ACE Basin in the news

The ACE Basin Composite Squadron received the 2023 Quality Cadet Unit Award for the 5th year in a row!  “Any cadet unit that displays strong programs fundamentals can earn” this award, which is intended to “identify squadrons that are flourishing.” The ten objective criteria used to evaluate squadrons for this award cover diverse measures of squadron success including:  cadet enrollment, orientation flight participation, cadet promotions, emergency service training, aerospace education activities, community service and senior member progress. 

ACE Basin Composite Squadron was recognized this spring as the South Carolina Wing’s 2023 Squadron of Merit. This award recognizes the top squadron in the wing and is an incredible honor for ACE Basin.

Ace Basin Composite Squadron's newly created Basic Element, led by Deputy Commander of Cadets SSgt Ed Farr, C/CMSgt Kai Schweitzer, and C/SMSgt Kaytie Schweitzer, saw all participating cadets promote within the first month. Seven cadets reached their Curry achievement and started strong in their Civil Air Patrol journey. 

ACE Basin Composite Squadron Senior Members and Cadets met many interested members of the general public at the MCAS Beaufort Airshow. We talked about Civil Air Patrol missions, our aircraft and STEM. 1st Lt Timothy Elson gave an interview to WHHI about Civil Air Patrol.

Cadets C/TSgt Elson and C/SSgt Hayes from ACE Basin Composite Squadron manned a Civil Air Patrol STEM table at the 2023 Accelerating the Legacy Event. The event was to inspire minority and underserved youth in STEM and aviation. It was inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen and heavily supported by the USAF and CAP. In fact, 25 aircraft and pilots from 4 Civil Air Patrol Wings supported the event, giving rides to 200 kids throughout the day.

ACE Basin Composite Squadron cadets can be seen with cadets from Coastal Charleston Composite Squadron in the news report video.

Cadets C/TSgt Elson and C/SSgt Hayes from ACE Basin Composite Squadron manned a Civil Air Patrol STEM table at the 2023 Accelerating the Legacy Event. The event was to inspire minority and underserved youth in STEM and aviation. It was inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen and heavily supported by the USAF and CAP. In fact, 25 aircraft and pilots from 4 Civil Air Patrol Wings supported the event, giving rides to 200 kids throughout the day.

ACE Basin Composite Squadron Commander, 1st Lt Timothy Elson supported the event as Public Affairs Officer, and was interviewed by Live5 News Charleston.

2022 was a very active year for ACE Basin Composite Squadron.

Here are just a few of our numbers from last year.

Four cadets from ACE Basin Composite Squadron were awarded the Wright Brother's Achievement in the month of October. Recipients included C/SSgt J. Atherton, C/SSgt S. Atherton, C/SSgt R. Atherton, and C/SSgt S. Elson. Also promoted in October were C/Amn A. Hayes, and C/SrA A. Atherton. 

ACE Basin Composite Squadron continues to excel with its promotion of ten of its members in the month of September. Six cadets and four senior members were awarded promotions at the weekly meeting in Cottageville on September 29. While promotions are always special, this month's ceremony held extra significance for two of the Squadron's families. 

Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) Kaytie Schweitzer has earned the Wright Brothers Award, marking the first milestone achievement in the Cadet Program.