about aviation as well as technological developments and innovations centered around flight.  Through self-directed training, seminars, and conferences, CAP highlights the significance of aerospace in our everyday lives. Through training, text, and supplies, CAP helps educators teach math and science using hands-on aerospace exercises and materials.  As part of this effort, CAP hosts the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education.  NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference held in the nation.  It is designed to promote an understanding of aviation and space education to motivate and encourage teachers to incorporate aerospace education into their curriculum.

Aerospace Education

Since its inception, CAP has been focused on serving it's nation during times of emergency.  Today, these activities include search and rescue of both missing aircraft and persons, assistance during natural disasters, damage assessment, and humanitarian missions.

CAP members were involved in emergencies such as Hurricane Hugo, the Missouri floods of 1995, and the search for John F. Kennedy, Jr. 

Locally, Michigan Wing members have searched for a number of missing aircraft in Northern Michigan, assisted with the rescue efforts for Northwest flight 255, and most recently, the search for Mr. Manferd Engler, whose aircraft crashed in Lake St. Claire in April 1999.

Overall, CAP flies more than 85% of all inland search and rescue missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley   AFB, Virginia.

In addition to these efforts, CAP also supports the Drug Enforcement Agency and the US Customs Service by providing airborne surveying and reconnaissance flights.  In 1999, these flights helped authorities seize nearly $20 million worth of illegal drugs in Michigan alone.  

 

Emergency Services