Col. Mark Hyland is the new commander of the Maine Wing after a change of command ceremony June 21, succeeding Col. Blain Cote
“It is a great honor to take command of the Maine Wing. and I look forward to working with our dedicated volunteers to learn new skills and serve our communities,” Hyland said.
“I will work diligently to enhance our partnerships with state and local first responder agencies while expanding our response capabilities, broadening our aerospace education outreach, and seeking new opportunities for our cadets to explore a wide range of STEM careers.”
Col. Tom Carello, Northeast Region vice commander, presided over the ceremony.
Hyland has served in a variety of roles during his over 13 years in Civil Air Patrol, including Maine Wing disaster relief officer and many years as commander of the 77th Composite Squadron.
He holds a Master rating in public affairs and Senior ratings in command and emergency services. He is a qualified mission pilot and holds many emergency services qualifications.
While Hyland has recorded many accomplishments within CAP, his service during the COVID-19 pandemic transporting personal protective equipment throughout the wing both in the air and on the group and his participation in homeland security exercises are among his most valued experiences.
Hyland holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of Maine, Orono. He participated in two geological surveys in Antarctica and is a recipient of the Antarctica Service Medal. He spent the majority of his career with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection overseeing Superfund and other state hazardous waste sites.
After that, he worked with the Maine Emergency Management Agency, serving as director of operations and response.Cote, his predecessor as wing commander, was saluted with accolades from U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, U.S. Reps. Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree, Gov. Janet Mills, and the state Legislature.
He also received one of Civil Air Patrol’s highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award, presented by Carello on behalf of Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, CAP national commander/CEO.
Notable guests included Col. Derek Tate, CAP-USAF Northeast Region commander, and Cols. Richard Beach, Vermont Wing commander; Dominic Goupil, New Hampshire Wing commander; Philip Heron, Rhode Island Wing commander; and Andrew Liput, New Jersey Wing commander._____2nd Lt. Amanda GoldmanAssistant Public Affairs OfficerMaine Wing
