Crusader Composite Squadron

Capt. Lucas Kakert

Captain Luke Kakert serves as Commander of the Crusader Composite Squadron, providing leadership and oversight for the unit’s cadet, senior member, aviation, and emergency services programs in Grand Prairie, Texas. In this role, he is responsible for developing unit readiness, supporting member progression, strengthening operational capability, and ensuring the squadron remains prepared to support Civil Air Patrol’s emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs missions.

A longtime Civil Air Patrol member, Kakert assumed command in October 2025 after nearly two decades of service across multiple wings and operational environments. He joined Civil Air Patrol in 2007 as a cadet with the Quad-City Composite Squadron and earned the General Billy Mitchell Award in 2011 while assigned to the Davenport Composite Squadron. His early cadet experience helped shape a leadership philosophy centered on mentorship, professionalism, accountability, and mission readiness.

Kakert’s primary area of focus is emergency services. He is a qualified incident commander with extensive experience in mission planning, mission base operations, and training aircrew and ground team personnel. He has supported a wide range of missions and staff functions, applying a steady command presence and a strong understanding of the Incident Command System to complex operational environments. His experience includes coordinating personnel and resources, improving readiness, and ensuring missions are executed safely and effectively.

Throughout his Civil Air Patrol career, Kakert has served in operational and staff roles across the Illinois, Iowa, Florida, and Texas wings, with additional short-term operational support in Arizona and Nevada. His cross-wing experience has contributed to a practical and adaptable leadership style, along with a commitment to applying proven practices across units, wings, and regions.

In addition to emergency services, Kakert has served as a cadet programs officer, supporting cadet leadership development, advancement, training, and mentorship. He remains committed to developing cadets into capable leaders while ensuring senior members are trained, engaged, and prepared to support the squadron’s mission.

Professionally, Kakert holds an airline transport pilot certificate with multiple jet type ratings and brings a strong aviation and operational background to his volunteer service. Within Civil Air Patrol, he holds a command pilot rating and applies his aviation experience to strengthen flight safety, aircrew proficiency, and operational effectiveness. He remains dedicated to developing members, improving mission readiness, and ensuring the Crusader Composite Squadron is prepared to serve its community, Texas Wing, and the nation.