Civil Air Patrol Diablo Squadron Holds Change Of Command Ceremony

CONCORD, CA — Civil Air Patrol Diablo Composite Squadron 44 held a change of command ceremony at the Buchanan Field Clubhouse to mark a transition of cadet leadership from Cadet/Maj. Mark Hockel to Cadet/Capt. Giovani Behrens.

The ceremony, part of a long-standing tradition, reinforced the squadron’s commitment to building leaders from within its ranks.

Squadron Cmdr. Maj. Eric Meinbress expressed his appreciation to Hockel for his commitment to leadership and his contributions to building camaraderie and esprit de corps within the cadet ranks.

“Squadron 44 has been fortunate to benefit from C/Maj. Hockel’s professionalism and vast knowledge of the cadet program," Meinbress said. "Through his leadership, our cadets have grown tremendously in their cadet careers and our squadron once again sets the standard for excellence in the cadet program.”

Hockel will now fill the role of leadership officer within the squadron.

As the incoming cadet commander, Behrens assumes the responsibility of leading the cadet program, continuing to build its ranks, and forming future leaders. Behrens has been recognized for his passion, integrity, and leadership within Squadron 44, and the squadron looks forward to supporting him in his new role.

During the ceremony, the squadron flag, or guidon, which represents command, was symbolically passed. Squadron Cmdr. Maj. Meinbress passed the guidon from the outgoing cadet commander to the incoming cadet commander, symbolizing the seamless transfer of leadership and the squadron's commitment to upholding its core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect.

The Diablo Composite Squadron’s Change of Command Ceremony reinforced its dedication to the Civil Air Patrol traditions and its role in fostering the growth and development of its cadets. The transition also reinforced its commitment to excellence and community service.

Civil Air Patrol was 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.