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Col. Christopher Hayden (right) accepts the Northeast Region guidon from Col. Russ Chazell, CAP national chief of staff.
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Col. Christopher Hayden (left) accepts congratulations from the man he succeeded as Northeast Region commander, Col. Robert Diduch.
Capt. James A. Ridley Sr.
Public Affairs Officer
Northeast Region
NEW JERSEY – In a triple ceremony, the Northeast Region’s outgoing commander, Col. Robert Diduch, presided Aug. 9 over the changing of commands not only for the region but also two of its wings.
Diduch turned over his command of the region to Col. Christopher Hayden of Maine – who, in turn, turned over the Maine Wing command to his successor in that role, Col. Daniel Leclair. In addition, Col. David Mull assumed command of the New Jersey Wing from Col. Robert McCabe.
Hayden’s career with Civil Air Patrol began in December 1997 when he joined the Maine Wing’s 58th Composite Squadron. Hayden has held such positions as public affairs officer, squadron commander, wing vice commander and wing commander.
His CAP accomplishments include his work reporting the progress of the John F. Kennedy Jr. search in July 1999 and his initiative of U.S. Navy ship escort duty along the Kennebec River. During this project he worked with Navy security officers in devising the most efficient use of CAP aircraft in support of the Force Protection Team as well as establishing a strong relationship with the Maine National Guard.
Hayden, a licensed pilot, has totaled close to 2,000 flying hours and has achieved an instrument rating and commercial pilot certificate. He has earned the Maine Wing’s Guy P. Gannett Award and the Northeast Region’s Lt. Joseph Mixter Public Affairs Officer Awards, two Commander’s Commendations, the Maine Wing Squadron Commander of the Year Award and the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his work on the Navy ship escort project.