Major Stephen Beal Assumes Command of NC Wing Group 3

By: C/Maj Kennedy Beal, CAP

Cadet Public Affairs Officer, Tar River Composite Squadron

NC Wing Group 3 Leadership entered a new phase on September 3, 2026, when Maj. Stephen Beal took over command of Group 3 at a Change of Command Ceremony held at Tar River Composite Squadron. That evening had two important aspects for Maj Beal. Members of the squadron, their families, and guests gathered to see both events take place: the awarding of his new rank and the official transfer of command, a tradition which holds great significance in the Civil Air Patrol and one that stands as a symbol of both accountability and trust as leadership passes from one officer to another. He was also promoted from Captain to Major as part of the ceremony—a fitting achievement with which to mark the start of his new command.

Major Beal took over command of Group 3 from Lieutenant Colonel Roy W. Asbell, assuming responsibility for leading and supporting the squadrons and their members. This development marks a major advance in Major Beal's ongoing career and leadership in the Civil Air Patrol, having previously served for four years as Commander of the Tar River Composite Squadron and two years as Deputy Commander of Group 3 under Lieutenant Colonel Asbell. During his time as Deputy Commander, he gained direct, firsthand experience at the group level. He was therefore able to clearly see the problems and duties involved in supervising several squadrons before becoming the commander himself.

Col. Brendan Kearns, who is the North Carolina Wing Commander, was at the ceremony and stated that he had full confidence in Maj. Beal as he starts his new role, saying that “it was a pleasure for him to be there and that he is certain Maj. Beal will be able to lead Group 3.” He also took the opportunity to acknowledge Lt. Col. Asbell for his many years of service and leadership, expressing his thanks for his dedication during his tenure as Group 3 Commander and noting the solid foundation he has left for his successor to carry on.

The Deputy Commander East for the NC Wing, Lt. Col. Craig Richardson, discussed the importance of Change of Command ceremonies and the custom of recognizing both the service of the departing commander and the duties of the incoming commander. According to him, Change of Command ceremonies go beyond mere formalities; they serve as a clear indication to all attendees that leadership in the Civil Air Patrol is a continuous chain, passed on from one dedicated volunteer to another in pursuit of the organization's mission.

While he was at Tar River, Major Beal did more than lead his squadron - he took on several other roles throughout Group 3 and the North Carolina Wing, gaining a wide range of experience that is rare for someone to obtain during one posting. People who know him always give him the same description: he is ambitious in his approach to training and always willing to help other members. Both cadets and senior members have come to regard him as a leader who sets an example, frequently accepting extra responsibilities not because they were asked to, but because he noticed a need and then took the initiative to meet it.

When told why he had decided to apply for the position of Group Commander, Major Beal immediately referred to his experience in commanding one of the smaller squadrons within the wing. Because he had been in a smaller unit, he could not focus on a single specialty and so had to become familiar with almost every aspect of the Civil Air Patrol if he were to run the squadron effectively. This requirement turned out to be an advantage. The Major states that the knowledge and experience he has acquired over the years is something he is keen to pass on to the other commanders and squadrons in Group 3, aiding them in developing the same well-rounded capability that he himself was obliged to acquire as a result of the situation.

The range shown by his qualifications is clear. Major Beal has been awarded the Gill Robb Wilson Award (#4397), one of the Civil Air Patrol's most distinguished honors for professional development, given only to senior members who have completed the organization's most advanced course of professional education. He holds master ratings in Command, Administration, Professional Development, Personnel, Safety, Logistics, Emergency Services, and Communications, as well as senior ratings in Finance and Operations. This collection of specialties directly illustrates the "learn every area" approach that he attributes to his development as a leader.

For Major Beal, the ceremony signified more than just a promotion; it marked the start of a new leadership role and offered him the chance to continue serving the Civil Air Patrol at the group level. He is assuming command with a well-defined sense of purpose - that of being just as accessible and hands-on with the squadrons of Group 3 as he had been in his own squadron, so that commanders and members throughout the group have the support and resources they need to succeed.

As he starts his time as Group 3 Commander, Major Beal is looking forward to building on the efforts of those who had served before him and to keeping support going for the cadets, the senior members, and the squadrons in Group 3. Because of the many years of different kinds of experience he has had, the new rank that now rests on his shoulders, and his real interest in training and mentoring, he is entering this new phase ready to help determine the future of Group 3 - one squadron at a time.

For More Information:

Capt. Glenda Engstrom, CAP

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