Cadets and adult volunteers from two local Civil Air Patrol squadrons visited the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, according to a July 23 announcement from the organization. The group included 15 cadets from the Licking County Composite Squadron based in Newark and the Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron out of Mt. Vernon.
Cadets and adult leaders from the Capt Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron and the Licking County Composite Squadron pose in front of the Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force. This aircraft was the first civilian aircraft allowed to fly over Ground Zero after 9/11.-Photo by 1st Lt. John Morgan, CAP
"We can talk about the milestones in aviation and aerospace, but to be able to experience this history in person allows them to see the big picture of the importance of aviation to our nation," according to 1st Lt. John Morgan, Deputy Commander and Public Affairs Officer for the Mt. Vernon unit.
The museum features several Civil Air Patrol exhibits, including two World War II-era CAP coastal patrol aircraft and a modern-day CAP Cessna 172. This particular Cessna 172, which retired from CAP service in 2024, was noted as being the first civilian plane allowed to fly over New York City following the terrorist attacks on September 11, providing detailed aerial images for governmental agencies.
"It’s more than just a fun way to see airplanes… It’s an opportunity to inspire curiosity, connect with history in a tangible way, and help someone imagine themselves being part of the next chapter of aviation," according to 1st Lt. Jenna Linton, Assistant Aerospace Education Officer for the Licking County Squadron.
The Licking County Composite Squadron meets Tuesday evenings at Everett Park in Newark from 6:30 to 9 PM. The Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron meets Monday evenings at Knox County Airport terminal building from 6 to 8:30 PM. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth ages 12-18 and focuses on leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and character development.
Cadet Staff Sergeant Benjamin Sattely
