Squadron History

San Diego Cadet Squadron 144’s origins begin with San Diego Composite Squadron 77 (charter PCR-CA-441), which met at Naval Air Station Miramar in the 1980s. When Miramar was turned over to the Marine Corps in 1989, the squadron relocated, eventually settling at the U.S. Army Reserve Center at Admiral Baker Field. In 1997, South San Diego Composite Squadron 67, which met at Brown Field, was due to lose its charter, and Squadron 77 invited all of its cadet and senior members to join them. To promote camaraderie, the combined squadrons became San Diego Composite Squadron 144, combining the numbers 67 and 77 to equal 144.

As the squadron overcame numerous hurdles involving meeting locations, retiring commanders, and the 9/11 tragedy, San Diego Composite Squadron 144 finally found its current home. Through the efforts of California Air National Guardsmen CMSgt Carolyn O’Brien and SSgt Douglas Warren, the 147th Combat Communications Squadron, California Air National Guard, graciously invited Squadron 144 to meet on its base in March 2002, and the squadron has met there ever since. That same year, the squadron changed its name once again, to San Diego Cadet Squadron 144, reflecting the unit’s increased focus on the Cadet Program.

Maj Daryl Newton and then C/Col Brian Jensen asked the squadron for suggestions for a patch and motto. The result was a green patch displaying a phoenix being reborn, with the motto In Primus Officium, Semper Decus (Duty First, Honor Always) inscribed below it. In 2020, C/CMSgt Maximus Davenport redesigned the squadron logo with a new look.

The squadron chose the phoenix as its mascot because of its history. Squadron 144 has had many ups and downs, such as location and meeting changes, internal conflicts, and low cadet attendance. Yet each time, the squadron bonded together, increased morale and participation, and “rose from the ashes.” The cycle continued through the COVID-19 pandemic, when meetings moved online, and Squadron 144 still perseveres and overcomes today.

This squadron has a reputation for its willingness to take on tasks that become a “Get Down & Get Dirty” situation. Whether cleaning up at air shows, standing long hours as flight line security sentries, wiping down chairs in the cold early morning at ceremonial events, or hiking in the wilderness at bivouacs, Squadron 144 never shrinks from its duty to serve the community, state, and nation, and always preserves its honor.

Along the way, three Squadron 144 cadets have earned the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, the highest honor in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, and in 2019 the squadron’s color guard won the California Wing Cadet Competition.

Squadron 144’s history is extensive, and it continues to grow. The future is ready to be written. Join us and be a part of Squadron 144’s history!