California Wing Civil Air Patrol

The California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the highest echelon of Civil Air Patrol in the state of California. California Wing headquarters are located in Van Nuys, California. The California Wing consists of over 3,000 cadet and adult members at over 77 locations across the state of California.

Mission
The California Wing performs the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol: providing emergency services; offering cadet programs for youth; and providing aerospace education for both CAP members and the general public.

Emergency services
The California Wing provides emergency services, including search and rescue missions, disaster relief missions, providing Air Force support, and assisting in counter-drug missions.

Cadet programs
Youth aged 12-21 may enter a CAP cadet program, which provides a 16 step program covering aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership. The California Wing offers an annual summer encampment for cadets to further their skills.

Aerospace education
The Civil Air Patrol provides aerospace education for both volunteer CAP members and the general public. The internal education program for CAP members educates senior and cadet members; the external program for the general public is provided through workshops offered through the nation's education system.

Organization
The California Wing is divided into eight groups across the state, with each squadron being assigned as a component of a group based on its geographical location.