NJ Wing to Promote Aviation, STEM and CAP Programs at September Events

JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (Aug. 19, 2026) -- New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol members will have several opportunities this September to promote aviation, STEM education and CAP programs at events across the state. Members are also encouraged to attend several major air shows where the wing will not have an official presence.

The New Jersey Wing will need cadet and adult member support at NAS Wildwood Museum’s AirFest, Sept. 3–6; the Ocean City Airport Annual Festival, Sept. 19; and TakeFlight with AVi, Sept. 26, at Signature Aviation at Atlantic City International Airport.

Members will promote Civil Air Patrol, Cadet Programs, Emergency Services, aerospace education and STEM activities. They will also engage with educators and youth leaders, provide hands-on activities for young attendees and introduce visitors to CAP’s aviation programs.

“These events give us a tremendous opportunity to show communities what Civil Air Patrol is all about—from aerospace education and STEM to leadership, emergency services and aviation,” said Lt. Col. Michael Castania, New Jersey Wing Director of Aerospace Education and NHQ Aerospace Education Outreach Coordinator. “We need our members to help us make these programs visible and accessible to young people, educators and families throughout New Jersey.”

Cadets may participate only when adult CAP supervision is provided by members of their squadron. Group commanders and Aerospace Education Officers are encouraged to poll their members and identify those willing to support the events.

Upcoming Events

NAS Wildwood Museum’s AirFest — Sept. 3–6
The annual aviation event at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum at Cape May County Airport features WWII aircraft, vendors and exhibitors. Cadet and senior member support is needed each day. Admission is free for participating members; meals are on your own.

Ocean City Airport Annual Festival — Sept. 19
Held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Municipal Airport, the festival features unusual aircraft, including WWII-era planes, classics and warbirds. Cadet and senior member support is needed to promote aerospace education and CAP programs. Admission is free for participating members.

TakeFlight with AVi — Sept. 26
Hosted by Aviation Influence at Signature Aviation at Atlantic City International Airport, TakeFlight is a major aviation and STEM outreach event requiring support in Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education and Emergency Services. Meals will be provided, and admission is free.

NJ Wing will not have an official presence at several other aviation events, but members are encouraged to attend and enjoy them:

• Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Air Show — Sept. 12–13, with practice flights Sept. 11. General admission from the beaches and boardwalk is free.
• Parachute Pyrotechnic Show — Sept. 19, at 8 p.m. over Ocean City.
• Ocean City Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow — Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. over the ocean between Sixth and 14th streets.

The wing’s aerospace education outreach extends beyond these public events. Senior members also have an opportunity to support NJ Wing’s STEM mission by coaching cadet teams in two national aerospace and cybersecurity competitions: CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers.

Senior members interested in coaching CyberPatriot or StellarXplorers teams can participate in national coach training beginning in September. StellarXplorers training begins Sept. 3, followed by CyberPatriot training Sept. 10. Virtual sessions will be held at 9 p.m. Eastern via Microsoft Teams and recorded for later viewing. Registration is required through Registration Zone.

“Every conversation with a student, parent, teacher or community member is an opportunity to spark an interest in aviation, STEM or service—and perhaps introduce someone to Civil Air Patrol,” Castania said.

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