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Squadron History
The heritage of Paine Field Composite Squadron extends back almost to the origins of the Civil Air Patrol itself. During the Second World War, Paine Field Squadron was among the first Civil Air Patrol squadrons to be formed in Washington State. Established at Paine Army Air Field, the squadron was originally located in a "ready" building along the flight line at the south end of the airfield. The U.S. Air Force retained control of the airfield in various joint-use forms until 1968, when control was returned to the civilian community as Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport. In 1989, the squadron's longtime headquarters was razed to make way for construction of a new large aircraft maintenance facility operated by TRAMCO.
Ed and Dorothy Hauter, who owned Martha Lake Airport (S13) near Lynnwood, WA, had always been keen supporters of a Civil Air Patrol presence in the community. Ed had died tragically in an auto accident in the 1970s, but a Civil Air Patrol squadron had been established in his name at the Martha Lake Airport. Faced with the loss of their home at Paine Field, the members of Paine Field Squadron joined the Ed Hauter Squadron at Martha Lake Airport. The new squadron retained Ed Hauter's name, Paine Field's charter number (46049), and command transferred from Eugene Miceli to Donald Boyle (formerly of Paine Field Squadron). Following the death of Dorothy Hauter in 1999, Ed Hauter Squadron's lease at Martha Lake Airport ended and the squadron relocated back to Paine Field. The squadron name was restored to Paine Field Composite Squadron, and is presently headquartered with the Washington Air National Guard in Building 531. Paine Field Squadron has been an aircraft custodial unit since 1995. Squadron members have participated in many events, training exercises, search missions, and homeland security missions. Since the 1980's cadet members have regularly performed color guard service in competitions, parades, and other events. |
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