Pictured, from left to right, Incoming Squadron Commander 2nd Lt. Michael Maroon, Tennessee Group II Commander Maj. Gary Fiser, and Outgoing Squadron Commander Capt. Ed Dempsey
photo by Maj. Larry Stewart
The Chattanooga Choo Choo Senior Squadron held a “Change of Command” ceremony, installing 2d Lt. Michael Maroon as the new squadron commander Thursday evening.
During the 20-minute ceremony, Master of Ceremonies Major Larry Stewart told the audience, “Tonight’s ceremony reflects the customs and traditions of the United States Air Force, of which Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary. No command position in CAP is a life-time appointment. Rather, every few years a commander is relieved of his or her position and passes the torch, or in our case, the unit flag, to another commander.”
Following the posting of the flags by a four-member color guard from the Chattanooga Cadet Squadron, Tennessee Group II Commander Major Gary Fiser said kind words about the outgoing commander, “Captain Ed Dempsey became squadron commander just before we all experienced the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions on travel, prohibitions of meeting in person, and participation in our usual activities made running the squadron a very difficult job. However, not only did he keep the squadron together and functioning, but he oversaw a recruiting program in the last year that more than doubled the number of active members of the squadron.”
Following the “passing of the torch,” the new commander took a few minutes to share a few comments with the gathering of more than 30 members, friends and family. Lt.
Maroon said, “First and foremost, I thank the previous commander for the help and support to make this transition as smooth and easy as possible. And I ask that the current staff officers remain in their current roles. This squadron is running smoothly, and I know we will continue to grow in numbers, and in skills and capabilities to allow us to serve our community and our nation in a meaningful way.”
Officials said, "Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives and shaping futures.
"Lt. Maroon became a member almost one year ago, and when the need to appoint a replacement squadron commander at the end of Capt. Dempsey’s term, Lt. Maroon agreed to serve. The squadron has shown great appreciation and respect, both to Capt. Dempsey for his effective leadership over the last four years, and to Lt. Maroon, for enthusiastically taking on this vital and challenging role."