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Composite Squadron of the Waxhaws Holds Change of Command

Capt Hallihan hands over flag
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Capt Patrick Hallihan (Second from Right) Deputy Commander of NC-300, relinquishes Command on behalf of the outgoing squadron commander, during the Change of Command ceremony on 30 April 2019. Photo Credit: 1st Lt H.J. Bentley III, CAP (click image to view full size)
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Maj Tom Conroy assumes Command of NC-300

5/5/2019––1st Lt Sarah Stevens relinquished Command of the Composite Squadron of the Waxhaws (NC-300) to Maj Tom Conroy during a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Change of Command ceremony at Cuthbertson High School on 30 April 2019.
 
The ceremony’s presiding official, CAP Lt Col Jeff Focke, Group VI Commander of the North Carolina Wing, praised Lt Stevens’ leadership as essential to the squadron's ability to plan, grow and respond rapidly during her tenure as squadron commander.
 
In accordance with military tradition and heritage, the unit's Colors were passed from C/2d Lt Jacob Hoernlein to Capt Patrick Hallihan, Deputy Commander for NC-300, symbolizing allegiance to the outgoing commander.  Capt Hallihan then passed the Colors to Lt Col Jeff Focke, Group VI Commander, signifying that the unit is never without a commander, and then passed the Colors to Maj Conroy symbolizing the entrustment of command.  The passing of the Colors concluded when Maj Conroy returned the Colors back to C/2d Lt Hoernlein denoting that the organization’s Colors stay with the members of the Composite Squadron of the Waxhaws.
 
Maj Conroy, a New York native and U.S. Army veteran, becomes the unit's sixth squadron commander and previously served as the squadron commander of NC-052 (Sugar Valley Composite Squadron).
 
“The 300th is a top-notch squadron in Group VI and the North Carolina Wing,” said Lt Col Focke. “Members of NC-300 are a dedicated group of cadets and senior members who strive for excellence in all they do. Lt Stevens has done a tremendous job over the last year to build a foundation for NC-300 to launch them forward in so many areas. Her professionalism, positive attitude, dedication, and selfless service is clearly seen by all of us who have served with her.”
 
1st Lt Stevens said, “I want to thank you all for your service to the squadron, CAP and the Wing over the last year. You have a lot to be proud of and I am proud to have had the chance to serve as Squadron Commander of the Composite Squadron of the Waxhaws for the last year.”  “I wish you continued success in your CAP careers as I prepare for what my next adventure in life may be. Please join me in supporting Maj Conroy as he steps forward to lead our squadron to greater success in the future.”