CAP holds change of command

link U.S. Air Force Photo: 2nd Lt. Erin Recanzone

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Beattie, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control apprentice and Civil Air Patrol Captain, thanks everyone after taking command of the High Plains Composite Squadron Nov. 4 at the Army National Guard Armory. Beattie is excited for the opportunity to lead and grow the squadron.

The Eastern New Mexico squadron of the Civil Air Patrol hosted a change of command ceremony at the Army National Guard Armory in Clovis, New Mexico, Nov. 4.

During the ceremony, CAP Capt. Andrew Beattie, an active duty airman 1st class at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, took command of the Clovis High Plains Composite Squadron, relieving CAP Capt. Armando Carrion, a Cannon master sergeant, from command.

“I joined CAP because I had an interest in search and rescue and aviation,” Beattie stated. “As I spent more time in CAP, I developed a passion for leadership. CAP has provided me the opportunity to learn and grow as a leader through its amazing professional development program and the mentors it provides. I can honestly credit CAP and the people in it for molding me into the person I am today.”

In 1943, Congress passed Public Law 557, permanently establishing CAP as the auxiliary of the Air Force. Members of the CAP are divided into two groups: cadets and seniors. Cadets are adolescents ages 12 to 20, while seniors are participants ages 21 and older. Both cadets and seniors have unique goals and responsibilities that fall under the three primary mission areas: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

Members of the CAP meet every Tuesday at the U.S. Army National Guard Armory in Clovis from 1900-2100. Currently the Clovis High Plains Composite Squadron has 40 members, comprised of 18 cadets and 22 senior members, but Beattie would like to see that number significantly increase within the next year.

Unlike similar agencies, CAP participants possess Federal Emergency Management Agency certifications and are qualified nationwide, making them the go-to organization for law enforcement entities such as the New Mexico State Police, Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

The CAP program flies more than 85 percent of all federal inland Search and Rescue missions, and supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

“Our goal is to take over search and rescue for Eastern New Mexico,” said Beattie. “We also want to increase our participation in boarder control and drug enforcement efforts, but in order to meet these goals, we need more pilots.”

Individuals who participate in the CAP are afforded an opportunity to become valued members of their local community and provide aid during times of need.

For additional information regarding the CAP program, please contact Andrew Beattie at 575-784-2222.