Oddball squadron names

[RiverAux]

Most CAP squadrons are named after the town that they are in and there are a few squadrons named after specific people.  However there are some unusual names out there (Wing in parentheses):

248TH TAC AIR SENIOR SQ (WI)
21ST CENTURY ACADEMY CADET SQ (NM)
492ND EMERGENCY SERVICES COMP SQDN (WY)
7-6 AIR CAVALRY COMPOSITE SQDN (TX)
APOLLO I COMPOSITE SQDN (MD)
BLACK SHEEP COMPOSITE SQDN (TX)
BLACK SHEEP SENIOR SQDN (CO)
COASTAL PATROL BASE - 21 (NC)
COASTAL PATROL BASE 16 (NC)
DELAWARE AIR NATIONAL GUARD CADET SQ (DE)
INDIANA AIR OPERATIONS GROUP (IN)
JOLLY GREEN COMPOSITE SQDN (TX)
MEMPHIS BELLE MEMORIAL SQDN (TN)
MILWAUKEE EMERGENCY SERVICES FLIGHT (WI)
MILWAUKEE SENIOR SP SQDN 10 (WI)
PONY EXPRESS COMPOSITE SQUADRON (MO)
ROUGHRIDER COMP SQ (ND)
SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS COMPOSITE SQDN (MO)
STARBASE COMPOSITE SQDN (OK)
SUPER R. I. BONG COMPOSITE SQDN (WI)
T-BIRD COMPOSITE SQDN 4 (NM)
TIGERSHARK COMPOSITE SQDN (TX)
TIP O' THE MITT COMPOSITE SQDN (MI)
TRAIL OF TEARS COMPOSITE SQDN (MO)
VOYAGER COMPOSITE SQDN 120 (CA)
WASHOE JEEP SENIOR SQDN (NV)
WILD HORSE DESERT COMPOSITE SQDN (TX)
WYLIE WARRIORS (TX)

[MIKE]

I think that when a unit is charterd, NHQ should name it based on some strict rules.  See also heraldry etc, etc.

[RiverAux]

Judging by my look in CAPWATCH I'd say that about 95% or more of squadrons are named using the standard CAP convention of City and then Cadet/Composite/Senior Squadron.  Probably 4% are named after people and then besides the oddballs I mentioned there were about 5 or so squadrons that appeared to be named after a school and its mascot (something like the Smithville Eagles Cadet Squadron --an example I made up). 

[JC004]

Some of these should have never been approved.  They are dumb.  I am revoking most of them (except the Coastal Patrol units).

[mikeylikey]

SUPER R. I. BONG COMPOSITE SQDN (WI)

HAHAHAHHA  SUPER BONG!   HAHAHAHHHAHHA

Actually, they are not oddball.  If you knew anything about American History, Military History, and or the location of these units, they are named in honor of 1) Historical items/issues/places, 2) after military units at the location where the CAP unit is located, 3) original CAP (ARMY) unit identifiers. 

There is no merrit in the original post, they are all legitimate.

HOWEVER, the ones that call themselves "Fighting (INSERT NAME) Ranger Squadron, or 123 RESCUE (INSERT NAME) Squadron are the oddball ones.

[MIKE]

Something that stays relatively consistent would be good... Like numbered units.  The thing with naming units after places is that you kind of need to rename it when the unit moves.

[dwb]

I think that when a unit is charterd, NHQ should name it based on some strict rules.  See also heraldry etc, etc.

I don't mind units being named for local history, or in memory of a person.

The CAP Talk co-admin's squadron is named after a long-time CAPer.  It was renamed after said member (F.R. Sussey) passed away.

Meh, unit names are not enough to get me riled up, I guess.

[FARRIER]

SUPER R. I. BONG COMPOSITE SQDN (WI)  =    KSUW Richard I. Bong Airport

WW II Fighter Ace

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=1125&term_type_id=1&term_type_text=People&letter=B

[RiverAux]

They are oddball in that they are not consistent with CAP's policy on unit names.
From CAPR 20-3

c. A proposed name for the unit. Unit names must include the following elements:

1) Identifying prefix - a short identifier, preferably associated with location (example: Shamrock, Dayton, Hot Springs, Midville, etc.). DO NOT use names such as "Black Sheep," "Flying Tigers," etc., or terms descriptive of major functions such as "Communications," "Jeep," or "Rescue," etc.).
2) Type of unit (group, cadet squadron, senior squadron, composite squadron, or flight).
3) If the unit is to be named for an individual, the unit must obtain the individual's permission prior to submitting the charter application. If the individual is deceased, permission will be obtained from the nearest living relative. A statement will be typed on the reverse side of the CAPF 27 indicating that permission has been obtained.
4) In addition to the above, the sponsoring organization (if applicable) and a numerical suffix (if needed because of similarity of names) are permitted. Examples of acceptable names are: "Red Oak Composite Squadron," "Midvale Flight," "Miami Senior Squadron No. 2," "Manhattan Group IV," and "Bay City Optimist Cadet Squadron." NOTE: National Headquarters will edit names that are too long and/or contain undesirable elements.

Note that some of the squadron names on my list would not be allowed if applied for under today's rules. 

Yes, the Bong squadron is appropriately named under these rules, I just thought that one was funny.  I'm sure he was a great guy. 

[ctrossen]

Well, I can provide a little insight here...

248TH TAC AIR SENIOR SQ (WI)

This one I don't remember offhand. It was described to me a while back and it just didn't stick. I do remember it's TAC, not "tactical", Air (or anything along those lines).


MILWAUKEE EMERGENCY SERVICES FLIGHT

formerly the Milwaukee Emergency Services Squadron (MESS, for short), where I spent, oh, a good 15 years of my life. Would the name pass muster under the new naming conventions? Probably not. Then again, it doesn't have to, now does it? ;-)


MILWAUKEE SENIOR SP SQDN 10

Actually Milwaukee Senior Support Squadron 10 (informally known as the 10th Senior Support Squadron). Back around 1990 or so, WI Wing dismantled it's group structure. Only two group HQs had any real amount of strength to them - Group 10 and Group 12, so both were reorganized as senior squadrons. The 10th and 12th Senior Support Squadrons (though how the name changed is beyond me). The "10th" is co-located with my unit - they pretty much provide the aircraft and most of the pilots for us.



SUPER R. I. BONG COMPOSITE SQDN

Actually the Superior R.I. Bong Composite Squadron (as in Richard I Bong... see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_I._Bong). Superior, because that's the name of the city it's in (Superior, WI... pretty much as far northwest as you get in Wisconsin), and Richard I Bong, because, well, he's a bona-fide Medal of Honor-winning, war hero born there.

There is also the Bong Recreation Area in SE Wisconsin (what was going to be the Bong AFB), named after him.


Enjoy!

[ELTHunter]

I gotta say, I know who Richard I. Bong is, and when I saw Super R.I. Bong, it made me laugh out loud.  I thought maybe it meant Super Rhode Island Bong or something...like they had the best bong in the state....Superior I understand....well could still be the best bong.....maybe it's bed time:)

[JC004]

I gotta say, I know who Richard I. Bong is, and when I saw Super R.I. Bong, it made me laugh out loud.  I thought maybe it meant Super Rhode Island Bong or something...like they had the best bong in the state....Superior I understand....well could still be the best bong.....maybe it's bed time:)

Our senior members only deserve the very best bongs...

[flyerthom]

Washoe Jeep Squadron's history is it was originally a horse mounted unit when formed in the 1940's. Later it converted to jeeps or 4x4's. Hence the name Jeep Squadron. The mounted unit is referenced in From Maine to Mexico. When a plane crashes way out in the desert it helps to have Jeeps to get a team in quicker.

[AlphaSigOU]

Some Texas Wing squadrons incorporate a mascot or a nickname in their designation. Some examples:

Addison Eagles (my squadron - how they came to be known as the Eagles is lost to history)
Mesquite Black Sheep (named after Pappy Boyington's Black Sheep; one of their charter members was a member of VMF-214. Their charter number is TX-214.)
Waxahache Talon
Plano Mustangs (after the P-51; their charter number is TX-051.)
Wylie Warriors
Dallas Stealth
Denton Nighthawks

[AlphaSigOU]

I gotta say, I know who Richard I. Bong is, and when I saw Super R.I. Bong, it made me laugh out loud.  I thought maybe it meant Super Rhode Island Bong or something...like they had the best bong in the state....Superior I understand....well could still be the best bong.....maybe it's bed time:)

Our senior members only deserve the very best bongs...

Have some class, sir! It's a hookah! Pass it to the left, sir! 

[JC004]

I gotta say, I know who Richard I. Bong is, and when I saw Super R.I. Bong, it made me laugh out loud.  I thought maybe it meant Super Rhode Island Bong or something...like they had the best bong in the state....Superior I understand....well could still be the best bong.....maybe it's bed time:)

Our senior members only deserve the very best bongs...

Have some class, sir! It's a hookah! Pass it to the left, sir! 

and next, the Hookah Senior Squadron...

[mikeylikey]

Some Texas Wing squadrons incorporate a mascot or a nickname in their designation. Some examples:

Addison Eagles (my squadron - how they came to be known as the Eagles is lost to history)
Mesquite Black Sheep (named after Pappy Boyington's Black Sheep; one of their charter members was a member of VMF-214. Their charter number is TX-214.)
Waxahache Talon
Plano Mustangs (after the P-51; their charter number is TX-051.)
Wylie Warriors
Dallas Stealth
Denton Nighthawks

Thats a shame you lost some histroy.  I would bet that most members have no idea why thier units are named like they are named.  It goes to show you something.

[Sgt. Savage]

All of our squadrons have been re-named, though I don't think the charters have changed. In our wing, we are each referred to by our charter number and our composition description ( 58th Composite Squadron) for all official correspondences. We used to be Cumberland County Composite Squadron. Our "nickname" was Black Sheep Squadron, which I really couldn't stand. Now we're "The Fighting 58Th".  Our squadron patch (Still under proposal and adhering to absolutely no heraldry rules what so ever) still pays homage to VMF214, the original black sheep.

[RiverAux]

Some more oddballs that I missed the first time:

111TH SEARCH & RESCUE CADET SQDN (NC)
131ST SAR FLIGHT (TX)
141ST SAR COMPOSITE SQDN (NC)
99TH PURSUIT COMPOSITE SQDN (NE)
CONNECTICUT MINUTEMAN COMPOSITE SQDN (CT)

The only wing I see that has gone all numeric is Arkansas but they do have the location in parentheses -- for example:   102ND COMPOSITE SQUADRON (LAKE DARDANELLE).  CT has a few squadrons with just numerics. 

Sgt. Savage, as of 4-30-07 the Cumberland County Composite Squadron (ME-058) is still called that in the CAPWATCH database so it appears that no one has actually officially changed the name of your squadron yet. 

[MIKE]

The only wing I see that has gone all numeric is Arkansas but they do have the location in parentheses -- for example:   102ND COMPOSITE SQUADRON (LAKE DARDANELLE).

That's similar to how the ATC does it IIRC.

[RiverAux]

ATC?

[MIKE]

Air Training Corps

I'm thinking of defecting and getting citizenship so I can become an RAFVR(T) Pilot Officer. 

[JaL5597]

Some more oddballs that I missed the first time:

111TH SEARCH & RESCUE CADET SQDN (NC)
131ST SAR FLIGHT (TX)
141ST SAR COMPOSITE SQDN (NC)
99TH PURSUIT COMPOSITE SQDN (NE)
CONNECTICUT MINUTEMAN COMPOSITE SQDN (CT)

The only wing I see that has gone all numeric is Arkansas but they do have the location in parentheses -- for example:   102ND COMPOSITE SQUADRON (LAKE DARDANELLE).  CT has a few squadrons with just numerics. 

Sgt. Savage, as of 4-30-07 the Cumberland County Composite Squadron (ME-058) is still called that in the CAPWATCH database so it appears that no one has actually officially changed the name of your squadron yet. 

Most wins have what might be considered "odd" names.  It happens to be that Connecticut Minutemen is one of the older squadrons in Connecticut Wing.

Being here in Connecticut I can shed some light on the numbered squadrons.

103rd Composite (Formerly Hartford Composite) is named for the 103rd TFW of the Connecticut Air Guard
143rd Composite is named for the 143rd Area Support Group of the Connecticut Army National Guard
169th Composite (Formerly Manchester Composite) is named for the 169th Infantry of the Ct Army Guard
399th Composite (Formerly Danbury Composite) is named for the 399th Civil Affairs Group of the Army Reserve

And if you look around the NER there is the 102nd Composite in Rhode Island and the 104th Composite in Massachusetts.  Both are named for the respective Air National Guard Wings.

[flyguy06]

Why would you name a squadron after a Army Civil Affairs Group?

[JaL5597]

Why would you name a squadron after a Army Civil Affairs Group?

The CAP squadron met in the Army Reserve Center and the 399th CAG was the Army unit there at the time.

[flyguy06]

oh,ok.I like the 99th Pursuit Composite Squadron eventhough we dont pursuit anything in CAP

[PHall]

oh,ok.I like the 99th Pursuit Composite Squadron eventhough we dont pursuit anything in CAP

It's named after the 99th Persuit Squadron, U.S. Army Air Forces of Tuskegee Airman fame.

[flyguy06]

oh,ok.I like the 99th Pursuit Composite Squadron eventhough we dont pursuit anything in CAP

It's named after the 99th Persuit Squadron, U.S. Army Air Forces of Tuskegee Airman fame.

I knew that. Why do you think I said Iliked it?

[flyguy06]

sorry I shouldnt have been a wiseenhiemer. Some poeple probably didnt know that. My apoligies

[Major Carrales]

Well, if National wants to have the units renamed to reflect Charter Numbers they could codify it.

When the Brahma Cadet Flight of Kinsgville, Texas reaches the point where it is ready for a charter number of its own.  I will likely name it the Kingsville Cadet Flight...although Brahma Cadet flight would say more to the folks of the immediate area since The Brahma is the School Mascot and the raising of Cattle is pretty much one in the same with Kingsville and the King Ranch.

[Psicorp]

The squadron where I spent most of my Cadethood was charter # 08435  (FLWG)
Officially called Tyndall Cadet Squadron.  We thought that was a bit dull, so we started calling ourselves the "435th Tyndall Cadet Training Squadron".      We never had the money to get patches made.

[ZigZag911]

From CAPR 20-3, 5 c (1):

"A proposed name for the unit. Unit names must include the following elements:
1) Identifying prefix -- a short identifier, preferably associated with location (example: Shamrock, Dayton, Hot Springs, Midville, etc.). DO NOT use names such as 'Black Sheep', 'Flying Tigers', etc., or terms descriptive of major functions such as 'Communications', 'Jeep', or 'Rescue', etc."

The emphasis ("DO NOT") is contained in the regulation itself.

This is not something new, it has been the rule as long as I can recall (back to the early 70s!).....so the question then is why neither the wings nor National seem to enforce it?

[mikeylikey]

Well, if National wants to have the units renamed to reflect Charter Numbers they could codify it.

When the Brahma Cadet Flight of Kinsgville, Texas reaches the point where it is ready for a charter number of its own.  I will likely name it the Kingsville Cadet Flight...although Brahma Cadet flight would say more to the folks of the immediate area since The Brahma is the School Mascot and the raising of Cattle is pretty much one in the same with Kingsville and the King Ranch.

How about the Whataburger (R) Cadet Flight.  I love those delicious hamburgers.

[JC004]

Well, if National wants to have the units renamed to reflect Charter Numbers they could codify it.

When the Brahma Cadet Flight of Kinsgville, Texas reaches the point where it is ready for a charter number of its own.  I will likely name it the Kingsville Cadet Flight...although Brahma Cadet flight would say more to the folks of the immediate area since The Brahma is the School Mascot and the raising of Cattle is pretty much one in the same with Kingsville and the King Ranch.

How about the Whataburger (R) Cadet Flight.  I love those delicious hamburgers.

Well...if the unit does me at/is sponsored by Whataburger(R)...   

[RiverAux]

I suspect that the restrictions in the regulations are directly related to some of the squadron names I noted and that put those restrictions in place to prevent more of them from happening, but decided to allow those already so named. 

[NEBoom]

oh,ok.I like the 99th Pursuit Composite Squadron eventhough we dont pursuit anything in CAP

It's named after the 99th Persuit Squadron, U.S. Army Air Forces of Tuskegee Airman fame.

I knew that. Why do you think I said Iliked it?

The founder (and still commander) of this unit is Charles Lane, who is himself an actual Tuskegee Airman.  One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and one of those rare WWII veterans that you can listen to his war stories all day because they're all so good.

We've got an active chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen in Omaha, they're a great group.  Some of the stuff they had to deal with back in those days just makes you shake your head...

Anyway, back on topic, the 99th is one of our most active squadrons, and (without looking it up) among the largest cadet membership-wise.  They've brought the opportunity CAP offers young people to a community we hadn't reached before, plus they're keeping the legacy of the Airmen alive.  All in all, pretty cool.

[AlphaSigOU]

How about the Whataburger (R) Cadet Flight.  I love those delicious hamburgers.

Don't forget their breakfast... 

[DrDave]

Spirit of St. Louis Composite Squadron is my original squadron when I joined CAP.

Being a St. Louis squadron it honors two things:

1) Lindbergh's plane (of course), remember he was from St. Louis, and

2) Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri, where the squadron used to meet.

Dr. Dave

[DrDave]

One I find interesting in the Missouri Wing is "St. Louis Composite Squadron One".  No, I didn't get their numbering wrong, the "one" comes after "squadron".

They're one of the oldest squadrons in the Missouri Wing, if not the oldest continuously serving squadron, formed during WWII (1943, I think).

At that time, they simply numbered each squadron as they were formed.  I.e. there was a "St. Louis Composite Squadron Two" and a "St. Louis Composite Squadron Three", etc.  St. Louis Composite Squadron One still remains.

Would be curious to know how many of our current squadrons can trace their heritage back to their formation during WWII.

Dr. Dave

[RiverAux]

I suspect that a lot more squadrons than you think are directly linked to WWII-era squadrons.  Two of three squadrons I've been associated with are.  The problem is that not many have the documentation to back it up. 

[jimmydeanno]

They're one of the oldest squadrons in the Missouri Wing, if not the oldest continuously serving squadron, formed during WWII (1943, I think).

I found this one...

"Welcome to the Seacoast Composite Squadron (NH-010). Originally formed as the "Black Cat Squadron" in 1941, Seacoast Composite Squadron is the oldest continuously manned squadron in CAP"

http://nhwgcap.org/seacoast/index.htm

[Sgt. Savage]

I may have issue with that. ME-058 is the former Coastal Patrol Squadron 19, Portland, ME. Ours is one of the original 21. We still use the same building, which is scheduled for demolition next year.

[DrDave]

Of course, when I wrote "if not the oldest continuing serving squadron", I meant in the Missouri Wing and was not presuming in all of CAP.

Dr. Dave

[mikeylikey]

I may have issue with that. ME-058 is the former Coastal Patrol Squadron 19, Portland, ME. Ours is one of the original 21. We still use the same building, which is scheduled for demolition next year.

Why is it being demolsihed?  Thats history brother!

[Sgt. Savage]

Why is it being demolished? It's owned by the city of Portland and they have NO soft spot for history. They want to sell it to Executive Aviation so they can build another hangar. We have been promised 3 bays in a "Condo", 2 for our aircraft and 1 to conver to squadron space. We'll see...

[mikeylikey]

I have seen a lot of "promises" but never any follow through.  Good Luck!

[Sgt. Savage]

Thanks for the luck, we may need it. Realistically, our Wing Commander is really involved and wants to see this work. He's putting a great deal of time into finding the funding and working out the specifics of the deal. There are other "deals" available to us but, we want a home of our own and, with a 65 year lease offer, the condo situation looks like it may serve a long term purpose.

[capcadet101]

hey guys heres another name for a squadron the ramprats in missouri

[Major Carrales]

How many people think a WING COMMANDER would reject any name presented by a motivated crew actually growing units in CAP?  Reg or not...we have plenty of example of unit names that break the reg.  Just a thought into the reasons why they get past...the WING GATE!!!

[MajorChuck]

Tip of 'O Mitt Sq. is in ONAWAY, near the top of  lower Michigan .( the part of Mi. that looks like a "Mitten") Hence  the name.

[alamrcn]

hey guys heres another name for a squadron the ramprats in missouri

It's not a squadron name, but a group of members (from one unit in particular) still glowing in their roll during the 1993 (I think) flood of the Mississippi River.

Members from many wings conveyed upon an airport on Missouri and began what may still be the largest aerial disaster surveillance operation in CAP history. The Ramp Rats were a very dedicated and determined group of CAP members running the massive flightline during the ordeal.

I almost went on one of the airlifts out of Minnesota to go help, but couldn't get away from the ol' job. A few years ago, I tried to get one of the Ramp Rats patches from the unit in question for historical postarity - you know where I stand there - and was told by the glorious commander that they are only for those that were there and no one else. Well, excuuuuse me!

- Ace