Academy stands up new cadet squadrons

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  The Air Force Academy will stand up four new cadet squadrons during an assumption of command ceremony here Aug. 6.

Maj. Fred Cunningham will assume command of Squadron 37; Maj. Ryan Plunkett will assume command of Squadron 38, Maj. Phillip Tucker will assume command of Squadron 39; and Maj. Gilberto Martinez will assume command of Squadron 40.

The superintendent requested the activation of cadet squadrons 37 to 40 after his initial assessment of the academy in April 2006. The change will establish smaller squadrons, approximately 110 cadets each, and afford the cadets more leadership opportunities. 

Cadet Squadrons 37 through 40 were originally activated in 1969 after Congress set the authorized cadet wing strength at 4,417 cadets. They were deactivated in 1999 to better manage a reduced authorization of 4,000 cadets, set by Congress in 1995.