The Twin Pine Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), based at Trenton-Mercer Airport, has been selected as Civil Air Patrol’s National Squadron of Distinction for 2018.
Founded in Pennington in 1971 and a perennial fixture of the Mercer County aviation community, the Twin Pine squadron serves the community through cadet programs, emergency services and aerospace education outreach.
“Twin Pine’s selection from more than 1,500 squadrons across the United States speaks volumes about its members’ commitment to serving Mercer County and our region,” Hughes said. “In particular, the fine work Twin Pine does in helping young people become responsible citizens while preparing them for careers in aviation, military service, and public service is most deserving of this national recognition.”
The Civil Air Patrol has been called “America’s Best Kept Secret” in regard to the organization’s service to local communities and its development of the nation’s youth. Currently, former Twin Pine cadets attend both the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. In addition, former Twin Pine Squadron cadets are currently serving in every branch of the U.S. armed services.
While the National Squadron of Distinction Award primarily recognizes Twin Pine for success in its Cadet Program, Twin Pine senior members train for emergency response, search and rescue, disaster relief and aviation missions in support of numerous federal and state agencies.
The squadron, based at the National Guard and NJ State Police Aviation Facility at Trenton-Mercer Airport in Ewing, meets Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9:30pm.
