SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The U.S. Air Force and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) National Headquarters gave South Dakota Wing an “Effective” evaluation at the completion of its latest inspection April 9.
Compliance inspections every four years ensure that CAP state organizations are using the resources wisely that the taxpayers and the USAF have entrusted to CAP, including millions of dollars invested in aircraft, vans, radios, and other equipment. The “effective” rating achieved by South Dakota Wing is the highest evaluation possible.
“Today, I received word we were rated as ‘effective,’” Col. Nick Gengler, South Dakota Wing commander told the state’s CAP membership. “South Dakota Wing works hard to comply with the expectations of the Air Force and our own national headquarters. This highly successful outside inspection validates the wing’s readiness for important missions like air and ground search, airborne photography and disaster relief.”
CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, with noncombatant responsibilities that are part of the USAF’s support civil authorities to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance. CAP also develops young leaders through its cadet program and promoted aerospace education. The inspection considered all three responsibilities, including 17 individual areas of responsibility.
“South Dakota Wing has just come through a very tough inspection from the USAF and HQ Civil Air Patrol with virtual ‘flying colors,’” said CAP Col. Mike Beason, who coordinated the wing’s preparation for the inspection. “I’m proud of what the staff has done to show the inspectors we know what we are doing here in South Dakota.”
CAP has over 400 members in South Dakota with units in Brookings, Custer, Miller, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish and Tea. The wing can deploy its six aircraft, ground teams and small search drones to assist in emergency response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies.
(Michael Marek, CAP, contributed this report.)
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