United States. Civil Air Patrol
Dates
- Existence: 1941 - Present
Biography
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP was created with Administrative Order 9, signed by LaGuardia on 1 December 1941 and published 8 December 1941. During World War II, CAP was seen as a way to use America's civilian aviation resources to aid the war effort, including anti-submarine patrol and warfare, border patrols, and courier services. During World War II, CAP's coastal patrol reportedly flew 24 million miles and sighted 173 enemy U-boats, dropping a total of 82 bombs and depth charges throughout the conflict. With the passing of the National Security Act of 1947, and creation of the United States Air Force, the CAP became the auxiliary of the USAF in 1948, and its incorporating charter declared that it would never again be involved in direct combat activities, but would be of a benevolent nature.