The Civil Air Patrol announced on June 30 that the Knox County Airport Cadet Flight of the Ohio Wing has been renamed the Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron during a ceremony held on June 27 at Knox County Regional Airport in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.
The renaming honors Capt. Peter Hayden Chapman II, a Knox County native who was lost on April 6, 1972, when his HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" helicopter was shot down during a search effort for Air Force Colonel Eceal "Gene" Hambleton. Chapman and five other crewmembers were listed as Missing in Action for over two decades until their remains were recovered and identified in Vietnam in 1997.
According to squadron Public Affairs Officer, 1st Lt. John Morgan, "In less than a year, we have grown into a vibrant group of amazing young cadets and dedicated adult volunteers, in numbers that allow us now to be designated as a squadron, giving us the opportunity to perform all the mission areas of CAP, for both youth and adults." Morgan added that the name change is more significant than the new designation and cited John 15:13 before stating: "No group of people exemplifies this verse more than the United States Air Force rescue community, and no individual lived up to this heritage of sacrifice more than Peter Hayden Chapman, born and raised here in Knox County, Centerburg High School Class of 1958." He recognized members of Chapman's family present at the event.
Chris Cordle, former Airport Authority Board President who knew Chapman growing up, said, "Hayden Chapman was the best person you could imagine…a quiet leader, respected and admired by everyone who knew him. When word came in April of 1972 of Hayden’s loss, all of Centerburg was crushed. Today his loss is still painful, but the fact that CAP has chosen to recognize Hayden by renaming the Mt Vernon CAP unit in his honor is a great comfort and source of pride for all of us that knew Hayden." Cordle also read from a letter by Chapman's nephew expressing gratitude for honoring his uncle's legacy.
During the ceremony—held alongside dedication events for Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center—Ohio Wing Commander Col. David A. Dlugiewicz presented the new unit charter to Chief Master Sergeant Craig Cox and explained both the importance of naming and rapid growth within CAP. The new squadron patch was unveiled by Lt. Morgan with elements symbolizing Chapman's service as well as local connections such as school colors from Centerburg High School.
Capt Ronald Winget assumes command of the Capt Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron (used with permission, Cheryl Splain, Knox Pages)
A change-of-command ceremony transferred leadership from CMSgt Craig Cox to Capt. Ronald Winget; Lt. Morgan described its historical significance for unit cohesion and respect for authority during transitions. The day concluded with an open house featuring aircraft displays and historical exhibits about Civil Air Patrol’s role through history.
