The event commemorated 1st Lt. Joe Aho transitioning from Acting Squadron Commander in Minot to fulfilling a new commander role to establish a Civil Air Patrol squadron in Williston. The previous Minot commander, 1st Lt. Jon McLemore, was unavailable for the ceremony due to commitments at work. The Magic City Composite Squadron will continue to serve the communities of North Dakota under the direction of its new commander, Maj. Jeffrey Slocum.

Missions provided by the Civil Air Patrol are Emergency Services, including 95% of U.S. inland search and rescue; Aerospace Education for adults and cadets and free STEM support for educators of all types; and Cadet Programs to positively shape future generations.

Magic City’s Civil Air Patrol employs a Cessna 172 for air missions plus ground team support. Williston will be equipped similarly as the squadron develops and equipment becomes available.

The Magic City’s Civil Air Patrol squadron continued to develop its Emergency Services skills as the squadron flew its monthly proficiency missions on Saturday. Cadets received radio communication training from Aho, with Capt. Ben Conlin instructing General Emergency Services. Each cadet was able to communicate from the ground station to airborne co-pilot Wesley Woodside by the end of the training session.

Cadet Master Sgt. Stephen Jones ensures Cadet Senior Airman Maverick Trowbridge is looking sharp for the ceremony. Photo by Trust Tate, Airman 1st Class, USAF.

Williston’s new commander, Stanley resident 1st Lt. Aho, previously served in the prior Williston Civil Air Patrol squadron as well as the N.D. Army National Guard and joined the Magic City Composite Squadron in 2019. Minot’s new commander, Slocum, served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, with most of his service at Minot AFB, starting in 2002.

Both Minot and Williston squadrons hold meetings on Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.