Civil Air Patrol cadets learn about Keesler missions

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs

More than 100 Civil Air Patrol cadets from Alabama and Mississippi toured the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron here today while participating in their Annual Summer Encampment.

 

"The purpose of the summer encampment program is to provide leadership and structure to the cadets," said CAP Lt. Col. Felix Diaz, CAP Summer Encampment commander. The program was hosted in Mississippi this year.

 

While at Keesler AFB, the cadets attended a leadership reaction course and an engagement skills training from 81st Security Forces Squadron, which provided the cadets a chance to perform firearm skills using digital firearms training.

 

The cadets were also given the opportunity to fly on a WC-130J during routine training flights.

 

According to Col. Brian A. May, 403rd Operations Group commander, the CAP program is necessary for encouraging young people that show an interest in aviation.

 

CAP is open to children ranging in age from 12 to 20 years old and teaches these young people about different missions which include developing the young cadets into responsible citizens and to become future aerospace leaders, education on the importance of aviation and space, and performing life-saving humanitarian missions.

 

"We need more young people to have a love and respect for aviation, because we don't see as many children interested in aviation as we did when I was growing up," said May.  "The cadets that came through are our future."