U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann (left), commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and commander, First Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Northern and U.S. Air Forces Space), presents the Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force (CAP-USAF) guidon to incoming commander Col. Andrew J. Stewart during a change-of-command ceremony April 20, 2026, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Darius Hutton)
Col. Andrew J. Stewart became the 34th Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force (CAP-USAF) commander in a change of command ceremony held April 20 outside the CAP Hangar at Maxwell Air Force Base.
Stewart, who has served as the CAP-USAF deputy commander since July 2024, assumed command from his predecessor, retiring Air Force Col. Aaron D. Reid in the ceremony. Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR), and commander, First Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Northern (AFNORTH) and U.S. Air Forces Space) presided over the event.
Following a time-honored tradition, Ahmann transferred the CAP-USAF guidon to Stewart after taking it from Reid. Afterward, Stewart addressed the crowd, which included Richard L. Anderson, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO.
A cadet color guard from the Alabama Wing’s Bessemer Composite Squadron leads the presentation of the colors before the change of command ceremony outside the CAP Hangar at Maxwell Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Young Kim)
Providing Air Force Oversight for CAP
In his new role as CAP-USAF commander, Stewart is the Department of the Air Force’s senior officer responsible for program management, oversight, and operational integration of CAP, the official civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and a Total Force partner. As such, he commands a dispersed nationwide team of more than 200 military and civilian personnel across eight geographic liaison regions dedicated to providing program oversight of 70,000 CAP volunteer members and more than 1,400 units across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and select overseas installations.
Additionally, Stewart ensures the readiness of this volunteer force to execute Air Force-assigned missions with the world’s largest single-engine fleet of over 550 light aircraft and its three congressionally mandated programs of Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education.
As the presiding officer, Ahmann reflected on the weight of these responsibilities on both the incoming and outgoing commanders, as well as the vital role the CAP-USAF commander plays in the Total Force mission.
“Col. Reid’s dedication and leadership over the past three years have significantly strengthened our Total Force partnership. I have absolute confidence that Col. Stewart will build upon that strong foundation. His extensive experience and strategic vision make him the exact right leader to continue empowering our Civil Air Patrol volunteers to execute their vital missions across the nation.”
CAP supports the First Air Force, CONR, and AFNORTH missions across a broad spectrum of operations. Its aircraft act as “tracks of interest” to help ensure alert fighter jets and aircrews throughout the country are trained for the homeland defense mission.
Furthermore, CAP members conduct radar and cell phone forensics to assist the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center's (AFRCC) search-and-rescue efforts and provide invaluable support during disaster relief and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations.
Stewart will play a vital role leading this element of the First Air Force team, and in his comments shared his enthusiasm for the organization’s service to the nation.
“Our mission is unlike any other and our purpose is clear. We are part of a partnership that saves lives, shapes the next generation of leaders, and promotes American airpower. Every time a CAP crew locates a downed aircraft, every time a ground team provides comfort and aid in the wake of a natural disaster, and every time a young cadet is inspired to pursue a future in aviation, STEM, or military service, the importance of our role is reaffirmed.”
Parting Words for His Predecessor
Stewart also had thoughtful parting words for Reid. “I’ve personally grown as a leader under your command,” he said. “It was my distinct honor to serve as your deputy.”
He added, “Your vision, your leadership, your unwavering dedication were instrumental in advancing CAP-USAF and Civil Air Patrol into the top organizations they are today. Your tireless leadership to strengthen our airmen and you’ve set a standard of excellence that’s forged an organization we can all be proud of.
“Congratulations on a very successful command and congratulations on your retirement.”
Richard L. Anderson (left), assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, stands at attention alongside Col. Aaron D. Reid, the retiring CAP-USAF commander. (Photo by Steve Cox, National Headquarters)
Retirement Ceremony Honors Reid
Stewart’s comments were echoed in a retirement ceremony, led by Anderson, which followed the change of command ceremony. Anderson commended Reid's 25 years of service, particularly his transformation of CAP-USAF over the past three years.
“[Col. Reid] was given a specific charge, and he answered that charge with distinction. That was to rejuvenate CAP-USAF. It was to restore morale. It was to reinvigorate mission standards. And he did all of that.”
Reid described his final Air Force assignment as “a highlight of my career,” a fitting end to a military journey that began years ago as a CAP cadet. This full-circle moment was recently highlighted at the Winter Command Council meeting in Washington, D.C., where he reunited with his former cadet mentor, Col. Tracy D. Scantland, now the Tennessee Wing commander.
From a young cadet to the commander of CAP-USAF, Reid’s career reflects a legacy of service, leaving a rock-solid foundation upon which Stewart will now continue to build.
Serving Through the Air Force Auxiliary
Those interested in exploring leadership opportunities with the U.S. Air Force auxiliary can join now. Open to youth ages 12-20, and adult volunteers of all backgrounds, CAP offers firsthand training, mentorship, and service opportunities nationwide.
To learn more about membership and find a local unit, visit gocivilairpatrol.com.
