36112,
24
May
2022
|
17:29 PM
America/Chicago

Aerial Imagery Mission Launched As Michigan Cadets Lead Training

MIwing1Cadet-led emergency service training participants contributed to an actual Michigan Wing mission when the wing was asked to provide aerial photos of tornado destruction May 19 in Gaylord.

The annual Operation Wolverine exercise at St. Clair County International Airport was proceeding as scheduled May 20-22 when the call for assistance came in from the National Weather Service, which was seeking imagery of the entire tornado track through the Gaylord area. The morning of May 21, cadets at the Operation Wolverine mission base passed along the assignment for an aircrew to conduct the photography mission.

On duty

About 85 members from across the state participated in Operation Wolverine this year. The group practiced various emergency service operations, such as searches for missing individuals and aircraft,  natural disaster damage assessment, and disaster relief. In addition, the Kimball Township Fire Department provided a training demonstration with a simulated medical scenario.

Cadets fill all leadership roles at Operation Wolverine, ranging from ground team to incident commander.

“I have been doing this for 16 years, and I am continuously inspired by the drive and excellence from the cadets,” said Lt. Col. Jason Sherwood, Michigan Wing director of emergency services, who served as senior member incident. “They teach me something every year.”

_____
Cadet Senior Airman Noah James Morris
Livonia Thunderbolt Cadet Squadron
Michigan Wing