News - 2026 Archive

SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol members assembled a new Redbird TD2 flight simulator Sept. 5 at Fleming Field in South St. Paul.

The simulator is one of 15 Redbird TD2 systems purchased by Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters. It will support aerospace education activities and flight training within Minnesota Wing and can be packed into protective cases for transportation to region or national activities.

MANKATO, Minn. — Cadet Maj. James Fenton of Civil Air Patrol's Fort Snelling Cadet Squadron earned his certified flight instructor-instrument (CFII) certificate Aug. 28 at Mankato Regional Airport.

Fenton completed his check ride with designated pilot examiner and CAP member Catherine Plasschaert in a Cessna 172. The CFII certificate qualifies him to provide flight instruction to pilots training for an instrument rating.

Crystal, Minnesota – August 24, 2026 – The Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol honored Senator Ann Rest upon her retirement with a special orientation flight over Senate District 43, including the communities of Crystal and Robbinsdale that she has faithfully represented throughout her distinguished career.

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Cadet 1st Lt. Josiah Rhodea of Civil Air Patrol's Grand Rapids Composite Squadron earned his private pilot certificate Aug. 17 after successfully completing his check ride in Bemidji.

Minnesota Wing's Alexandria Squadron Builds Partnerships and Inspires Service at Local Volunteer Festival The Alexandria Composite Squadron members 1st Lt Sheila York, 1st Lt David Bartlow, and C/CMSgt Overshiner attended the first ever Lakes Area Hearts of Service Festival. This recruiting event was held 9 Jun 2026 at the Douglas County...

WRIGHT COUNTY, Minn. — Civil Air Patrol's Wright County Composite Squadron hosted Minnesota's first Operation Pulse Lift blood drive June 5 in partnership with the American Red Cross.

Operation Pulse Lift is a Civil Air Patrol mission that supports blood donor agencies nationwide through community blood drives, donor outreach, blood transportation and other efforts aimed at maintaining critical blood supplies for hospitals and emergency response operations.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Cadets from the North Hennepin Composite Squadron presented the colors during pre-game ceremonies at the St. Paul Saints baseball game May 24 at CHS Field.

Performing before a sold-out crowd of nearly 10,000 spectators, the color guard represented Civil Air Patrol during the playing of the national anthem. Color guard and honor guard presentations are a longstanding tradition at Saints games, featuring military, veteran and cadet organizations from across Minnesota.

SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. — More than 250 cadets, families and community members gathered at Fleming Field on May 10 for the Minnesota Wing's annual Aerospace Fling, a hands-on aviation and science event hosted by Civil Air Patrol.

The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured more than 15 aircraft on display along the flight line. Attendees explored aircraft and participated in interactive aerospace and science activities designed for all ages.

[Date Announced]

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

April 24 - 26, 2026

Join your fellow members from the Minnesota Wing as we come together to collaborate, connect and learn from each other. Join us for a family-friendly weekend filled with learning labs, award ceremonies, and the Saturday evening banquet and keynote address.