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Colorado Wing Aircrew Locates Missing Threesome
A Colorado Wing aircrew located three missing campers and guided ground searchers to the trio July 30, the day after they were reported missing from a group of five camping in the Tom Bennet Campground area near Pingree Park.
The wing was assigned to participate in the mission after the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center for an aerial search. After the three wandered from their campsite area the evening of July 29, the two remaining campers were unable to get in contact with them with darkness approaching.
The Colorado Wing received the assignment at 11 p.m. The aircrew launched at first light the next morning.
The aircrew spotted one of the missing campers shortly after 9 a.m. and provided coordinates to sheriff’s office searchers on the ground. About 10:30 a.m. the aircrew located the other two missing campers and directed Larimer County Search and Rescue ground team to the site.
One of the three was able to hike out without assistance. The other two were transported over the steep, rough terrain in a LifeLine helicopter directed to the landing zone by the Colorado Wing aircrew.
“The Colorado Wing continues to put practice to good use coordinating closely with local authorities who serve and protect to save those in distress,” said Lt. Col. Hank Eng, Civil Air Patrol mission incident commander and the wing’s emergency services officer. “CAP is proud to partner with first responders wherever and whatever the need."
Acting as a Total Force partner and official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol helps First Air Force rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage, and provide humanitarian assistance.
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Lt. Col. Mike Fassi
Public Information Officer
Colorado Wing