What We Do
National Blue Beret provides assistance to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual AirVenture fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
NBB is one of the five search and rescue mission bases across Wisconsin, designated by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Each is staffed by dedicated CAP members during AirVenture Oshkosh.
National Blue Beret offers the opportunity to serve at one of the largest and most prestigious air shows in the world for about 150 Civil Air Patrol cadets 16 and older and 50 senior officers. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh annually draws more than 500,000 people and over 10,000 aircraft to Wittman Field, making it America’s busiest civilian airport for that week each summer.
The National Blue Beret activity encompasses all of the Civil Air Patrol's three missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.
National Blue Beret encompasses real-world experiences for CAP cadets. The tasks we perform provide an opportunity to deeply learn the tenets of servant leadership through volunteer service, teamwork and coordination, and time management in a work-like environment.
The CAP-sanctioned activity is two weeks long. The first week is for training to become qualified to perform the emergency services tasks associated with their duties. And the second-week overlaps with EAA AirVenture, where they put those skills to use.
National Blue Beret members serve in several areas of Airventure including flight line operations, public safety and compliance with FAA regulations, searching for overdue aircraft, and eliminating errant Electronic Locator Transmitter signals. Cadets are encouraged to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime events that often occur at Oshkosh such as the opportunity to meet legendary aviation professionals, explore education opportunities, explore aviation career fields, and witness both vintage and new highly sophisticated aircraft in flight.
Ultimately, cadets learn how to become better leaders while taking on the responsibility of serving others.
