While CAP has long been associated with search and rescue missions, its work also includes disaster relief and communications, as well as counter drug and homeland security missions. Search and rescue remains an important service provided by CAP members, however. CAP still flies 95 percent of all federal inland SAR missions, as directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley AFB, Va. CAP also supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. On average, each year CAP members fly more than 100,000 hours in operational missions and save about 100 lives. CAP provides air and ground support for disaster relief, flying officials to remote locations, transporting blood or live tissue to critical care sites and performing aerial damage assessment.

CAP has one of the largest unified communications networks in the country, available 24/7. In 1986, Congress authorized CAP to assist government and law enforcement agencies in the fight to eliminate illicit drug use, production and sale in the US and its territories. CAP now provides reconnaissance, communications and transportation for counter drug missions. CAP’s missions succeed through a seamless interplay of technology and teamwork. With new developments like satellite imagery and internet-based reporting, CAP is emerging as the resource of choice to support our nation’s strategy for homeland security.

While some of our missions will never change, the events of September 11, 2001 changed the way CAP operates forever. Along with all of the missions listed above, Civil Air Patrol is now tasked to provide support to the Air Force, FEMA, the Red Cross, or any other government agency that requires our special skills. Currently we have both Air and Ground Teams deployed to the Southern United States to assist with damage assessment, search and rescue, and other missions from the wake of the hurricanes.

9-12-01 Civil Air Patrol pilots and ground personnel were called to action to assist emergency crews at ground zero. The caption above was taken by a C.A.P. aircrew right after the attacks conducting aerial reconnaissance, and damage assessment.

May we never forget! 9-11-01