About our squadron

Thank you for your interest in the Paine Field Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing.  We have both cadet (youth) members and senior (adult) members who volunteer their time and talents to help our community and nation.  The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force with the core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect.

Founded on December 1, 1941, just six days before the attacks on Pearl Harbor, CAP members utilized aviation resources to protect and defend the United States from enemy forces.  Today, as a Total Force partner with the US Air Force, we continue to embrace the benefits of aviation and assist with search and rescue missions, disaster relief and cadet education through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.

CAP has one of the largest fleets of single engine aircraft in the world, consisting of mostly Cessna 172, 182, 206, with additional aircraft such as gliders and small unmanned aircraft systems (drones).  Locally, we are often assigned a Cessna 182 “S” model to Paine Field, though aircraft are relocated throughout the region and nation as mission needs change. 

While our focus may be in the air, you need not be a pilot to join CAP.  In our squadron alone we have cadets in middle school and high school, some looking to become pilots and others interested in ground search and rescue, radio communications or computer based cyber security.  Our senior members come from a variety of backgrounds with experience in finance, maintenance, transportation, and of course some career pilots (one pilot was even an Airbus A380 pilot, the largest passenger aircraft in the world).

Unit Command

Squadron Commander - Maj Jose Cabrera

Deputy Commander for Seniors - Lt Col Steven Michael

Deputy Commander for Cadets - 1st Lt Veronica Ho