Welcome
Welcome to Maryland Wing!
Each year, over 1,900 volunteer members of Civil Air Patrol’s Maryland Wing dedicate their time to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures through the three primary missions of Civil Air Patrol: emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education. The 30 units within the wing provide local focus as our members grow personally and professionally while serving their communities.
Our members 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 Air Force assigned search and rescue missions throughout the 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. Our aircrews and aerial photographers assist local, state, and federal partners, providing important data in time for critical decisions. Maryland Wing maintains a post at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Operations Center, providing rapid response during natural disasters. Maryland Wing members deploy to other states for assistance, such as Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Hurricane Matthew in South Carolina, and, more recently, Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Our cadet program focuses on leadership skills, aerospace education, character development, and physical fitness. Maryland cadets participate in activities, both within the state and across the nation. Maryland is home to the Robert Ayres National Powered Flight Academy, the Tri-Wing Encampment, and the Pathfinder Emergency Services 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 our members and our external communities. 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. Our local units help educate their local communities in aerospace and STEM topics through events, programs within schools, and working with other community organizations.
We are the Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol: where you will find volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Col. Brenda A. Reed, CAP
Commander, Maryland Wing
