News - 2026 Archive

LEESBURG, Va. (April 9, 2026) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified and approved a new system - the first of its kind in the United States - in August 2025 to provide situational awareness for non-FAA ATC towers. Last month, the Leesburg Executive Airport, home of Virginia Wing’s Leesburg Composite Squadron, announced the system went live in their temporary contract tower controlling Leesburg Executive Airport while its new air traffic control tower is under construction.

NORTH BETHESDA, Md. (March 23, 2026) – Civil Air Patrol cadets from Burke Composite Squadron, located in Springfield, Virginia, competed in CyberPatriot, the Air and Space Force Association's National Youth Cyber Education Program. The team, nicknamed Cyber Monkeys, was one of the eleven All Service teams to compete in the CyberPatriot 18 National Finals held from March 21-23.

WINCHESTER, Va. (Feb. 27, 2026) – Civil Air Patrol’s Winchester Composite Squadron held a formal change of command ceremony last month, marking the transition of leadership from Lt. Col. Jacob Bixler to a new commander. Change of command ceremonies are among the most  significant traditions in Civil Air Patrol, symbolizing continuity of leadership, responsibility, and mission. The ceremonial passing of the unit flag formally transfers that trust from one  commander to the next in the presence of the squadron’s members.  

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 18, 2026) - Earlier this month, approximately 50 Virginia Wing members laced up their shoes, buttoned their blazers, and fastened their covers for State Legislative Day and the 2026 Aviation, Aerospace, and Advanced Air Mobility Legislative Reception.