Puerto Rico Wing Aerospace Fair Focuses on Modern Missions

Winning entry

More than 275 members, friends, and family members turned out for the 2023 Puerto Rico Wing’s Aerospace Fair, featuring the theme of “Modern Aerospace Missions.” 

The wing held the fairjointly with the Grand Educational and Observation Fair of the EcoExploratorio at the Science Museum of Puerto Rico in San Juan in conjunction with the Oct. 14 solar eclipse. That event drew more than 17,000.

“Partnering with EcoExploratorio, by bringing our activity and resources to their solar eclipse viewing event, allowed our cadets and adult members to showcase CAP's aerospace mission in front of thousands of people while having a fun day themselves,” said Col. Juan Rodriguez, Puerto Rico Wing commander.

The wing aerospace power provided visitors with a chance to learn about Civil Air Patrol’s The commitment to aviation and aerospace education. They were able to learn about the latest advancements of space missions and explore the role of aerospace in the modern world.

Visitors “were impressed by our cadets,” said Maj. Ramón Román, the wing’s director of aerospace education, who credited the success of the event “to their sacrifice and work.” 

“Likewise, I’m thanking all the adult members who worked alongside their cadets and the entire team for their dedication and support to make this fair the success it was,” Román said. 

The fair included a 15-team competition involving aerospace-related projects. 

Cadets from the 2nd Lt. Christian F. Valentin Cadet Squadron took home the first-place trophy. Their project, named “Europa Clipper,” examined the NASA’s mission main goal of exploring Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, in search of potential signs of life beneath its surface. 

Placing second was the Capt. Saulo Solis Molina Cadet Squadron with its “Exoplanet” entry. 

Third place went to the Muñiz ANG Base Cadet Squadron for its “Helicopter/Webb Space Telescope” project.