Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing

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United States
Alexandria, VA
Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing

A local squadron of Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing. Civil Air Patrol, America’s Air Force auxiliary, building the nation’s finest force of citizen volunteers serving America.
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Mission: Supporting America’s communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development, and promotion of air, space, and cyber power.

Operating as usual

12/17/2020

We are thrilled to announce that Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron has received the 2020 Quality Cadet Unit Award (our 7th consecutive award)!

Great work by all the senior members and cadets!

Award winners are determined by their performance from 31 August 2019 through 31 August 2020. The award criteria are entirely objective. Units that meets at least 6 of the 10 criteria listed below on 31 August 2020 earned the award.
Due to COVID-19 the award criteria was adjusted but we are excited that we still met the necessary elements including:
Cadet Achievement, Orientation Flights, Retention, Adult Leadership, Aerospace, Outside Activities, and Emergency Services.

To learn more about the award visit https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/cpofficer/quality-cadet-unit-award

12/15/2020

Thank you to everyone who donated to our annual Giving Tuesday fundraiser. We were excited to see $2,605 in generous donations to support our program. This money will go a long way for our operations in FY21 and allow us breathing room for planned cadet activities.

Keep following us to see the local youth and community impacts made by the squadron in 2021!

There is still time to sponsor a wreath for Arlington National Cemetery. Your sponsorship helps ensure that every grave ...

12/10/2020

Check-out the Wreaths Across America Page that I Support!

There is still time to sponsor a wreath for Arlington National Cemetery. Your sponsorship helps ensure that every grave receives a wreath.

Wreaths Across America ("WAA") coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies every December to "Remember, Honor, and Teach" about the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. Please check out this page to learn how you can help by sponsoring Veterans Remembrance Wreaths or by joining us on Decembe...

12/10/2020

Great aviation weather for a full day of cadet orientation flights. 6 of 8 cadets took the controls and flew for the first time today.

A big thank you to our cadet orientation flight pilots Lt Col Eliason and 2d Lt Lammers for making this day a memorable experience.

12/10/2020

12/07/2020

First time moving aircraft

Cadets Moreno and Taylor experience their first time moving an aircraft after finishing their first cadet orientation flights with Lt Col Eliason.

12/06/2020

12/03/2020

Tonight c/SMSgt Edwards, the First Sergeant, re-introduced the squadron to virtual cadet fitness training with the assistance of c/TSgt Hardin. Even when we are apart CAP members can still come together and get the mission done.

We were also honored with visitors from Rushmore Composite Squadron CAP, C/SMSgt Edwards former unit, who had a great time learning about how we operate in Challenger 1 Squadron. Thanks for joining us!

12/02/2020

New heraldry
Approved 28 October 2020

Symbolism:
In homage to the former Challenger 1 Squadron emblem, the new emblem has maintained the Air Force Blue as the primary color, with white replacing grey stars. The space shuttle is taken from the artwork prominently displayed on the former emblem representing the space shuttle Challenger and aerospace. The triangle and propeller are taken from the Civil Air Patrol logo. Finally, as the squadron is named in honor of the space shuttle Challenger, seven stars in white are included representing the seven crew members lost during the tragedy of STS-51-L in 1986.

12/01/2020

Congratulations to our November promotions and awards recipients!

11/16/2020

Mission Complete. We had great weather for geocaching and park cleanup with Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron, Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing, and Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing. 6 of 6 geocaches located and 16 bags of trash removed from Lee District Park. #CivilAirPatrol #cacheintrashout

11/15/2020

It's great weather for geocaching and park cleanup with cadets and senior members from Challenger 1 Squadron, Arlington Squadron, and Tuskegee Squadron. #cacheintrashout

11/11/2020

Congratulations to our own C/Amn Moreno who was the middle school winner for the Virginia War Memorial Veteran's Day Essay Contest!

You can read her award winning essay 'Why Luta Mae McGrath, “The First Lady of Ordnance,” Inspires Me' at the link below.
https://vawarmemorial.org/learn/contests-scholarships/essay/

You can help Civil Air Patrol and the Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron honor our nation’s fallen at Arlington National Cemete...

11/11/2020

Check-out the Wreaths Across America Page that I Support!

You can help Civil Air Patrol and the Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron honor our nation’s fallen at Arlington National Cemetery and elsewhere as part of nationwide #WreathsAcrossAmerica ceremonies Dec. 19. To sponsor a memorial wreath for a veteran’s headstone, contact us here. Sponsors can designate where the wreaths will be laid locally.

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/20847

11/08/2020

The squadron was blessed with great weather for ground search and rescue training this weekend. As part of the CAP Emergency Services Mission, cadets and senior members learned and were evaluated on a variety of skills that they may need to use in the field if called out on a mission.

11/08/2020

It's a beautiful day for squadron Emergency Services Training

11/01/2020

Congratulations to everyone on their October promotions and awards!

11/01/2020

A spooky cool Halloween did not deter cadets Bitterman and Kunik from flying today.

Thank you to our dedicated orientation flight pilots for their hard work making these flights happen.

10/29/2020

Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Observed every October this initiative was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.

Tonight we learned about the basics of cybersecurity, protecting ourselves and our data, and how the cadets can compete in the Air Force Association CyberPatriot program - a cybersecurity competition for middle to high schoolers which teaches real world skills that a cyber security professional would use in the field.

Would you like to know more? Send us a message!

10/25/2020

Congratulations to cadets Bitterman and Kunik on their first cadet orientation flights!

Four cadets had the great opportunity to receive an orientation flight this morning - their first flights and the first organized orientation flights in the wing since March 2020. Pilots Jon Lammers and Greg Hermanson will be spending the day with eight cadets, all having their first flight.

First cadets off the ground were Cadets Kunik and Bitterman, both from Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron and Cadet Calderon of Arlington Composite Squadron and Cadet Kern of Mt Vernon Composite Squadron.

Aim High!

Even Microsoft has taken note of our successes in Civil Air Patrol.

10/22/2020

Civil Air Patrol cadets fly high with Microsoft Teams, give back to the community, and gain new skills

Even Microsoft has taken note of our successes in Civil Air Patrol.

Microsoft customer stories. See how Microsoft tools help companies run their business.

10/14/2020

CAP Totals 130 Lives Saved in Fiscal 2020 -- 5th-Highest Mark Ever

Civil Air Patrol finished fiscal 2020 with 130 lives saved, making it one of the most productive years ever for the U.S. Air Force auxiliary’s search and rescue efforts. “This is a top-five-of-all-time save year for us,” said John Desmarais, CAP’s director of operations. The 130 lives saved ...

10/05/2020

Cadet Staff Seminar 2020

Are you a youth interested in learning to fly, engage in rocketry, robotics and cybersecurity, or get involved in commun...

10/05/2020

Join the Civil Air Patrol!

Are you a youth interested in learning to fly, engage in rocketry, robotics and cybersecurity, or get involved in community service? Do you know someone who is? Then we have the program for you!

CHALLENGER I SQUADRON BECOME A CIVIL AIR PATROL CADET CIVIL AIR PATROL Excellent Leadership Opportunities Earn Volunteer Hours Free Orientation Flights Earn National Awards Serve Your Community Make Life-Long Friends Learn Military Skills Emergency Services Earn a Pilot 's License Search

10/04/2020

Congratulations to the graduates of the Cadet Staff Seminar hosted by our squadron!

From October 3-4, 2020, 10 cadets from Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron and Arlington Composite Squadron participated in a series of classes designed to enhance their skills as cadet non-commissioned officers (c/NCOs) and leaders. Cadets received training and practice on instructional methods, drill, leadership and supervisory skills, public speaking, NCO roles, feedback, and ethics. These cadet leaders are now empowered to put these skills to practical use in their units and in future cadet training seminars as instructors.

A special thank you to the seven Senior Member instructors who made this weekend’s training possible! Thank you for your dedication and countless hours in preparation for this inaugural 2-day course. Well done!

Stay tuned for more pictures!

10/01/2020

Congratulations to our September promotions and awardees!

From CAP cadet to the Pentagon's only female Four-Star General. Where will your Civil Air Patrol journey take you?

09/14/2020

She Once Was Barred from Fighter Jets. Now She’s the Pentagon’s Only Female Four-Star

From CAP cadet to the Pentagon's only female Four-Star General. Where will your Civil Air Patrol journey take you?

She doesn't think of herself as a trailblazer.

09/03/2020

Emergency Services training night.

We were thrilled to have C/Lt Col Khurshid, on hand from college, assist with the practical radio training and evaluations using the squadron van's new HF radio. 5 more members are now basic radio qualified!

Bravo Zulu!

09/02/2020

Congratulations to our August Promotions and Awardees!

09/01/2020

This is perfect for International Observe the Moon Night on Sept 26th! Start keeping track now and look to the skies.

Ever wonder how the Moon's appearance changes over time? Discover the lunar phases by using our Moon Observation Journal to sketch the Moon (https://go.nasa.gov/2X7sxbk)! We'll be sketching the Moon together through Sept. 26, when we'll have completed a full lunar phase cycle. No special equipment is necessary - just head outside and look up! Share your progress using #ObserveTheMoon.

08/27/2020

Last night the cadets and senior members participated in a virtual aerospace lesson about the CAP Model Rocketry Program - Redstone Stage followed by an at home rocketry activity. Everyone learned about the foundations of modern rocketry, the requirements of the cadet model rocketry program, and an activity to make and fly a straw rocket.

As an added bonus, the squadron commander presented his personal experiences in rocketry building and failure with some pictures of his own destroyed high power model rockets and lessons learned.

Interested in learning more? Send us a message and join us for a meeting!

08/10/2020

Civil Air Patrol

NEW: For the fourth consecutive fiscal year, Civil Air Patrol has passed the century mark in lives saved, as credited by the United States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center 🇺🇸.

#MondayMotivation #CellPhoneForensics

08/06/2020

Cadets— here is your opportunity to staff an encampment. Applications are open through Aug 9!

Operations and Support Line Cadre (cadet staff) applications are now open! Apply NOW applications close on Sunday, 9 August!

North Carolina Wing Civil Air Patrol
Virginia Wing, Civil Air Patrol

08/06/2020

Welcome back Challenger 1 Cadet Squardon to our first in-person meeting in months! Tonight we held our first in-person meeting using very strict physical distancing and safety measures. 1st Lt Kirk gave our monthly safety brief and discussed important safety measures for in-person activity. The cadets (and some senior members) did outdoor PT. It was great seeing you all again in person! Next week we will return to our virtual meeting format.

07/31/2020

Congratulations to our July awardees!

Promotions:
Cadet Hardin: Wright Brothers Award (C/SSgt)
Cadet Khan: Achievement 14 (C/Maj)
Cadet Moreno: Achievement 1 (C/Amn)
Cadet Pizanti: Achievement 3 (C/SrA)

Awards:
2D Lt J. Abdon: Red Service Ribbon
Cadet Bitterman: Cadet Recruiter Ribbon

Address

3330 King St.
Alexandria, VA
22302

General information

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. In addition, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to over 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com or www.CAP.news for more information.

Opening Hours

Wednesday

18:30 - 21:00

Telephone

+12027674405

Website

www.DC060.NatCapWing.org

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Videos

First time moving aircraft

Cadets Moreno and Taylor experience their first time moving an aircraft after finishing their first cadet orientation flights with Lt Col Eliason.

On Dec 21st Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron participated in a model rocketry launch, hosted by Narhams (National Association of Rocketry). During the event, C/CMSgt Peterson earned his Model Rocketry Badge, and 1st Lt Strait blew up the Death Star. Watch the video to see more! Want to learn more about Aerospace and STEM? Contact us for more information. Info is in the bio.

Challenger 1’s Commander joined the cadets in launching his own rocket as a part of the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, his rocket was a bit too heavy to compete, but he did pretty well regardless. Interested in Aerospace? We welcome everyone ages 12 and up— adults can participate in Aerospace activities too! Click on the link in our bio for more information 🚀 . . #civilairpatrol #gocivilairpatrol #goflycap #capcadet #aerospace #stemeducation #modelrocketry

MAR-DC-060 Indoor Posting

MAR-DC-060 Indoor Posting of the Colors 2019 National Cadet Competition

MAR-DC-060 Robotics: Calculator Controlled Robot

MAR-DC-060 Robotics: Calculator Controlled Robot 2019 National Cadet Competition

MAR-DC-060 Drone Piloting

MAR-DC-060 Drone Piloting 2019 National Cadet Competition

MAR-DC-060 Color Guard Standard Drill

MAR-DC-060 Color Guard Standard Drill 2019 National Cadet Competition

Challenger 1 cadets, representing Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing, making friends and dancing the Macarena with cadets from Oregon Wing, Civil Air Patrol, and Puerto Rico Wing, Civil Air Patrol between NCC events.

Greetings from OH, NCC is in full swing! Two of Challenger 1’s cadets practice flying their drone for for their sUAS event. Interested in aerospace or flying? Check us out, link in bio. . . #civilairpatrol #gocivilairpatrol #goflycap #capcadet #ncc #nationalcadetcompetition #suas #drone

The team is practicing for their beta test of the drone piloting course which will happen here shortly at the National Cadet Competition.

Greetings from our Cadet Competition team! They’re studying hard for Nationals and learning how to pilot drones, such as the one that was used to shoot this video. Interested in joining CAP or learning about sUAS remote piloting opportunities? Click the link in the bio. * . . #civilairpatrol #gocivilairpatrol #goflycap #capcadet #ncc #nationalcadetcompetition #drone #suas #dji #djimavicair

Last night Challenger 1 Cadets worked on their Model Rocketry Badge by building simple model rockets. Interested in Aerospace and Model Rocketry? Check us out at one of our weekly meetings. Details in our bio 🚀 * * * #gocivilairpatrol #civilirpatrol #goflycap #capcadet #aerospaceeducation #modelrocketry #modelrockets #aerospace

We wish the best of luck to our cadets in their attempts of competition this weekend in the Mid Atlantic Region Level Cadet Competition.

Civil Air Patrol cadets from Arlington and Challenger celebrate Homecoming at their newly renamed Justice High School. Go Wolves!

Awesome night with a scavenger hunt that requires SAR skills to be put to use!

A speech from Col Nimmo

a few words from Cadet Finkenstaedt on the late Senator John McCain

Charlington Team getting in synch for outdoor posting ... more photos to come as we advance into competition mode and report in to Ft Pickett-MER Cadet Competition

Andrews Cadet Squadron O'Flight

Andrews Cadet Squadron Cadets Carmen Dunkenfield and Cpl. Ham over Northern Virginia last Sunday...and no Jane, we did not need to enter Cpl. Ham into WIMRS.

Poem “High Flight” recited by Congressional Gold Medal awardee 1st Lt Libby Haynes, CAP at tonight’s awards and promotions ceremony.

National Capital Wing National Character Day put together by our very own Maj Joseph Frech. Music courtesy of: Don Francisco, Mt Vernon

Every pro was once a amateur. Every expert was once a beginner. Dare to be great. First official night of our drill guide in action, practiced at the southwest quadrant area of Alexandria at the Nannie J Lee Recreational Center. Repost and Share 👍🏻

Aerospace, Armstrong Speech and The Spotlight on our new Spaatz cadet.

At Challenger 1's cadet led Red Ribbon Leadership Academy, summer campers get through the maze and learn about teamwork.

Compass course with Col Jayson Altieri

Guarding the cupcakes!

NATCAP GA-8 Training

National Capital Wing, Civil Air Patrol aircrews returning from Mission Observer and Scanner training during last Saturday's SAREX

Our Story

Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground. As a Total Force partner and Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 56,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 75-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com for more information.