MOUNT VERNON — The Civil Air Patrol squadron based at the Knox County Regional Airport has been renamed the Capt. Peter Hayden Chapman II Composite Squadron.
The renaming announcement was released on Wednesday night. It honors a Knox County native who learned to fly at the airport before becoming a U.S. Air Force pilot and giving his life during a Vietnam War rescue mission.
A native of Centerburg and 1958 graduate of Centerburg High School, Chapman learned to fly as a teenager at what is now the Knox County Regional Airport.
He later became an Air Force pilot and was killed, along with five other crewmen, during what military historians have described as the largest, longest and most complex search-and-rescue operation of the Vietnam War.
Their story was told in a movie starring Gene Hackman, Bat-21.
The 31-year-old Chapman was a pilot flying HH-53, code name Jolly Green 67. His aircraft was shot down on April 6, 1972 while trying to rescue Lt. Col. Iceal Hambelton (Hackman in the film). Hambelton was highly sought as the director of surface-to-air countermeasures in Vietnam with top-secret knowledge of U.S. air defense systems.
The squadron’s new name carries special significance because the unit is based at the same airport where Chapman’s aviation career began.
We felt it was important to remember and honor a Knox County son who gave his life so that others may live.
1st Lt. John Morgan
“We felt it was important to remember and honor a Knox County son who gave his life so that others may live,” said 1st Lt. John Morgan, the squadron’s public affairs officer.
“Capt. Chapman learned to fly at this airport as a teenager, and by naming the squadron in his honor, we hope to ensure his story of sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Chapman’s sister, Beth Chapman Murphy, said the family was humbled by the honor.
“After all these years, it helps our heavy hearts to know that other people remember and care, especially our home county and hometown,” Murphy said.
The squadron will formally dedicate its new name during a ceremony June 27 at the Knox County Regional Airport.
The ceremony is to be held during the dedication and ribbon cutting of the recently completed Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center, home of the squadron. A squadron Open House will be held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Members of Chapman’s family are expected to attend.
The Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron meets every Monday evening at 6 p.m. at the airport terminal building, 6481 Kinney Rd., Mt. Vernon.
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth ages 12 to 18. The program focuses on Leadership, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness and Character Development.
For more information on the Cadet Program or adult volunteer opportunities, please contact 1st Lt. John Morgan, CAP, at 740-263-1664.
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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