MOUNT VERNON — On Sept. 12, 2001, the day following one of the darkest days in American history, a small plane could be seen circling the smoldering debris of what had the day before been the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
This plane, a single engine Cessna 172 Skyhawk, tail number N9344L was no ordinary plane however. It was the only civilian aircraft authorized to fly in or around New York City and belonged to the Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
The crew, pilot Lt Col Jacques Heinrich and Captains Andrew Feldman and Warren Ratis, all veteran volunteers with CAP, had been tasked to capture the first high resolution images of the site, map the debris fields and assess damage to the surrounding buildings.
This plane, after continuing to serve CAP for over 20 years was retired in 2024 and made its final flight to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, where it is currently on display to tell the CAP story to thousands of visitors each year.
Cadets of the Civil Air Patrol Knox County Airport Cadet Flight recently made a trip to the museum to pay homage to this aircraft and to learn more about aviation and Air Force history in person.
“It puts history in perspective when young people can see first hand the aircraft that made that history and the stories behind them,” said 1st Lt. John Morgan, one of the adult volunteers in the local unit.
While at the museum the group also made a point to visit the Russian Mig-29 “Fulcrum” on display.
This aircraft has special meaning to unit commander Chief Master Sergeant Craig Cox.
“I was on the C-17 crew that brought this very aircraft to Wright Patterson in 1997,” said Chief Cox.
The United States had secretly purchased 21 of the Migs from the country of Moldova, a former Soviet Republic, to keep the advanced aircraft from being sold to Iran.
While at the Air Force Base, the young cadets were also able to visit the base Honor Guard facility where they learned some of the basics of this storied tradition.
Staff Sergeant Trey Davidson, a CAP cadet as a youth and the CAP squadron NCO is currently a full time Security Forces member of the Ohio Air National Guard and was once the lead trainer for the Wright Patterson AFB Honor Guard.
His experience gave special insight to the cadets on being an Honor Guard member.
In other Civil Air Patrol news, three local members were recently recognized for their contributions as adult volunteers in the Civil Air Patrol.
1st Lt. Kimberly Cox was the awarded Administrator of the Year Award for her outstanding performance as Administrative/Personnel Officer.
Senior Member Daniel Wilson received the CAP Frank G Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award, which recognizes his outstanding contribution to the Aerospace Education mission of Civil Air Patrol.
1st Lt. John Morgan was awarded the Colonel Robert “Bud” Payton Public Affairs Officer of the Year Award for his actions, initiatives and management of the unit Public Affairs Program.
For more information on the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program or adult volunteer opportunities, please contact 1st Lt. John Morgan at 740-263-1664 or visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.
The Knox County Airport Cadet Flight meets every Monday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Knox County Airport, 6481 Kinney Rd., Mount Vernon.
About Civil Air Patrol
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.
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