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Alabama Wing Practices for Hurricane Response
With the June 1 advent of hurricane season approaching, the Alabama Wing participated in the state Emergency Management Agency’s annual hurricane response exercise off the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Members from across the wing performed numerous roles during HURREX 2023, conducted May 4-6 by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
Leading up to the exercise, operations and emergency services planners received updated information from the stage agency 72 and 48 hours before landfall by fictitious hurricane Alex. The wing members used those forecasts to develop plans and identify resources for response should assistance be requested.
In the meantime, Alex unexpectedly intensified, making landfall near Dauphin Island as a powerful Category 4 hurricane.
The storm then moved inland, knocking out electrical power and communications in much of south Alabama.
The wing was tasked with providing aerial assessment of critical infrastructure damage and providing communications to members on the ground.
A Civil Air Patrol aircraft equipped with an airborne repeater was deployed from Tuscaloosa to provide communications between the coast and the state emergency agency.
Radio operators in Huntsville were able to maintain communications with their counterparts 250 miles south in Dothan through the repeater aircraft. Reliable communication was also possible between Mobile, Dothan, Tuscaloosa, and Pell City.
The exercise also provided valuable training in the statewide use of communications. The lessons learned from the after-action review will be used to improve future operations.
The exercise also provided valuable training in the statewide use of communications. The lessons learned from the after-action review will be used to improve future operations.
“The Alabama Wing's support to our state partners is an important part of our ability to support the region during the annual hurricane season,” said Col. Brian Williams, wing commander.
“That the wing was able to bring together units from across the wing to provide emergency services air, communications, and integrated staff support highlights the resources CAP can bring to the state from our professional volunteers.”
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2nd Lt. Chris Butera
Public Affairs Officer
Alabama Wing