The U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was established 1 December 1941 and is a private, nonprofit organization of a benevolent character, and incorporated by the United States Congress on 1 July 1946.

The Hillsborough One Senior Squadron is comprised of senior members, meaning adults, in contrast to the many Cadet and Composite squadrons that have adults as well as youth.

The CAP is perhaps best known for it's Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission. CAP flies more than 85% of all federal inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.

HOSS meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM