New commander

Col. Clarence Lukes, 374 Airlift Wing Vice Commander, hands the guidon to Civil Air Patrol Lt Col Adam Boyd as Boyd assumes command of the Yokota Cadet Squadron, NHQ 103, at Yokota Air Base, Japan on October 9, 2014. The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, established in 1948. (Courtesy photo by Billie Thompson/released)

Yokota CAP welcomes new commander

Published Oct. 16, 2014
By Billie Thompson
Civil Air Patrol

YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN -- Civil Air Patrol Yokota Cadet Squadron, NHQ 103, welcomed their new commander, CAP Lt. Col. Adam Boyd, during a change of command ceremony presided over by 374th Airlift Wing Vice Wing Commander, Col. Clarence Lukes.

In speaking to the unit, Lukes reflected on his prior experience with the CAP, working in conjunction with the 1st Air Force, in providing air support for humanitarian missions during natural disasters. He also spoke of the integral part CAP plays in the defense of our nation and reminded cadets that, "what you do here is a part of that legacy of excellence."

Outgoing commander, CAP Capt Shea Speer reflected on his time with the unit as having, "given [him] a window to see a broader view of what Civil Air Patrol is," and added that an overseas squadron provides a unique point of view into the mission and purpose of the CAP.

Cadet 1st Lt Michael McDougall, NHQ 103 Cadet Commander, credited the Civil Air Patrol with giving him, "a sense of purpose, not only with my time, but with my person."
Developing tomorrow's leaders is a key mission of the CAP Cadet Program, a point that is not lost on incoming commander Boyd.

"This is a huge opportunity to be able to lead a unit," he said of assuming his first command. He also stressed that the focus of an overseas unit should be on the cadets.

Permanently established as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force on May 26, 1948, the Civil Air Patrol has three primary missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.