The Civil Air Patrol's Washington Wing (abbreviated WAWG) is the highest echelon of the Civil Air Patrol in the state of Washington. Its headquarters are located in Pierce County, Washington at McChord Field at Joint Base Lewis–McChord near Tacoma, Washington. Washington Wing oversees 27 primary subordinate squadrons located throughout the state. Locally, Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol members operate a fleet of 23 vehicles and 14 aircraft (Cessnas 172s, 182s, and a 206, as well as 2 Blanik gliders) for inland search and rescue missions and cadet orientation flight instruction. Washington members contributed a value of $4.9 million in volunteer hours to their local communities and the state of Washington in 2016. In April 2018, Washington Wing installed the first female to reach the grade of Colonel, Shelly J. Norman as Wing Commander in a change of command ceremony in Wenatchee, Washington. Other 2016 statistics: - 144 aircrew personnel - 515 cadet orientation flights - 1,537 total hours flown - 779 emergency responders - 15 VHF/FM repeaters - 230 VHF/FM stations - 41 HF stations Mission The Washington Wing performs the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol: providing emergency services; offering cadet programs for youth; and providing aerospace education for both CAP members and the general public. Emergency services The Civil Air Patrol provides emergency services, which includes performing search and rescue and disaster relief missions; as well as assisting in humanitarian aid assignments. The CAP also provides Air Force support through conducting light transport, communications support, and low-altitude route surveys. The Civil Air Patrol can also offer support to counter-drug missions. In March 2021, as a part of Civil Air Patrol's response in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, members of Washington Wing provided support at three vaccine point of distribution. Cadet programs The Civil Air Patrol offers a cadet program for youth aged 12 to 21, which includes aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership. Aerospace education The Civil Air Patrol offers aerospace education for CAP members and the general public, including providing training to the members of CAP, and offering workshops for youth throughout the nation through schools and public aviation events. Squadrons Northwest Group Southwest Group Eastern Group Legal protection Under Washington law, it is illegal for an employer within the borders of Washington to discipline or discharge from employment an employee who is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, due to that employee