Three NJ Wing Cadets Launch into Aerospace at Civil Air Patrol’s Inaugural Space & Rocketry School in Texas

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST (JULY 29, 2025) — Three New Jersey Wing cadets recently traveled to the southern tip of Texas to participate in Civil Air Patrol’s inaugural Space & Rocketry National Cadet Special Activity (NCSA), an intensive five-day aerospace and rocketry immersion program held in Brownsville.

Of the more than 150 applicants nationwide, only 36 cadets were selected for this highly competitive program—including three cadets from New Jersey.

Representing their home squadrons with pride, the cadets were:

• C/2d Lt. Gabriella Couvertier, Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron
• C/CMSgt Lohitaksh Arige, Capt. Bud Jackson Composite Squadron
• C/CMSgt Priyanka Nair, Lone Eagle Composite Squadron

They joined CAP cadets from across the country to dive deep into the science and leadership behind space exploration.

Tailored for cadets ages 14–20, the program blends Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education curriculum with hands-on rocketry engineering, STEM instruction, and military-style leadership training. Participants built and launched model rockets to earn their CAP Rocketry Badge, took part in flight dynamics exercises and mission simulations, and toured advanced aerospace facilities including an air traffic control tower and National Weather Station. Pending final approval, cadets may also gain an exclusive look inside the SpaceX launch facility, located nearby.

Throughout the week, cadets learned principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, and orbital mechanics—all while sharpening decision-making and teamwork under real-world pressure scenarios. Cadets who successfully completed the activity graduated with recognition for their accomplishments in aerospace engineering and leadership.

"This kind of immersive experience is exactly what Civil Air Patrol does best—fostering tomorrow’s leaders in science, aviation, and aerospace," said Col. Amy Myzie, Commander of CAP’s New Jersey Wing. "We’re proud of Cadets Nair, Couvertier, and Arige for rising to the challenge, representing New Jersey with distinction, and gaining knowledge and skills that will serve them far into the future."

By the end of the program, participants had not only launched rockets—they had launched themselves on a trajectory toward careers in aerospace, aviation, and STEM fields, building friendships and confidence along the way.

For more information about Civil Air Patrol’s Space & Rocketry NCSA, visit:  https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/activities/national-cadet-special-activities/explore-the-ncsas/space--rocketry-school .

Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, with more than 60,000 members dedicated to emergency services, aerospace education and developing young leaders through its cadet program.

For more information about Civil Air Patrol and its missions, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

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For More Information:

Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP

(609) 306-0966

Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov