Civil Air Patrol cadets from the Alabama Wings met in Auburn Nov. 4-5 for a grueling competition that tested both physical prowess and aerospace knowledge and leadership skills.

The sixth annual Auburn Iron Man competition represents one of the toughest challenges CAP volunteers can face, and this year a total of 11 teams vied for the honor of being named CAP’s toughest squadron.

The competition was held at Auburn University in Auburn and hosted by the Auburn Composite Squadron, brings together the three core missions of the Civil Air Patrol — emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs — into a single challenge that tests both the physical and mental capabilities of cadet and senior members.

Competition consisted of five events: a “super” physical fitness test, a military-style inspection, a mapping, navigation and direction-finding course, a drill competition, and finally the “Iron Man Run,” a grueling three- to five-mile course punctuated with stops for objective tasks that test competitors’ aerospace knowledge and practical skills.

The competition’s overall winner for the third time was the Chilton County Composite Squadron, which carried home a travelling trophy and a commander’s commendation for each team member. Winning team members from Chilton County were Maj. Gary Ernest, Maj. Sam Ogilvie and cadets Jonathan Ernest, Jacob McGowin, Andrew McGowin and David McGowin.

Runners up were the Pell City Composite Squadron, and the Redstone Composite Squadron of Huntsville.

Individual events winners were:

•Physical Fitness Test: Bessemer Composite Squadron

•Inspection: Pell City Composite Squadron

•Drill Competition: Chilton County Composite Squadron

•Emergency Services Competition: Redstone Composite Squadron

•Iron Man Run: Pell City Composite Squadron

This year’s competition saw 11 teams comprised of more than 66 officers and cadets. More than 100 CAP members, Air Force ROTC cadets from Auburn University, and spectators attended the day-long event.

For more information, visit gocivilairpatrol.com or AreYouAnIronMan.com.