The command responsibility for the Civil Air Patrol-US Air Force has been transferred from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command and assigned to 1st Air Force, reflecting the extensive role CAP plays in homeland security missions. The change took place during a formal transfer of authority ceremony June 24 at Tyndall AFB, Fla. “Civil Air Patrol is an important aerospace education organization, but it’s also a vital part of the operational Total Force,” said Lt. Gen. William Etter, commander of 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern). Volunteer CAP units, operating as an Air Force auxiliary, “fly thousands of sorties every year in support of civil authorities and homeland defense, so I’m pleased to officially welcome them to the 1st Air Force and Air Forces Northern team today.” Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James had approved the realignment on May 10, completing a three-year coordination effort involving CAP, AETC, ACC and 1st AF. CAP-USAF is responsible for ensuring that CAP is organized, trained, and equipped to fulfill Air Force-assigned missions, provides day-to-day support, advice, and liaison,? and oversees CAP programs, with particular emphasis on safety and programmatic requirements. CAP was formed in December 1941 to provide civil air support during World War II, and was designated an Air Force auxiliary by Congress in 1948. (See also: Air Force Adds Civil Air Patrol to Total Force.)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.