Putnam Civil Air Patrol Squadron to Join in Nationwide Observance

The Putnam County Composite Squadron will join other units of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) across the nation in observing the organization’s anniversary, according to Major Elena MacDermant, squadron commander.

Civil Air Patrol was founded Dec. 1, 1941, by a group of aviation enthusiasts and private pilots who wanted to donate their time and aircraft to protect the nation’s coastlines during World War II and to perform other critical civil defense missions.

While today’s Civil Air Patrol is very different, its core missions remain the same – serving American communities. CAP has evolved into a multi-mission national organization. Operating the world’s largest fleet of single engine aircraft and the country’s largest fleet of service drones. CAP is also dedicated to providing communities with a suite of emergency services and humanitarian relief, as well as youth development, leadership initiatives, aerospace and STEM education programs. More than 55,000 senior and cadet volunteer members serve fellow Americans nationwide.

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell issued a proclamation to mark the 80th anniversary, citing, “Among its many valuable contributions, CAP deterred enemy submarine operations during World War II, supported the Air Force's Ground Observer Corps in tracking suspected enemy aircraft in the 1950s, conducted aerial radiological monitoring of nuclear fallout, conducted counterdrug reconnaissance missions for law enforcement, assisted rescuers and state agencies immediately following the September 11 terrorist attacks, supported hurricane relief efforts, responded to the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon oils spills, and provided an array of support nationwide in response to the COVID-I9 pandemic. CAP also assists Air Force pilots with target-intercept training. CAP members have also provided expert aid to communities during floods, wildfires, ice storms, and tornadoes.”

The proclamation also noted, “Youth gain invaluable educational and growth opportunities through CAP's nearly 25,000-member Cadet program, which annually provides access to top national summer flight academies for powered or glider aircraft. CAP also offers more than 30 national programs emphasizing leadership and careers in aviation.”

For information about the Putnam County Composite Squadron, contact Major MacDermant at (845) 216-5433, email elenamac@aol.com, or visit www.ny033.cap.gov.

About Civil Air Patrol

Now celebrating its 80th year, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine Cessna aircraft and more than 2,100 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of all search and rescue operations within the contiguous United States as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 130 lives during the past fiscal year. CAP’s 56,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. As a nonprofit organization, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education resources. Members also serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs.

Visit www.CAP.NEWS or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.