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