Atlantic County Composite Squadron Hosts Open House
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE–DIX–LAKEHURST, N.J. (July 16, 2026) — The Atlantic County Composite Squadron (NJ-105) of Civil Air Patrol recently welcomed prospective cadets, parents and adult volunteers during an open house at Atlantic Cape Community College.
The event introduced visitors to Civil Air Patrol's three congressionally chartered missions: emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education. Guests met squadron members, toured the facility, viewed equipment and learned how volunteers serve their communities, New Jersey and the nation. About 40 prospective cadets, parents and adult volunteers attended.
"We were excited to introduce members of our community to Civil Air Patrol and demonstrate the opportunities available for both youth and adult members," said Capt. Christopher Johnson, commander of the Atlantic County Composite Squadron.
Johnson presented an overview of Civil Air Patrol's history, missions, membership opportunities, cadet and senior member programs, uniforms and awards. Cadet officers shared their experiences and highlighted the leadership, character development, physical fitness and aerospace education, including drone operations, available through the cadet program.
"Civil Air Patrol offers young people the chance to develop leadership skills, gain confidence, build lifelong friendships and explore careers in search and rescue, aerospace and public service," Johnson said.
Civil Air Patrol's roots in Atlantic County date to December 1941, shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor. In early 1942, civilian volunteer pilots flew coastal patrol missions from Atlantic City's Bader Field, helping detect and report German submarine activity along the East Coast. Coastal Base One, activated Feb. 28, 1942, later evolved into today's Atlantic County Composite Squadron.
The Atlantic County Composite Squadron meets Mondays from 6 to 8:45 p.m. at Atlantic Cape Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. For more information or to visit a meeting, send an email to Johnson.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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For More Information:
Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP
1+ 609-306-0966
Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov
