Squadron 35, Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol

About Us

 

The squadron was first organized in early 1942.  One of its charter members was actor Robert Cummings, owner and operator of the vintage aircraft, Spinach, which is still based at Whiteman.  The squadron itself was based out of the old San Fernando Airport.       

Initially operating under the authority of the Civil Defense, the squadron flew a variety of missions in support of American military forces and national defense.  These missions included Border Patrol, Personnel Transport, Search and Rescue, Airport Security, Forestry Patrol, Target Towing and Courier Flights.

On the 23^rd of February 1942, aircraft from Squadron 35, led by Cummings, went in search of a Japanese submarine that had shelled the oil refinery at Goleta.  Though unarmed, they were prepared to follow the example set by the CAP coastal patrol squadrons on the Atlantic seaboard and guide naval and air forces to any targets sighted.  Unfortunately, the Japanese submarine had already withdrawn from the area and was on its way back home.  

Later in the war, the Civil Air Patrol was placed under the operational control of the U. S. Army Air Force.  It continued to conduct missions in support of National Defense. Following World War II, the Civil Air Patrol was chartered as a Non-Profit Corporation and designated as the official Auxiliary to the newly formed United States Air Force in 1947.  It was assigned three principal missions:                                                                   

             - Emergency Services                                                                    - Aerospace Education                                                               - Cadet Programs

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