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Chief of Staff

Lt. Col James S. Keohane

Lt. Col. James S. Keohane
Maryland Wing Chief of Staff

Lieutenant Colonel James Keohane was appointed Chief of Staff of Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol, on March 10, 2024. As a Civil Air Patrol member for more than 24 years, he brings a wealth of experience to the position.

Since joining in 1999, Jim has held positions in a variety of units and wings across the Nation. At the unit level, he served as a Deputy Commander of Cadets for a composite squadron, Director of Cadet Programs in two wings, and as Director of Administration and Personnel at both the Wing and Region levels. He also concurrently serves as the Pacific Region Chief of Staff. Jim also serves as an instructor for Civil Air Patrol’s Volunteer University, leading seminars up to Level V, enabling senior member development. Jim has been a member of Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia, Maryland Wings and with Pacific Region headquarters.

Lt Col Keohane has a passion for working with cadets and has been involved in many cadet activities. He has supported National Cadet Special Activities since 2007, serving as a seminar lead/instructor at Cadet Officer School, escort for the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) program, and as a faculty advisor for Civic Leadership Academy (CLA). Currently, he serves as the activity director for CLA. Jim was also a cadet, achieving the Eaker award, within the Massachusetts Wing. He has also attended over six cadet encampments.

Lt Col Keohane has completed Level V of CAP’s education and training program and holds master ratings in cadet programs and personnel, as well as senior ratings in education & training and administration, and a technician rating in emergency services. He is a graduate of the Air University’s Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.

Professionally, Lt Col Keohane serves as a US Navy civilian executive within the national security arena as well as an officer with the US Air Force Reserve. Some of his military decorations include the Bronze Star and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He holds two master’s degrees and a bachelor’s degree.

EDUCATION 

2006 Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, MA 

2009 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL 

2011 Master of Strategic Intelligence, American Public University, Charles Town, WV 

2012 Air Command and Staff College (non-residence), Maxwell AFB, AL  

2014 Master of Military Operational Art & Science, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL 

2021 Air War College (non-residence), Maxwell AFB, AL 
 

CIVIL AIR PATROL ASSIGNMENTS 

1.   1999-2006, Cadet, Massachusetts Wing 

2.   2006-2007, Deputy Commander for Cadets, San Angelo Composite Squadron, Texas Wing 

3.   2007-2008, Deputy Commander, Langley Composite Squadron, Virginia Wing 

4.   2008-2010, Director of Cadet Programs, Virginia Wing 

5.   2011-2013, Asst NCSA Advisor, National CP Staff  

6.   2014-2015, Cadet Activities Officer, Virginia Wing 

7.   2015-2016, Director of Cadet Programs, Virginia Wing 

8.   2016-2017, Director of Cadet Programs, Maryland Wing 

9.   2017-2020, Director of Administration & Personnel, Maryland Wing 

10. 2019-2020, Director of Administration & Personnel, Mid-Atlantic Region 

11. 2021-present, Director of Administration & Personnel, Pacific Region 
12. 2022-present, Chief of Staff, Pacific Region 

13. 2024-present, Chief of Staff, Maryland Wing 

 

CIVIL AIR PATROL AWARDS AND DECORATIONS 
Charles “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education Award, 2006 
Gill Robb Wilson Award #2969, 2012 

Gen Ira C. Eaker Award #1239, 2003 
Meritorious Service Award with five devices 
National Commander’s Commendation with one device 

Wing Commander’s Commendation with one device 

Achievement Award 

Unit Citation with four devices 
 

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION 

Cadet                         20 Dec 1999 
First Lieutenant          23 Mar 2006 

Captain                      24 Sep 2007 

Major                          24 Sep 2010 

Lieutenant Colonel     23 Apr 2015

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