09/25/2026
A Lifetime of Service Continues in Civil Air Patrol
After a career that took him from the U.S. Army and Air Force to international law and federal service, Col. John M. Orton is taking on a new challenge: leading the New Mexico Wing of Civil Air Patrol.
On Aug. 3, Orton assumed command as the wing’s 34th commander, taking responsibility for more than 600 members serving communities across New Mexico.
When asked why he wanted to become wing commander, his answer was simple.
“The opportunity to give back to and serve the members of my Wing and the State of New Mexico,” he said.
That focus on people is reflected in the way Orton views leadership. He believes a commander has a responsibility to make sure members have the training and equipment they need, while also giving them opportunities to contribute and grow.
“The privilege is the opportunity to work with others and see them succeed,” he said.
One of Orton’s priorities is building a strong, growing membership by helping squadrons create meaningful meetings, participate in their communities and provide opportunities for education, training and emergency services.
He also wants to strengthen connections among squadrons across the state through cooperation, resource sharing and mutual support.
Training will be a major part of that effort. Orton plans to expand emergency services exercises, including joint training with local search and rescue organizations. His goals include increasing wing exercises from four to six annually and creating teams that can bring training to remote areas.
For cadets, he plans to continue opportunities that combine leadership, aerospace and hands-on learning. These include campus-based training at New Mexico Tech and New Mexico Military Institute, aerospace activities at the squadron level, and visits to military installations, aviation museums and air shows.
Orton also emphasizes respect, cadet protection and teamwork. When selecting leaders and staff, he plans to consider the skills required for each position, seek input from experienced members and encourage current leaders to identify and prepare future leaders.
He believes an effective commander must be able to listen, remain patient, exercise sound judgment and make decisions when needed.
Orton received his military commission through Army ROTC at the University of Arizona. He served in the Army before accepting a direct commission in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate. His assignments included Europe, Türkiye, Greece, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the 3rd Space Support Wing.
After retiring from the Air Force, he continued his career in state and federal government.
Civil Air Patrol became another chapter in that career. Since joining CAP, Orton has held leadership positions at the squadron, group, wing and region levels. He has served as Southwest Region legal officer since 2022 and has supported national CAP legal officer training.
Now, his attention turns to the people and communities that make up New Mexico Wing.
For Orton, taking command is an opportunity to help members develop their skills, give cadets meaningful opportunities and strengthen the wing's ability to respond when New Mexico communities need it.
