Delaware Wing Civil Air Patrol
Encyclopedia
The Delaware Wing Civil Air Patrol is the highest echelon of Civil Air Patrol
(CAP) in the state of Delaware
. Delaware Wing headquarters
is located at the New Castle County Airport. It comprises eight squadrons from Claymont to Georgetown, and a unit just over the border in Elkton, MD.
Delaware Wing is abbreviated as DEWG. As a federally-chartered organization, CAP has 3 primary missions as instructed by congress. The missions include providing aerospace
education and training for all of its members, teaching leadership
skills to Delaware youth, and performing various domestic emergency services for the United States of America in a noncombatant capacity.
were hauled to the historical Dover Post building, which was an aircraft hangar
at the time.
Skyhawks and Cessna 182
Skylanes. Delaware Wing has six corporate aircraft, one of which is a state-of-the-art Cessna 182 with a Glass Cockpit. For example, CAP aircraft monitor traffic during the Sprint Cup Series at Dover International Speedway
in Dover, DE
. In addition, CAP aircraft monitors daily traffic volume and reports to DelDOT road blockages from downed trees or a major accident, street and highway flooding, collapsed or washed-out bridges, and weekend beach traffic. By working closely with DelDOT, responders can be dispatched promptly and road crews can be summoned to block off accident sites while rerouting traffic if necessary.
Delaware Wing has excelled in the National Cadet Competition, where the top CAP cadets across the country compete. Diamond Flight Drill Team, Delaware Wing's team, has won one National competition and numerous regional competitions. Delaware Wing annually holds in a Wing Picnic held at Fort Dupont
, Cadet Ball, Wing Conference, and Rocket Launch. Held in January, the annual Cadet Ball, hosted by the Delaware Wing Cadet Advisory Council, draws seventy cadets each year from Delaware and neighboring wings. The Delaware Wing Conference and Banquet, held in March, analyzes the accomplishments of the previous year and sets goals for the upcoming year. Notable guest speakers make the conference worthwhile to attend and various awards are presented during the day. During the 2006 Wing Conference and Banquet, Mary Feik and Judge M. Jane Brady, a Superior Court judge, were the guest speakers. At the banquet in the evening, major CAP milestone awards are presented and select CAP members are promoted to new ranks.
In May, CAP members assist the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation
in launching model rockets of various sizes (many as large as six feet tall) at Cape Henlopen State Park
during Rockets for Delaware
. Often, CAP cadets will choose to camp there the night before to enhance their skills in Emergency Services.
Recent accomplishments of the Delaware Wing Cadet Advisory Council include designing and sell hoodies to raise money to support various cadet activities. Also, the CAC organizes the extremely popular Cadet Ball, held at The Landings at Dover Air Force Base
.
In addition, Delaware Wing cadets frequently attend National Cadet Special Activities, which gives cadets a diverse experience of military installations across America. Activities focus on career exploration, leadership development, search and rescue skills, aeronautical training, Air Force familiarization, government, and a variety of other topics.
, one in Kent County
, one in Sussex County
, and one in Cecil County, Maryland
. There are two composite squadrons, five cadet squadrons, and one senior squadron. There are also three non-standard squadrons (000, 001, and 999) under Delaware Wing Headquarters.
In 2006, Delaware Wing received a Unit Citation. In the fiscal year 2005, they had the highest number of hours flown per aircraft than any other wing in Civil Air Patrol by over 60%, a very wide margin. In addition, they have earned one of the best compliance Inspection grades in the country over the past 5 years. Both Delaware's Diamond Flight Drill Team and their Color Guard won the Middle East Region competition in 2005, the first time Delaware Wing has ever won both in the same year. Delaware Wing has also earned the Counterdrug Wing of the Year for the 6th year in a row, and the Drug Demand Reduction Wing of the Year.
Delaware Wing's Lt Col John McGaha was featured in the Nov/Dec 2008 edition of CAP's Volunteer Magazine. He was named National Senior Member of the Year this past August. The story speaks of his lifelong dedication to the cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force . CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and...
(CAP) in the state of Delaware
Delaware
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
. Delaware Wing headquarters
Headquarters
Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated. In the United States, the corporate headquarters represents the entity at the center or the top of a corporation taking full responsibility managing all business activities...
is located at the New Castle County Airport. It comprises eight squadrons from Claymont to Georgetown, and a unit just over the border in Elkton, MD.
Delaware Wing is abbreviated as DEWG. As a federally-chartered organization, CAP has 3 primary missions as instructed by congress. The missions include providing aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
education and training for all of its members, teaching leadership
Leadership
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.-Theories:...
skills to Delaware youth, and performing various domestic emergency services for the United States of America in a noncombatant capacity.
History
Delaware Wing has a long CAP history since CAP's inception in 1941. Delaware is home to one of the original "Coastal Patrol" units, based in Rehoboth Beach. Using private aircraft, the "Flying Minute Men" patrolled the Atlantic Ocean for German submarines. They operated off of a small, unpaved airport near Airport Road in Delaware. Civil Air Patrol planes that crashed in the line of duty while patrolling the East Coast during World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
were hauled to the historical Dover Post building, which was an aircraft hangar
Hangar
A hangar is a closed structure to hold aircraft or spacecraft in protective storage. Most hangars are built of metal, but other materials such as wood and concrete are also sometimes used...
at the time.
Missions
Delaware Wing works in all three CAP missions: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. Most notably, Delaware Wing regularly assists DelDOT through the use of CAP planes, including Cessna 172Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a four-seat, single-engine, high-wing fixed-wing aircraft. First flown in 1955 and still in production, more Cessna 172s have been built than any other aircraft.-Design and development:...
Skyhawks and Cessna 182
Cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane is an American four-seat, single-engine, light airplane, built by Cessna of Wichita, Kansas. It has the option of adding two child seats, installed in the baggage area....
Skylanes. Delaware Wing has six corporate aircraft, one of which is a state-of-the-art Cessna 182 with a Glass Cockpit. For example, CAP aircraft monitor traffic during the Sprint Cup Series at Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned race track located in Dover, Delaware, owned by, and serving as the corporate headquarters of, Dover Motorsports, Inc. It is co-located with a harness racing track, Dover Downs, and shares the complex with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino...
in Dover, DE
Dover, Delaware
The city of Dover is the capital and second largest city in the U.S. state of Delaware. It is also the county seat of Kent County, and the principal city of the Dover, Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Kent County. It is located on the St. Jones River in the Delaware...
. In addition, CAP aircraft monitors daily traffic volume and reports to DelDOT road blockages from downed trees or a major accident, street and highway flooding, collapsed or washed-out bridges, and weekend beach traffic. By working closely with DelDOT, responders can be dispatched promptly and road crews can be summoned to block off accident sites while rerouting traffic if necessary.
Delaware Wing has excelled in the National Cadet Competition, where the top CAP cadets across the country compete. Diamond Flight Drill Team, Delaware Wing's team, has won one National competition and numerous regional competitions. Delaware Wing annually holds in a Wing Picnic held at Fort Dupont
Fort DuPont State Park
Fort DuPont State Park is a Delaware state park located in Delaware City, Delaware. The fort itself, named after Rear Admiral Samuel Francis duPont, was used as a military base from the Civil War through World War II, and was part of a three fort defense system, with Fort Delaware and Fort Mott...
, Cadet Ball, Wing Conference, and Rocket Launch. Held in January, the annual Cadet Ball, hosted by the Delaware Wing Cadet Advisory Council, draws seventy cadets each year from Delaware and neighboring wings. The Delaware Wing Conference and Banquet, held in March, analyzes the accomplishments of the previous year and sets goals for the upcoming year. Notable guest speakers make the conference worthwhile to attend and various awards are presented during the day. During the 2006 Wing Conference and Banquet, Mary Feik and Judge M. Jane Brady, a Superior Court judge, were the guest speakers. At the banquet in the evening, major CAP milestone awards are presented and select CAP members are promoted to new ranks.
In May, CAP members assist the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation
Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation
The Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting aerospace education in the State of Delaware...
in launching model rockets of various sizes (many as large as six feet tall) at Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is a Delaware state park on on Cape Henlopen in Sussex County, Delaware, in the United States. William Penn made the beaches of Cape Henlopen one of the first public lands established in what has become the United States in 1682 with the declaration that Cape Henlopen...
during Rockets for Delaware
Delaware
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
. Often, CAP cadets will choose to camp there the night before to enhance their skills in Emergency Services.
Delaware Wing Cadet Advisory Council
The Delaware Wing Cadet Advisory Council (CAC) consists of 10 cadets from across Delaware Wing to promote and further cadet activities in Delaware. Each of the 7 cadet squadrons in Delaware Wing elects one primary representative and one alternate representative to attend the monthly CAC meetings. In addition, the CAC representatives elect the Chair, Vice Chair, and Recorder, who heads the monthly meetings and writes the agenda and minutes. Also, the Delaware Wing CAC elects members to the Middle East Region Cadet Advisory Council.Recent accomplishments of the Delaware Wing Cadet Advisory Council include designing and sell hoodies to raise money to support various cadet activities. Also, the CAC organizes the extremely popular Cadet Ball, held at The Landings at Dover Air Force Base
Dover Air Force Base
Dover Air Force Base or Dover AFB is a United States Air Force base located two miles southeast of the city of Dover, Delaware.-Units:...
.
Encampment and National Cadet Special Activities
Delaware Wing coordinates with Maryland Wing and National Capital to hold Tri-Wing Encampment every year at Camp Frettered, Maryland. Delaware Wing is one of the few wings who does not have its own encampment due to its small population and area.In addition, Delaware Wing cadets frequently attend National Cadet Special Activities, which gives cadets a diverse experience of military installations across America. Activities focus on career exploration, leadership development, search and rescue skills, aeronautical training, Air Force familiarization, government, and a variety of other topics.
Squadrons in Delaware Wing
Delaware Wing has eight typical squadrons registered to the state. Five are located in New Castle CountyNew Castle County, Delaware
New Castle County is the northernmost of the three counties of the U.S. state of Delaware. As of 2010 its population was 538,479, an increase of 7.6% over the previous decade. The county seat is Wilmington. The center of population of Delaware is located in New Castle County, in the town of...
, one in Kent County
Kent County, Delaware
Kent County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Delaware. It is coextensive with the Dover, Delaware, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010 the population was 162,310, a 28.1% increase over the previous decade. The county seat is Dover, the state capital...
, one in Sussex County
Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Delaware. As of 2010 the population was 197,145, an increase of 25.9% over the previous decade. The county seat is Georgetown. The Seaford Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Sussex County.Sussex County is...
, and one in Cecil County, Maryland
Cecil County, Maryland
Cecil County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland. It is part of the Delaware Valley. It was named for Cæcilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore , who was the first Proprietary Governor of the colony of Maryland from 1632 until his death in 1675. The county seat is Elkton. The newspaper...
. There are two composite squadrons, five cadet squadrons, and one senior squadron. There are also three non-standard squadrons (000, 001, and 999) under Delaware Wing Headquarters.
| Squadron Name | Designation | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inactive | DE-000 | No specific location | |
| Wing Headquarters Staff | DE-001 | New Castle, DE New Castle, Delaware New Castle is a city in New Castle County, Delaware, six miles south of Wilmington, situated on the Delaware River. In 1900, 3,380 people lived here; in 1910, 3,351... |
Website |
| Brandywine Cadet Squadron | DE-004 | Claymont, DE Claymont, Delaware Claymont is a census-designated place in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. The population was 9,220 at the 2000 census.-History:... |
|
| Dover Composite Squadron | DE-006 | Dover, DE Dover, Delaware The city of Dover is the capital and second largest city in the U.S. state of Delaware. It is also the county seat of Kent County, and the principal city of the Dover, Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Kent County. It is located on the St. Jones River in the Delaware... |
|
| DE Air National Guard Cadet Squadron | DE-008 | Wilmington, DE Wilmington, Delaware Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States, and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley... |
Website |
| New Castle Cadet Squadron | DE-011 | Wilmington, DE Wilmington, Delaware Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States, and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley... |
Website |
| Sussex Composite Squadron | DE-019 | Georgetown, DE Georgetown, Delaware Georgetown is a town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. According to 2010 census figures, the population of the town is 6,422, an increase of 38.3% over the previous decade... |
|
| North Chesapeake Cadet Squadron | DE-020 | Elkton, MD Elkton, Maryland The town of Elkton is the county seat of Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 11,893 as of the 2000 census and 14,842 according to current July 2008 census estimates. It is the county seat of Cecil County... |
|
| New Castle Senior Squadron | DE-022 | Wilmington, DE Wilmington, Delaware Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States, and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley... |
Website |
| Middletown Cadet Squadron | DE-025 | Middletown, DE Middletown, Delaware Middletown is a town in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the town is 18,871.-Geography:Middletown is located at with an elevation of .... |
Website |
| Legislative Senior Squadron | DE-999 | No specific location |
Past Wing commanders
Delaware Wing has had 21 Wing Commanders since the inception of Civil Air Patrol.| Commander's Name | Period of Service |
|---|---|
| Maj Holger Hoiriis | Dec 1941 - Aug 1942 |
| Maj Herman S. Miller | Aug 1942 - Jun 1943 |
| Maj Don Seevers | Jun 1943 - Oct 1944 |
| Maj James P. Hanley | Oct 1944 - Dec 1944 |
| Col William J. Simpson | Dec 1944 - Dec 1946 |
| Col Walter A. Caskie | Dec 1946 - Mar 1951 |
| Col Frank J. Lynch | Mar 1951 - Sep 1953 |
| Col Louisa S. Morse | Sep 1953 - Jul 1976 |
| Col William H. Everett | Jul 1976 - May 1977 |
| Col Howard N. Pratt | May 1977 - Dec 1980 |
| Col James W. Keener | Dec 1980 - Dec 1982 |
| Col Herbert M. Wood | Dec 1982 - Dec 1984 |
| Col Larry D. Tasker | Dec 1984 - Oct 1986 |
| Col Herbert M. Wood | Oct 1986 - July 1989 |
| Col David C. Driscall | July 1989 - Jan 1993 |
| Col James H. Tazelaar | Jan 1993 - Jan 1997 |
| Col Robert L. Vawter | Jan 1997 - Jan 2002 |
| Col Raymond E. Harris | Jan 2002 - Aug 2003 |
| Col Russell M. Opland | Aug 2003 - Sept 2007 |
| Col Eugene L. Egry | Sept 2007 - Sept 2011 |
| Col William S. Bernfeld | Sept 2011 - present |
Recognition and accomplishments
Overall, Delaware Wing has had 34 Spaatz cadets.In 2006, Delaware Wing received a Unit Citation. In the fiscal year 2005, they had the highest number of hours flown per aircraft than any other wing in Civil Air Patrol by over 60%, a very wide margin. In addition, they have earned one of the best compliance Inspection grades in the country over the past 5 years. Both Delaware's Diamond Flight Drill Team and their Color Guard won the Middle East Region competition in 2005, the first time Delaware Wing has ever won both in the same year. Delaware Wing has also earned the Counterdrug Wing of the Year for the 6th year in a row, and the Drug Demand Reduction Wing of the Year.
Delaware Wing's Lt Col John McGaha was featured in the Nov/Dec 2008 edition of CAP's Volunteer Magazine. He was named National Senior Member of the Year this past August. The story speaks of his lifelong dedication to the cadet program.