Civil Air Patrol Honors Apollo 16 Astronaut with Squadron Renaming

ANDERSON, S.C. - In a ceremony on May 24 at 10 a.m. Civil Air Patrol’s Anderson Composite Squadron was formally rededicated as the Charles Duke Jr. Composite Squadron, paying tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Brig. Gen. Charles Moss Duke Jr., a retired United States Air Force officer, Apollo 16 astronaut, test pilot, and American hero.

The event brought together community leaders, Civil Air Patrol members from across the state, and distinguished guests to celebrate the renaming of the squadron in honor of Duke, whose ties to the Palmetto State and pioneering role in space exploration left an indelible mark on American history. 

Charles Duke has dedicated his life to aerospace exploration and education. As the youngest person ever to walk on the moon, his experiences are what the dreams of many Civil Air Patrol cadets and adult members are made of. We are honored to combine his legacy with the aerospace education mission of Civil Air Patrol in the Anderson community and South Carolina Wing.

Duke was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in Lancaster, South Carolina. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Air Force’s Aerospace Research Pilot School, Duke flew as lunar module pilot on Apollo 16, becoming the 10th, and youngest, man to walk on the Moon in April 1972. Before his astronaut career, Duke served as a fighter and test pilot, logging thousands of hours in high-performance aircraft.

Following his retirement from NASA and the Air Force, Duke continued to serve through public speaking, youth mentorship, and Christian ministry. His legacy has inspired generations of explorers, aviators, and leaders.

The newly renamed Charles Duke Jr. Composite Squadron will carry forward that legacy through Civil Air Patrol’s three core programs: emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs.

“As the youngest person ever to walk on the moon, Brigadier General Charles Duke’s legacy embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that inspires so many of our cadets and senior members. We are truly honored to carry his name forward as we continue Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education mission here in the Anderson community and throughout the South Carolina Wing,” said Lt. Col. Rachael Mercer.

The Charles Duke Jr. Composite Squadron will continue to serve the Anderson area and surrounding communities with renewed vision and pride, honoring the enduring legacy of an astronaut, an airman, and a South Carolina son.
 

_________

Captain Roman Vitanza
Public Affairs Officer