The North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has received official recognition from Governor Josh Stein, who signed a proclamation on January 27, 2026. The document designates February 14, 2026, as “In Recognition of the North Carolina Wing Civil Air Patrol 85th Anniversary,” inviting all residents of North Carolina to observe the occasion.
Governor Stein’s proclamation notes that the Civil Air Patrol was founded on December 1, 1941, with the North Carolina Wing established shortly after on December 9, 1941. At its inception, about 350 volunteers and their private aircraft supported military operations during World War II through two coastal patrol bases. The number of volunteers in the North Carolina Wing now approaches 2,300. Today, Civil Air Patrol serves as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
Colonel Brendan Kearns, Commander of the North Carolina Wing Civil Air Patrol, stated: “On behalf of the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, I extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Josh Stein for issuing a proclamation honoring our Wing’s 85th Anniversary and for recognizing February 14, 2026, as a day ‘In Recognition of the North Carolina Wing, Civil Air Patrol, 85th Anniversary’ across our state. For eighty-five years, the North Carolina Wing has proudly served our communities, our state, and our nation through emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet development. This proclamation not only acknowledges the dedication of our volunteers—past and present—but also highlights the enduring partnership between Civil Air Patrol and the people of North Carolina. We are grateful for this honor and commend its observance to all residents as we celebrate our legacy of service and our continued commitment to supporting missions that save lives, shape leaders, and strengthen our communities.”
The proclamation recognizes ongoing efforts in emergency response missions within North Carolina along with educational programs in aerospace and leadership development for youth.
