The Civil Air Patrol, founded in the early 1940s, to mobilize civilian aviation resources for the war effort, is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

Lt. Col. Tom Brown has been leading the squadron in recent years but command was formally transferred to Capt. Peg Matson.

Squadron 505 is probably best known for its involvement with the Cadet Program, aimed at “transforming youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders,” according to CAP.

There are currently 25,000 cadets involved in the program.

Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Master Sgt. Caleb Penley salutes State Representative Kathy Rapp, herself a major in the Civil Air Patrol legislative branch.

Group Commander Col. Gary Fleming oversaw the change of command that was held at Faith Fellowship Church of God, 208 Market St.

“We appreciate this squadron has kept going,” Fleming said, noting that the pandemic forced some to shutter. “Warren is not one of those situations.”

Brown said the current focus of Squadron 505 is “recovery from COVID” and recruiting new members.

He said they also strive to “get the cadets to outside activities.” In addition to the weekly meetings, that will take the form of local events monthly, such as work with the local Blue Star Mothers chapter, but also include larger trips to the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and a December trip to Washington D.C. to participate in Wreaths Across America.

State Representative Kathy Rapp was in attendance for the command change.

Rapp said she’s a major in the legislative branch of the Civil Air Patrol.

She told the cadets that participation in CAP “will help you greatly in whatever you do in the future,” noting that the “nation is desperate for leaders in the future.”

Fleming and Group Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Dan Wilson presented Brown with a commendation for his service, crediting him for going “above and beyond” and being “always willing to give his time.”

The command change turned the reins over to Matson, who calls Ridgway home.

“She’ll do well,” Brown said.