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Back in Business: Alabama Wing Squadron Reactivates
Civil Air Patrol’s presence in north Alabama expanded Jan. 25 with the Pryor Field Composite Squadron’s reactivation.
Capt. Brad Bost assumed command of the squadron — originally chartered in 1961 but deactivated because of the COVID-19 quarantine — in a ceremony at Pryor Field Regional Airport in Tanner. Bost previously served as deputy commander for seniors for the Arizona Wing's Falcon Composite Squadron 305 before transferring to the Alabama Wing's Redstone Composite Squadron in October.
“We’re thrilled to be able to serve the Decatur/Athens area once again, whether it be through search and rescue, disaster relief, or helping to educate young people about aviation and leadership,” he said.
Col. R. Brian Williams, Alabama Wing commander and a former Pryor Field Composite cadet presented Bost the unit flag during the ceremony.
Also in attendance were Lt. Cols. Kim Miller, the wing’s vice commander, and Arnold Station, Alabama Wing North Group commander.
Cadet Capt. Aviela Groder was named the reactivated squadron’s cadet commander. Groder has been a CAP member since April 2019. Like Bost, she previously belonged to the Redstone Composite Squadron.
Members from three other area composite squadrons — Gen. Joe Wheeler, Mountain Lakes, and Redstone — also attended the ceremony to show their support.
So far the squadron numbers seven cadets and four adult members, totals Bost looks forward to seeing grow, having already encountered an outpouring of interest from potential senior members who want to join the program not only to support the aviation operation and also to help mentor the younger members.
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2nd Lt. Chris Butera
Public Affairs Officer
Redstone Composite Squadron
Alabama Wing