Civil Air Patrol’s New National Commander Assumes Command 

Civil Air Patrol has a new commander and CEO, following the change of command ceremony at CAP’s recent national conference in San Antonio, Texas.  

Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, CAP, previous national vice commander, was selected to succeed outgoing national commander, Maj. Gen. Edward Phelka, CAP.  

Aye honored more than 800 CAP members gathered at the conference with a stirring acceptance speech after she officially became a two-star general. “My vision is that of a strong, relevant Civil Air Patrol,” Aye said, outlining her plan to meet the CAP Board of Governors’ objectives over the next three years. “Armed with the [CAP] core values, we’re more than a team, we’re architects of a world-class experience—crafting moments that resonate with the highest standards of excellence and serve as a benchmark to others as we save lives and shape futures.”  

Joining CAP as a cadet in 1989, Aye has worked at all field leadership levels, chairing many national development teams along the way. With her selection comes a new senior leadership team to join her.  

Aye will address AFA delegates at the September National Convention in National Harbor, Maryland., with the message, “Forging a Closer Partnership with Civil Air Patrol,” a relationship the two organizations have had since 1996. Aye will then join Brig. Gen. Bernie Skoch, USAF (Ret.), AFA Chair of the Board, in presenting the 2024 AFA National CAP AE Cadet Award to Cadet Colonel Meagan Miller, from Kentucky.