Williams assumes command of Missouri Civil Air Patrol

Col. Erica Williams Assumes command of the Missouri Wing, Civil Air Patrol at Ikes Skelton Training Site today.

By Pfc. Elise Higgins
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Col. Erica Williams assumed command of the Missouri Wing of the Civil
Air Patrol here Saturday during a ceremony at Ike Skelton Training Site.

Williams was joined at the ceremony by her predecessor, Col. Sean Fagan, now commander of the North Central Region of the Civil Air Patrol, and Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, who served as the ceremony's presiding officer.

"It's been a pleasure working with Col. Fagan. We are looking forward to having him as a regional commander," Danner said. " Col. Williams has big shoes to fill but I am sure he has trained her well and she will step right in."

The week before the ceremony, the Civil Air Patrol and Missouri National Guard worked closely together responding to winter storms that hit throughout Missouri. Williams said she is excited about the continued growth of communication and teamwork between the Civil Air Patrol and the Missouri National Guard.

"I'm looking forward to the next four years," Williams said. "The National Guard is helping us out so much. It's great that we have this connection that we didn't have before," said Williams.

Under Williams' leadership, Fagan said the Missouri Civil Air Patrol will continue to thrive.

"I don't think we could have picked a better person for the job. She is extremely knowledgeable and is going to do a great job," said Fagan. "I'm looking forward to seeing the Missouri Wing continue this relationship with the Missouri National Guard and becoming the best wing in the Central Northern region."

Williams was pinned by two former wing commanders Col. John Mais and Col. Emmit Williams, her father.

"This is the first time in the history of Civil Air Patrol that a daughter has followed in her father's footsteps, and we are very proud of her," said Emmit Williams.

Fagan joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1995 as a member of the Mid-Rivers senior squadron. He now works as a lieutenant with the Florissant, Mo. Police Department. He is the watch commander responsible for field operations and deputy commander of the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad.

Williams has almost 20 years of Civil Air Patrol experience, both as a cadet and senior member. In 1999 as a cadet, Williams earned the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, the highest award in the Missouri Wing. Only two cadets out of a thousand receive that award.

As an officer she served as deputy commander for cadets and squadron commander of the North Missouri Composite squadron. Before her promotion, she served as vice commander.

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Stephen Couture was in attendance as a color guard and represented the future leaders and general membership of the Missouri Wing, Civil Air Patrol. He said he was excited to see his old commander promoted and to have a new commander who he believes in and trusts.

"It means a lot when we bring in a fresh perspective and new energy in command," Couture said "Col. Williams knows there is more to leadership than logistics and statistics, and I think she will do a great job with motivational leadership."