Civil Air Patrol - Gallup, New Mexico
Our unit has a proud history that includes participation in several search and rescue missions as well as other CAP missions. Most noteably, we raised over $21,000.00 for the American Red Cross during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Our squadron has access to over a dozen Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 aircraft that we utilize for mission training and Cadet Orientation flights. We also participate in the "Fly-a-Teacher" program where local educators in our area can get involved in our Aerospace Education Program.
Our cadet program is very active, and many of our cadets have achieved some of the highest levels of CAP cadet accomplishments which requires proficiency and study in numerous areas as well as a committment to physical and moral excellence.
We are proud of our Cadet Program. We know how to do it and as proof, our unit was named the National Squadron of Distinction in 2006 for having the best CAP Cadet Program in the country!
HISTORY OF THE CIVIL AIR PATROL
The Civil Air Patrol was conceived in the late 1930s by legendary New Jersey aviation advocate Gill Robb Wilson, who foresaw aviation's role in war and general aviation's potential to supplement America's military operations. With the help of New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, the new Civil Air Patrol was established on December 1, 1941, just days before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
The CAP insignia, a red three-bladed propeller in the Civil Defense white triangle in a blue circle, began appearing on private aircraft everywhere. CAP initially planned only on liaison and reconnaissance flying, but the civilian group's mission expanded when German submarines began to prey on American ships off the coast of the United States and CAP planes began carrying bombs and depth charges.
A CAP crew first interrupted a sub attack on a flight out of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, saving a tanker off Cape May, New Jersey. Since radio calls for military bombers were often unproductive, unarmed CAP fliers dived in mock attacks to force subs to break their attack and run.
The CAP coastal patrols flew 24 million miles, found 173 submarines, attacked 57, hit 10 and sank two. In recognition of the worth in our national defense, President Franklin Roosevelt issued a Presidential Executive Order that made the CAP the official auxiliary of the Army Air Forces in 1943.
A German commander later confirmed that coastal U-boat operations were withdrawn from the United States "because of those damned little red and yellow airplanes."
In all, CAP flew a half-million hours during the war, and 64 CAP aviators lost their lives in the line of duty.
The U.S. Air Force was created as an independent armed service in 1947, and CAP was designated as its official civilian auxiliary the following year. Today, nearly 57,000 volunteers participate domestically or internationally as members to continue the missions of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.
The Gallup Raptor Composite Squadron (GallupCAP) is the Civil Air Patrol unit serving Gallup, New Mexico and the surrounding area. We are comprised of cadet and senior members with a passion for aviation and community service.
In addition to CAP's missions of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services, we strive for excellence in the community and work with local schools and law enforcement agencies to send a message of responsibility and adherence to a drug-free lifestyle.
Who Are We?
We Are One Of America's Top Cadet Programs!
Gallup Raptor Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol - The Eyes of the Home Skies Since 1941!
 | ||||||
The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation. Each squadron is responsible for raising its own funds. Donations are used for special events, assistance for cadet scholarships and various aerospace training, education and leadership programs.
To make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Captain Jim Stephens at GallupCAP1@yahoo.com.
