Deputy Chief of Staff

Lt Col Ernesto Arroyo joined Civil Air Patrol as a Puerto Rico Wing cadet in January 1983, earning the Billy Mitchell Award in July 1985. After transitioning to senior membership, his assignments included Squadron Commander at Añasco Cadet Squadron, followed by service in the Añasco Senior Squadron. He has also served as Group Deputy Commander for Group 3, Group Transportation Officer for Group 3, and Wing Disaster Relief Officer. He currently serves as our Message Center officer on the west side of Puerto Rico. 

Lt Col Arroyo completed Level IV of the Education & Training Program, earning the Paul E. Garber Award in August 2018, and Level V, earning the Gill Robb Wilson Award in August 2022. He holds a Master Rating in Administration; Senior Ratings in Command, Emergency Services, Safety, and Professional Development; and Technician Ratings in Cadet Programs, Finance, Communications, Personnel, Aerospace Education, and Recruiting & Retention. He has also served as Director and Instructor at SLS, CLC, TLC, UCC, and RCLS. 

He earned Distinguished Graduate honors in Mission Scanner/Air Photography in 2019 and Distinguished Graduate in Mission Observer in 2022 at NESA. He is a certified instructor in Volunteer University for Levels 1 through 5 and is a member of the NESA staff. He also holds CAP Aircrew and Observer ratings. 

In his private life, Lt Col Ernesto Arroyo holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Management and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Process from the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo. He worked in the private sector for Lilly del Caribe Pharmaceuticals for 34 years, from which he recently retired. He remains committed to helping develop our members into stronger leaders and encouraging them to give their best.