The Civil Air Patrol announced on June 10 that its squadron based at the Knox County Regional Airport has been renamed the Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron in honor of a Knox County native who learned to fly at the airport before becoming a U.S. Air Force pilot and giving his life during a Vietnam War rescue mission.
Peter Chapman, a native of Centerburg and 1958 graduate of Centerburg High School, learned to fly as a teenager at what is now the Knox County Regional Airport. He later became an Air Force pilot and was killed along with five other crewmen during what military historians have described as the largest, longest, and most complex search-and-rescue operation of the Vietnam War. The new name for the squadron carries special significance because it is based at the same airport where Chapman's aviation career began.
"We felt it was important to remember and honor a Knox County son who gave his life so that others may live. Capt. Chapman learned to fly at this airport as a teenager, and by naming the squadron in his honor, we hope to ensure his story of sacrifice is never forgotten," said 1st Lt. John Morgan, the squadron's public affairs officer.
"After all these years, it helps our heavy hearts to know that other people remember and care, especially our home county and hometown," said his sister, Beth Chapman Murphy.
The squadron will formally dedicate its new name during a ceremony on June 27 at the Knox County Regional Airport. The event will be held during the dedication and ribbon cutting of the recently completed Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center, which serves as home for the squadron. A squadron open house will take place between 10 AM and 4 PM, with members of Chapman's family expected to attend.
The Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron meets every Monday evening at 6 PM at the airport terminal building in Mt. Vernon. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth ages 12-18, with focuses on leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and character development.
