History

Organized by writer-aviator Gill Robb Wilson and General of the Army Henry "Hap" Arnold, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was created on December 1st, 1941 -- one week before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

For 60 years, CAP has performed three congressionally mandated missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Emergency Services. You can find out more about our missions by clicking on the logos on the right.

CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and is organized along military lines. There are more than 1,700 units; half of which have both senior members and cadets attached. In Minnesota there are 25 squadrons located in every area of the state.

With more than 1100 members, 17 light aircraft and an extensive communications capability, Minnesota Wing is performing CAP's Missions for America.

Photo: North Hennepin Squadron 1967