SEQUIM — The Dungeness Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the Air Force, has installed a new commander.
In a change-of-command ceremony Dec. 2 at Sequim Middle School, Lt. Col. Donald Long, commander of Washington Wing’s West Central Group, handed over the squadron flag — a guidon — to 1st Lt. Matthew Stewart.
Stewart replaces Lt. Veronica Turner, who stepped down as the squadron commander in October.
The new commander recently moved to Port Townsend. He was formerly involved in the Civil Air Patrol organization in the Chicago area.
For the Dungeness squadron, the change of command is part of a reorganization that moved the group to Sequim this fall.
It was formerly housed in facilities at William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles.
The squadron’s name is also new. It was formerly called the Port Angeles Composite Squadron.
Washington Wing commander Col. James P. Furlong approved the change, designed to encompass the North Olympic Peninsula, on Dec. 3.
“Our group is small right now,” Stewart said, “and we are building on the foundations of the former Port Angeles squadron.
“We plan to recruit from the Port Angeles, Sequim and Port Townsend area.”
The Civil Air Patrol cadet program, Stewart said, is “an excellent way for teens to get involved in aviation and prepare for education or careers involving high technology.
“For many, it’s the best way for parents to encourage their kids’ interests in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics].”
Tuesday meetings
Teens from 12 to 18 years old — both male and female — are encouraged to visit the squadron, which meets Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Sequim Middle School cafeteria at 301 W. Hendrickson Road.
One of Stewart’s first moves was appointing Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Siana Turner, a Sequim High School student, as the organization’s cadet commander.
With guidance and direction from adult officers, Civil Air Patrol cadets largely supervise and train each other within an Air Force-style command structure.
The squadron also seeks prospective adult officers, known as seniors, who are interested in the Civil Air Patrol’s three missions of aerospace education, the cadet program and emergency services.
For information about the Civil Air Patrol, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or visit the Dungeness squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dungenesscap.
