CAP cadets fly with the 120th AW

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Eric Peterson
  • 120th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
GREAT FALLS, Mont. --  14 members of the Malmstrom Air Force Base Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol visited the 120th Airlift Wing of the Montana Air National Guard September 13.

During the visit CAP cadets and leaders received a tour of the base operations group building, sat in the wing's aircraft training simulator and experienced an orientation flight in a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

The volunteer organization is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Its three primary missions include offering educational aviation programs for cadets aged 12 through 21, aerospace education for CAP members and the general public, and providing emergency services to include search and rescue and disaster relief missions.

The tour and flight was conducted during the 120th AW regularly scheduled September drill and allowed the cadets to observe an active Air National Guard airlift wing's personnel and equipment in action.

"They got to experience first-hand a guard unit which they don't get to see much," said Civil Air Patrol Maj. Ivan Marcano. "They had fun and were excited and they've been looking forward to this for the last two months, so I think they're pretty motivated now."

Marcano said there are nearly 300 members assigned to nine squadrons of the CAP Montana Wing located in communities throughout the state. In the Great Falls area there are 35 members who belong to the Malmstrom squadron. The group meets weekly during the evenings to conduct training and planned activities.

"We focus on the cadets and do different activities for them keeping them engaged and furthering their knowledge of leadership and aerospace." Marcano said.

Marcano said the Montana Wing of CAP is always looking to add new members who may be interested in serving their country and community while learning more about the field of aviation. Individuals living in the Great Falls area desiring information on the Malmstrom Air Force Base Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Montana Wing can visit the national website: www.gocivilairpatrol.com.