Civil Air Patrol Essay

Civil Air Patrol, known as one of America's best kept secrets, was composed of volunteer aviators who flew relentlessly along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to defend their country. Pilots in the Civil Air Patrol were strongly motivated with a sense of patriotism and pride for their country. No one knows what might have happened if they hadn't conducted coastal patrols during the first year and a half of WWII. Civil Air Patrol has been responsible for serving its country through its volunteers of civilian aviators since its inception prior to WWII. However, from World War II to present, these responsibilities and duties have evolved and become greater.

The origins of Civil Air Patrol start and date back to 1936, when a man by the name of Gill

Following both wars, Civil Air Patrol’s capabilities grew. As part of the CAP’s coastal patrols off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, twenty-one armed airplanes were stationed from Maine to the border of Mexico between March 1942 and August 1943.“With the military unable to respond in force, CAP established coastal patrol flights to deter, report and prevent enemy operations.” (“The History of Civil Air Patrol”) Due to CAP's effectiveness in preventing submarine attacks and protecting shipping channels, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9339 on April 29, 1943, transferring CAP from the Office of Civilian Defense to the Department of War. “The later half of the Cold War witnessed the further expansion of CAP roles and capabilities” (“The History of Civil Air Patrol”). Modern tools like portable two-way radios, GPS navigation, and internet-based communications enable better coordination with federal authorities, search and rescue operations, and increased CAP capabilities. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Civil Air Patrol entered a new era of national defense and began to evolve into what it is today. “The terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001, ushered CAP into a new era homeland defense” (“The History of Civil Air Patrol”). The first high-resolution pictures of the World Trade Center site were sent to disaster management officials the next day by a CAP Cessna 172. The Civil Air Patrols Aircraft were the only nonmilitary aircraft authorized to fly in the country's airspace. Members of the CAP aided local, state, and federal authorities around the country by facilitating communication and transportation, transporting blood and medical supplies, and providing assistance. Because of CAP's constant volunteer service, the US Department of Homeland Security decided to increase funding, allowing CAP to grow into what it is today. “With increased