Civil Air Patrol Utah Wing

11/11/2026

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served! Thank you for your sacrifices to keep us safe!

11/10/2026

We're proud of the Heber Ospreys for their contribution to this story!

The Heber Osprey Civil Air Patrol Squadron teaches Wasatch Back youth about aviation and emergency services. The training prepares teens for military service, but it’s not required.

11/10/2026

An important reminder: Utah Wing Winter Encampment will be held January 22-24 and 29-31. Members seeking financial assistance are encouraged to contact their commanders to apply for the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP) before the deadline, Monday, November 16th.

Winter CEAP applications close at 5pm CT on Monday, November 16th. Unit approvals must be completed at this time. If you need to cancel or make a change to the application, email [email protected] ASAP, before 5pm CT on Friday, November 13th so we have time to make the necessary changes. Decisions will be made on Tuesday, November 17th and communicated to the cadet, parent, and Unit Commander emails on file.

11/07/2026

The following story is from this summer, but we are still glad to be sharing it on behalf of the Thunderbird Cadet Squadron.

Civil Air Patrol’s Thunderbird Cadet Squadron Paddles Down the Jordan River to Learn the Importance of Preserving Our Natural Environments

By 1st Lt. Edlena Mitchell
Ed. 2nd Lt. Mike Creer

Salt Lake City, Utah. October 28, 2026 – On July 30, 2026, the Thunderbird Cadet Squadron of Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing, with the help of Soren Simonsen, Stan Porter, and Henry Howrand, paddled down the Jordan River in canoes in order to learn about the natural environment and why it is so important to protect it.

Early in the morning, before the group met up, Henry Howrand took a trip down the route the group would be taking. As he traveled the route that morning, Howrand made sure that the river was clear and that the canoes could fit through the various openings.That night, the group met at the Riverview Boat Ramp in Salt Lake City and began the trip with a safety brief. They learned how to safely navigate the water, how to paddle the canoes, and how to wear a life jacket properly. During the briefing, the group was informed about the various effects of pollution on the river. They were warned that they would see trash backed up and caught in the plants alongside the river.

Once the safety briefing was done, the group unloaded the canoes from the trailer and were fitted for life jackets before putting the boats in the water. Each canoe held two people and the experienced canoers traveled at the front and the back of the group in order to help those who may have gotten stuck or lost. Despite being in the middle of Salt Lake City and going under I-215, the river was very quiet. The banks of the river were full of various plants, which blocked out much of the city and provided homes for various wildlife. As they floated down the river, they used their paddles to knock loose the trash that they could so that it could make its way downstream to the trash collection point.

The experience of paddling down the river was very calming for many of the members who attended. Once they had pulled out at Porter’s Landing and put the equipment away, Soren Simonsen led a debrief for the participants about what they had learned. Members commented on the things they had seen or experienced including spiders, birds' nests, their wet boots, and one member’s mission to retrieve his lost hat.

At the end of the briefing, Simonsen commented on the way the city seems to disappear, “It’s just this little oasis in a huge valley of over a million people.” Additionally, he emphasized the need to work together in preservation efforts, “it’s the last place that’s kind of special and natural and if we work together to preserve this special place, it gives back amazing experiences.”

Simonsen also taught the group about the origins of the river. The Jordan river has been a part of Utah for a long time, since Lake Bonneville began to shrink and become the Great Salt Lake. Originally, the lake was called Pia Okwai (“Big River”) by the Shoshone and Goshute tribes. When the Mormon Pioneers entered the valley, they renamed it the Jordan River after the river by the same name in the bible.

Soren Simonsen is the executive director of the Jordan River Commission and Watershed Council, an organization that aims to create a partnership between all of the various organizations that have jurisdiction over the water in order to achieve restoration and conservation goals. As of 2025, all organizations that have jurisdiction over the river, across the different counties and cities that the river runs through, have joined the partnership.

Simonsen grew up on the rivers of central Texas, so when he moved to Utah so that his wife could pursue a graduate degree, he looked for the rivers. Simonsen has a degree in architecture from the University of Texas where he studied city planning. When he moved to the Salt Lake Valley he gravitated towards larger-scale city planning and eventually became the Sugarhouse representative on the Salt Lake City council from 2006 until 2015. During that time, he served as the Salt Lake City representative in creating the Jordan River Commission and Watershed Council. After his time on the city council, Simonsen worked on the board for the Jordan River Commission and worked his way up.

Throughout the commission’s time they have raised funds for restoration and conservation and reoriented thinking about the river away from the dumping grounds and towards the river being a center for community and culture throughout the region. Simonsen would like people to remember their connection to the natural world, despite many of us living in the big cities, “A lot of people go into mountains, that’s a great experience. And we have amazing experiences just here in the heart of our valley and the Jordan River is one of those places.”

If you are interested in learning more about how you can volunteer, donate, or contribute your ideas to the Jordan River Commission and Watershed Council, you can visit one of the following websites:

blueprintjordanriver.org - the rules that set up the council
loveyourwatershed.org - how you can help keep the river clean
jordanrivercommission.gov - the commission’s main website

If you are interested in learning more about Civil Air Patrol and how you can join go to hello.civilairpatrol.org

11/02/2026

Today is the last day to submit National Legislative Day Applications!

10/29/2026

Nine Utah Legislators Join Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing, Affirm Commitment to Serve Utah Together

By Maj. Casey Smith
Ed. 2nd Lt. Mike Creer

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 28, 2026 — At a ceremony held at the Utah State Capitol on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Utah Reps. Ryan Wilcox, Jill Koford, Jason Thompson, Nicholeen Peck, Walt Brooks, Ariel Defay and Andrew Stoddard, along with Utah Senators Heidi Balderree and Evan Vickers, joined Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing as members of the Utah Legislative Squadron at the honorary grade of Major. Their membership marks their commitment to supporting Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and its continuing service to people and communities across the State of Utah and the United States. Legislative membership in Civil Air Patrol is not merely symbolic; those members supplement their existing oath of office as legislators with an oath to support CAP’s missions.

Their energy and enthusiasm for service breathes new life into Utah Wing’s Legislative Squadron, strengthening bonds between elected officials who represent Utahns and the CAP volunteers who help save lives, develop young leaders, and provide aerospace education throughout Utah and across the country. Membership lays the foundation for a deeper partnership. It creates real opportunities for legislators to connect directly with Civil Air Patrol and better understand its contributions to the communities the legislators represent.

Those contributions reach across Utah. According to Utah Wing's fiscal year 2025 report, the organization operated from 24 locations statewide, with 405 adult volunteers and 522 cadets. Its members included 476 qualified emergency responders and 97 aircrew personnel, supported by 10 aircraft, 17 vehicles and a statewide communications network. 2026 has thus far continued a trend of significant growth in membership in Utah Wing.

During fiscal year 2025, Utah Wing participated in four search and rescue missions, resulting in three credited finds, including finds supported by national teams. Members also conducted training and supported missions for the US Air Force (CAP is the official auxiliary of the US Air Force), for partner agencies such as NASA and FEMA, as well as for local communities. The estimated value of volunteer service contributed by Utah Wing members during the year exceeded $4.8 million.

Beyond emergency response, Civil Air Patrol helps young people discover their potential through leadership development, aviation experiences, and career exploration. Cadets participate in hands-on activities that introduce them to opportunities in aviation, aerospace, STEM, and public service while developing confidence, teamwork, and responsibility. In fiscal year 2025 alone, Utah Wing supported 808 orientation flights for Civil Air Patrol, Air Force ROTC, and Junior ROTC cadets.

Utah Wing Commander Col. Andreas Wesemann welcomed the legislators and briefed them on how Civil Air Patrol serves Utah communities through emergency response, youth leadership development, aviation experiences, and aerospace education. For Wesemann, the long-term impact of Civil Air Patrol is personal. During his remarks, he reflected on joining the organization as a cadet approximately 45 years ago. His CAP experience helped him secure an appointment to the US Air Force Academy, beginning a career as an Air Force pilot. Following his retirement from military service, he continued serving in Civil Air Patrol, eventually becoming Utah Wing commander.

Wesemann also shared his command theme, "Service Elevated," inspired by Utah's familiar "Life Elevated" slogan. His personal journey demonstrated how the opportunities Civil Air Patrol provides can influence young people throughout their lives. Wesemann emphasized the importance of building relationships with elected officials who serve the same communities as Civil Air Patrol volunteers. He encouraged legislators to attend CAP activities, interact with cadets and adult volunteers, and experience firsthand the organization's commitment to service.

Rep. Andrew Stoddard expressed gratitude for Civil Air Patrol's contributions and enthusiasm toward in connecting young people with their elected officials, saying, “I appreciate the service that the Civil Air Patrol provides, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with the cadets and provide them a connection to local government.” Through personal engagement and firsthand experiences, legislators will have opportunities to better understand the organization's capabilities, the dedication of its volunteers, and the benefits its programs bring to Utah residents.

The membership of these nine Utah legislators represents the culmination of a partnership years in the making while also representing a new beginning in Utah Wing's commitment to developing lasting connections with state and community leaders. That engagement will continue Feb. 16, 2027, when Utah Wing hosts its inaugural Legislative Day at the Utah State Capitol. The event will bring cadets and adult volunteers from squadrons across the state together to meet legislators, observe the legislative process, and share how Civil Air Patrol serves their communities.

For cadets, the event will provide yet another opportunity to explore leadership, public service, and civic engagement. For legislators, it will offer a chance to meet the young people and volunteers whose dedication contributes to Utah's emergency preparedness, educational opportunities, and community well-being.

The revitalization of the Utah Legislative Squadron represents an opportunity to bring those who serve in state government closer to those who serve through Civil Air Patrol, strengthening relationships and increasing awareness of the volunteers working every day to support Utah's communities. Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing would like to thank each new member of the Legislative Squadron for their past and continuing service to the people of Utah, and for their decision to support Civil Air Patrol as members. Utah Wing welcomes them and shares their hopes for a brighter future working together for Utah.

© Civil Air Patrol, Casey Smith

10/21/2026

Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing Conducts Group Change of Command, Welcomes U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens to Legislative Squadron

By 2nd Lt. Mike Creer

CIVIL AIR PATROL UTAH WING HQ, SALT LAKE CITY, ¬21 October 2026 – On October 6, 2026, Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing held a ceremony conducting the change of command of Utah Wing’s 3rd Group, with command transferring from Lt. Col. Steven Baxter to newly promoted Maj. Casey Smith. The ceremony also announced the membership of U.S. Representative for Utah’s 4th District, Burgess Owens, as a Congressional Member of Civil Air Patrol Federal Legislative Squadron, at the honorary grade of Lieutenant Colonel.

The dual-purposed event began with presentation of the Colors by Phoenix Cadet Squadron’s cadet color guard, followed by the playing of the national anthem and an invocation by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Leslie Fife. The event was MCed by Utah Wing Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Sarah Borden and officiated by Utah Wing Commander Andreas Wesemann.

Col. Wesemann opened the ceremony by reminiscing to his time as a Civil Air Patrol cadet nearly 45 years ago, when he met his “old friend” Lt. Col. Steven Baxter, who was then a brand-new adult member in CAP, himself. Baxter taught Wesemann about communications, cadet programs, and what it means to be a member of Civil Air Patrol. Decades later, when Wesemann became Commander of Utah Wing, and formed the group echelon in Utah, Baxter was among the first to be appointed as Group Commander. Lt. Col. Baxter is also an Aerospace Education Officer; after stepping down as group commander, he plans to continue his service in CAP focusing on aerospace education.

Wesemann then turned to introduce his “new friend,” Capt. Casey Smith. Smith had served as a volunteer in other organizations before joining Civil Air Patrol, but it was his service in the role of Utah Wing Public Affairs Officer that brought Smith and Wesemann together. Col. Regarding Smith, Wesemann said, “I knew right away that he would be a big part of Civil Air Patrol.” Smith had accompanied Col Wesemann all over Utah, helping to set up squadrons, and all over the country, including Washington, D.C., for Civil Air Patrol’s National Legislative Day, and CAP’s National Conference. Additionally, Smith has also served at CAP’s Color Guard Academy, at Encampment, and at international activities such as HART (Honoring And Remembering Together).

Weseman told the story of Smith helping to set up a cadet squadron at Utah Military Academy in Lehi, Utah, where Smith volunteered to be considered to command that squadron. He would serve as commander of what would later be named the Diamondback Cadet Squadron before being selected to become commander of Utah Wing’s 3rd Group. The Utah Wing Commander closed his remarks by challenging Smith to lead and command by “turning the leadership pyramid upside down, by making it not about you but about the crew, about the people you support.”

Before conducting the actual change of command, Smith was decorated with the Civil Air Patrol Meritorious Service Award for his aggregated service as Diamondback Cadet Squadron Commander, at HART, Encampment, and as Utah Wing Public Affairs Officer.

Captain Smith was then called forth once more; this time, to receive a promotion to the temporary grade of Major, concurrent with his appointment and service as group commander, as authorized by CAP regulations. The honor of pinning Maj. Smith’s rank was performed by Smith’s wife, Ruthann Smith, and by U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens.

The official change of command could now be conducted. Col. Wesemann, Lt. Col. Baxter, and Maj. Smith stepped forward and stood at attention as the orders from CAP National Headquarters appointing Smith to command over Group 3, Utah Wing, were read by Utah Wing Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Sarah Borden. Lt Col. Baxter then took the Group 3 Guidon in hand and presented it to Col. Wesemann and said proudly, “sir, I relinquish command.” He then stepped back as Smith stepped forward. Smith accepted the guidon from Col. Wesemann, posted it, then saluted the wing commander. Confidently, he said, “sir, I assume command.”

Col. Wesemann then administered the oath, and Smith was pinned with the Group Commander Badge by Ruthann Smith.

Maj. Smith then delivered his first address as Group Commander. He began by thanking Lt. Col. Baxter for his service, saying that “his feet weren’t big enough to fill the shoes Baxter was leaving behind,” but that Smith would do his best to continue Baxter’s legacy. He continued by reading an excerpt from his Commander’s Intent, a statement commanders often issue to guide those who serve under them:

"My intent is to strengthen our squadrons so that cadets and senior members can succeed in aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. The group echelon exists to support the wing and to help our subordinate units become more effective. We will do that by developing leaders, connecting resources, strengthening communication, removing barriers, and by helping our commanders build healthy, capable, mission-ready squadrons.

My command philosophy is grounded in service, trust, collaboration, empathy, mentorship, and responsibility. I believe leaders are most effective when they take the time to understand their people, recognize their strengths, and help them develop the confidence and capability to succeed. My Goal is to be a partner to our commanders while respecting their responsibility to lead their own squadrons."

Smith finished his remarks by harkening back to the motto “I’M READY” adopted by the Diamondback Cadet squadron, which Smith relinquished command over just prior to assuming command over Group 3. He stated that he seeks to inspire those he leads to be able to pursue their chosen path in life and be able to embrace opportunities that stand before them and say, “I’m ready. Here’s why.”

With the change of command concluded, attention was then turned to a special presentation by Col. Wesemann, and Maj. Smith, who also serves as Utah Wing Government Relations Advisor. The presentation honors Rep. Burgess Owens, who, in accordance with CAP regulations, was made a member of the Federal Legislative Squadron and elevated to the honorary grade of Lieutenant Colonel. Representative Owens presented with a framed certificate denoting his congressional membership in Civil Air Patrol, signed by National Commander Regina Aye.

Representative Owens was reached earlier for an interview on his membership in Civil Air Patrol. When asked how he had initially heard and learned about Civil Air Patrol, Owens said, “I first learned about the Civil Air Patrol when I met with Captain Casey Smith. He shared the many ways the Civil Air Patrol serves our communities and our country. I was especially impressed by the organization’s commitment to developing young people into future leaders.”

Regarding his decision to become a member of Civil Air Patrol, Rep. Owens expounded:

"I am grateful to have been given an honorary membership in the Civil Air Patrol. I believe it is important to support organizations that make a difference in our communities. Civil Air Patrol has a long history of service, and I appreciate the way it combines that service with an investment in our youth. Helping shape the next generation of leaders is one of the most important things we can do, and I am proud to support an organization that is committed to doing just that."

Finally, in light of his long career of distinguished service and leadership, which now begins a new chapter helping to build future leaders as a member of Civil Air Patrol, he offered these words to the members—adults and cadets alike—of Civil Air Patrol:

"I never thought I would be where I am today. I was an introvert as a kid who once told myself I would never speak in front of more than two people at a time. Today, I have the privilege of serving as a congressman for our great country.

Service is one of the greatest things we can give to others. It gives us both the power and confidence to change the people we serve and ourselves.

To the cadets, I would encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity to lead and serve. You do not have to have everything figured out today. Be willing to learn, work hard, serve others, and step outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised by where those opportunities take you."

© Civil Air Patrol, Mike Creer

10/18/2026

Here is a link to a Utah Wing authorized adaptation of 2nd Lt. Creer's article on the "Red Iguana" exercise by Joe R. Wirthlin Jr. for KSL. Thank you to Mr. Wirthlin and to KSL for bringing additional attention to this story and helping to highlight Civil Air Patrol and Utah Wing's emergency services activities throughout the State of Utah.

Members of the Civil Air Patrol Utah Wing partnered with the Utah Army National Guard to conduct an exercise simulating a response to a hypothetical 7.0 earthquake striking Salt Lake City.

10/17/2026

Support the St. George Composite Squadron with a car wash!

Do you need a car wash? Why not make it count? 50% of all car washes purchased through our link will go towards helping the St George Composite Squadron reach their fundraising goals. It's an easy way to support cadets and the squadron, while also helping your car look it's best. To purchase a car wash you can use the following link or scan the QR code.

https://www.successfund.com/k57qz

Please share with your friends and family. Thank you for supporting the squadron!

10/15/2026

Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing and National Guard
Conduct Joint Exercise “Red Iguana”

By 2nd Lt. Mike Creer, CAP

CIVIL AIR PATROL UTAH WING HQ, SALT LAKE CITY, 13 October 2026, – On Saturday, August 22, Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Utah Wing and the J2 Joint Forces Intelligence Directorate of the Utah Army
National Guard completed a joint incident awareness and assessment (IAA) exercise known as “Red Iguana.” The exercise provides real-world scenario-based natural disaster response training for both agencies as they worked together to capture, analyze, and assess infrastructure imagery.

The morning of the exercise, CAP’s Utah Wing established an Incident Command Post (ICP) in Salt Lake City, with Lt. Col. Stephen Holmes serving as incident commander. He oversaw the exercise for CAP, with the assistance of several other Incident Management Team (IMT) members, as well as the aircrew, who would be flying the imagery collection mission. The incident management team was joined by Utah Army National Guard 1st Lt. London Chapman, J2 Operations, Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ). His assignment for this exercise was to observe Civil Air Patrol’s operational capability and ex*****on, and to receive the imagery for the J2 staff to analyze. Chapman explains the National Guard’s role in the exercise: This exercise is for emergency response. In the event of a significant natural disaster, this type of mission allows us to quickly assess the critical infrastructure damage and provide the State with actionable information which they can use to assist the residents
and expeditiously bring damaged critical infrastructures back online.

Both CAP and the National Guard would conduct the exercise by simulating a disaster scenario under realistic constraints. Infrastructure imagery collection targets were also chosen within the context of the scenario.

The scenario was based on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 2012 ShakeOut scenario, in which Salt Lake City suffers a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, with the epicenter located approximately 12 kilometers beneath the Red Iguana restaurant (for which the exercise is named). Under the scenario confines, Salt Lake International Airport has taken some damage, but CAP aircraft are still able to fly.

The scenario includes widespread infrastructure damage throughout the Salt Lake City area, as well as impacted communications services. Under these conditions, Civil Air Patrol was tasked with collecting aerial images of University of Utah Medical Center and Intermountain Health LDS Hospital suitable for
structural damage analysis by J2.

To capture the imagery, Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing dispatched a CAP Cessna 182, piloted by Lt. Col. Max Kieffer. Capt. Casey Smith would serve as airborne photographer.

At Approximately 8:30 a.m., the plane departed. Minutes later, the crew was over University of Utah Medical Center, taking high-resolution photos of various hospital structures. As they circled at a safe altitude, the incident management team monitored their movements and status via radio and telemetry. Lt. Chapman observed as the aircrew and management team operated like a well-oiled machine.

The aircrew quickly covered multiple angles and announced over the radio they were in transit to Intermountain Health LDS Hospital. Once there, they again circled the site, capturing images of the
hospital’s structure, the likes of which could one day prove invaluable in determining the safety and operational readiness of the facility in an actual disaster situation.

At 9:04 a.m.—just 30 minutes after takeoff—the radio sounded with news the team was returning to base. Three minutes later, they had landed. The aircrew alighted and returned to the incident command
post where they promptly turned over the imagery for J2’s team to analyze and assess, 27 minutes earlier than planned, successfully demonstrating CAP’s disaster response capabilities and readiness.

Regarding the outcome of Joint Exercise “Red Iguana,” Lt. Chapman spoke highly of CAP’s performance in the exercise, saying:

"I think it went really well, actually. The Civil Air Patrol is very professional. They were able to execute everything we asked and more. We’re very grateful that we have a fantastic partner in them, and that we were able to work together for the people of the State of Utah."

© 2026, Civil Air Patrol, Mike Creer, all rights reserved.