New Hampshire Wing Change of Command Ceremony

The New Hampshire Wing Civil Air Patrol proudly invites members, families, friends, and community supporters to attend the Change of Command Ceremony honoring Col. Goupil and welcoming Lt. Col. Darlene Cray as Commander Select.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday October 17, 2026, and will be followed by light refreshments.

There is no cost to attend.

Event Details

Date: October 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Sweeney Auditorium -New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI)
31 College Road, Concord, NH

Registration Information

Registration Deadline: October 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET

Advance registration is requested through Registration Zone. Register here > NH Wing Change of Command

More details can be found here > New Hampshire Wing Change of Command Ceremony and Program | Civil Air Patrol

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Deputy Commander Chosen to Lead New Hampshire Wing

June 21, 2026

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Wing will be getting a new commander soon — a familiar face to the more than 600 Civil Air Patrol members serving in the Granite State. Lt. Col. Darlene A. Cray, the wing’s deputy commander, has been selected to succeed Col. Nick Goupil as wing commander.  “Lt. Col. Cray brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and proven leadership to this position, having served with distinction as the New Hampshire Wing deputy commander for the past three years and previously as chief of staff,” said Col.
James A. Ridley Sr., commander of CAP’s Northeast Region. “Her deep understanding of the wing, combined with her commitment to its members and mission, provides both continuity and a strong foundation for future success.” He added, “I have complete confidence in her ability to lead the wing forward and am excited to see all that will be accomplished under her leadership." Ridley selected Cray to command the wing and Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO, approved her appointment. She will assume command in October. Lt. Col. Darlene A. Cray, next commander of the New Hampshire Wing

"I am deeply honored and grateful for the privilege to lead the New Hampshire Wing,” Cray said. “I embrace the challenges and growth opportunities ahead of us, and I look forward to celebrating our future accomplishments together." Cray has extensive command experience, having served in that role for three different squadrons in the wing — Hawk Composite Squadron (2015-2019), Mount Washington-Flight (2016-2018), Nashua Composite Squadron (2021),and Concord Composite Squadron (2026).

She served from 2017-2024 as the wing’s director of its Education and Training, a duty she continues to support as a Volunteer University instructor. As such, she has been responsible for mentoring nine professional development officers who oversee Education and Training for 300-plus members, creating a positive training environment where CAP’s adult members can develop their required skills in both an on-site and virtual environment. She has been commander of the Northeast Region Honor Guard Academy and the New Hampshire Wing honor guard officer in charge (2016-2019, 2022), organizing the academy for cadets and their adult mentors interested in honor guard/color guard, and coordinating CAP ceremonies held at the New Hampshire cemeteries and for Wreaths Across America.
She has also participated in CAP emergency services and disaster response missions, currently holding Aircrew Search and Rescue, Finance and
Administration Section Chief, Mission Staff Assistant, Public Information Officer, and Chaplain Support skills qualifications.

 Awards and accomplishments include a Region Commander’s Commendation for leadership and mentoring during the 2020 Region Staff College, the 2019 Region Lamplighter Award, and a 2017 Meritorious Service Award for facilitation of New Hampshire winter leadership academies. Cray was named the region and wing Professional Development Officer of the Year (2020, 2022), region and wing Cadet Programs Officer of the Year (2017), and Senior Member of the Year (2014). She received her most cherished Holmes Leadership Award, named for a cadet, in 2016. Outside of CAP, Cray manages the Healthcare Associated Infection Program for the New Hampshire Division of Public Health. She also worked as a regional long-term care ombudsman and as coordinator of the statewide
Certified Ombudsman Volunteer Representative Program. A resident of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, Cray is married to Maj. Marc Cray, who now serves as commander of the Hawk Composite Squadron. Their son, Capt. Ethan Cray, is a former cadet lieutenant colonel and holds duty positions in the Hawk squadron and serves as the wing’s transportation officer.