New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol

The New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol is tasked with aeronautical search and rescue missions for the state of New Jersey, coordinated by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. The Wing maintains ground search and rescue teams consisting of both cadets and senior members to act in tandem with aerial surveillance efforts. The Civil Air Patrol also provides humanitarian support in support of the Red Cross, airborne imagery and communications support for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service, as well as the US Army Corps and Engineers and other agencies as well as counter-drug operations. The NJ Wing is also a member of New Jersey Task Force One, the State of New Jersey disaster relief and emergency response task force coordinated by the NJ State Police.[5] The CAP also provides Air Force support through conducting light transport, communications support, and low-altitude route surveys.[6]

Civil Air Patrol cadets from the New Jersey Civil Air Patrol Wing participate in a retreat ceremony marking the end of their duty day at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center on Fort Dix, N.J. before NJWG's ejection from the center in 2013.

In November 2012, after Hurricane Sandy struck the east coast of the United States, the New Jersey Wing assisted in the disaster response. Aircrews flew aerial imagery missions providing more than 71,000 high-resolution images of damaged areas throughout the state. NJ Wing also flew FEMA personnel for damage assessment and reconnaissance missions, . On the ground, more than 50 members provided over 1,500 man-hours supporting a Red Cross shelter in Pleasantville. Over the 52 consecutive days the Civil Air Patrol was mobilized in response to Sandy, 146 New Jersey Wing members contributed over 7,000 hours of volunteer service.[7]

The Civil Air Patrol offers a cadet program for youth aged 12 to 21.[8] The cadet program is organized around four main program elements: leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. Cadets progress through the self-paced program to complete tasks in each program area in order to earn promotions and awards.[9]

The Civil Air Patrol promotes and supports aerospace education, both for its own members and the general public. Cadets are offered aerospace education as a part of the cadet program. Teachers can get free classroom materials and lesson plans from CAP through CAP’s Aerospace Education Membership program.[10]