Welcome

Welcome to Maryland Wing!

Each year, over 1,500 members of the Maryland Wing perform search and rescue, disaster relief, emergency service, and homeland security missions. Civil Air Patrol is responsible for 90% of inland search and rescue missions in the United States as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Maryland members conduct approximately 52 Air Force assigned search and rescue missions each year. Maryland Wing members in CAP aircraft keep watch over the Chesapeake Bay every weekend and holiday from Memorial Day through Labor Day to assist boaters and motorists along the Route 50/301 corridor in trouble, averaging 20 assists to the U.S. Coast Guard and Maryland state agencies each summer while keeping an eye on some of Maryland's critical infrastructure. We assist the Department of Natural Resources with wildlife survey flights, helping to count mute swans on the Chesapeake Bay and black bears in Western Maryland. Maryland Wing maintains a post at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Operations Center, providing rapid response during natural disasters. Maryland Wing members have been deployed to other states for assistance, such as Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Hurricane Matthew in South Carolina.

Our cadet program focuses on leadership skills, aerospace education, and physical fitness. Maryland cadets are able to participate in a number of activities, both within the state and across the nation. Maryland is home to the Maryland Wing Powered Flight Solo School, the Tri-Wing Encampment, and the Middle East Region Honor Guard Academy. Maryland cadets participate in the National Flight Academy, Cadet Officer School, International Air Cadet Exchange, Civic Leadership Academy and 30 other national cadet special activities.

Aerospace education is an integral part of Civil Air Patrol for both cadets and adult members. Members learn about the history of flight and discuss the future of air and space exploration. Cadets experience the thrill of flight through both powered and glider orientation rides where their “book” knowledge of aerodynamics is demonstrated in the air. Maryland provides an excellent opportunity for members to visit some of the best aviation museums in the country as well as locations such as NASA where history is being made every day.

We are the Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol: where you will find everyday heroes, everyday, performing missions for Maryland and America.

Col. Wes LaPre, CAP
Commander, Maryland Wing