College Park Composite Squadron
General Information
The College Park Composite Squadron is one of the oldest squadrons in Maryland. For more than 50 years we have served the community and the nation through the Civil Air Patrol's three primary missions: Cadet Programs, Emergency Services, and Aerospace Education. More than 30 cadets and 30 senior members make up our squadron. All members of the Civil Air Patrol are volunteers who serve at their own expense.
The squadron operates out of the Hap Arnold Building, located next to the police helicopter unit on the west end of the runway. The airport is the oldest continuously operating airport in the world. Our building is located on the site of some of the original hangers used by the Wright Brothers to train the first Army pilots. The police helicopter hanger is the original Air Mail hanger built in the 1920's when the first air mail delivery service started. You can make history, too.
We meet the first 4 Wednesdays of the month (except for holidays) from 6:45 pm to 9:15 pm. Visitors are welcome and if you are interested in seeing what CAP is about, feel free to stop by and visit.
The Squadron Patch
The Squadron Patch has several features that not only represent the history of the squadron but also pay tribute to our close association with the airport and the city of College Park. The central figure is the Testudo ... the mascot of the University of Maryland College Park. The Wings represent the Civil Air Patrol's commitment to Aviation. The squadron mascot is named Chandler in honor of Captain Charles Deforest Chandler, the first person to fire a mounted machine gun from a flying airplane. Chandler carries the Lewis Gun in honor of the many firsts at the College Park Airport - The motto "Pelle Finem" - reflects our willingness to work to the last.
