Civil Air Patrol — A Volunteer U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Organization

John Rhyshek is a longstanding presence in the Bristol Bay law enforcement community who serves as chief of the local police department. Passionate about aircraft and flying, John Rhyshek has been a mission pilot with the U.S. Air Force auxiliary Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

A volunteer organization, CAP was launched in December 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, as a civilian aircraft auxiliary that would help ensure homeland defense. Among its accomplishments was spotting, bombing, and sinking U-boats off the American coasts. Designated as an official Air Force civilian auxiliary when the war was over, its new mandate included a restriction that prevented future combat operations.

Today, the Civil Air Patrol focuses on lifesaving non-combat missions which include disaster relief and search and rescue operations. These are often in support of organizations that facilitate vital humanitarian efforts in emergency situations, such as the Red Cross.

With 60,000 members, CAP has 52 wings spanning all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., and eight regional commands. Its primary aircraft are “general aviation” single engine models of the type also used for flying cadets during orientation.