SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - This is the 75th anniversary of South Dakota's Civil Air Patrol which started six days before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Kipp of the South Dakota Wing says the primary mission of the Patrol was simple.
Kip says those early missions were designed to fly over the Atlantic and spot German submarines. Crews would then radio their location to east coast bases.
As the years passed, Kip says the Civil Air Patrol's role in South Dakota adapted.
He says if a small airplane goes down somewhere in the state, CAP dispatches air-search aircraft and ground search teams to find it and rescue the occupants. The Patrol also secures the site for law enforcement and investigators.
Kip says the Patrol also pitches in during emergencies.
CAP provides disaster relief missions that include flying supplies, personnel and equipment. The Patrol also provides humanitarian assistance by bringing in water, food and medical supplies.
Kipp says the Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer wing and anyone with an interest in joining can find more at S-D-CAP-dot-U-S.