Conn. Wing Conducting Storm Damage Assessment Flights

Capt. Andrew Liput
Public Information Officer
Connecticut Wing

Connecticut Wing aircrews are conducting damage assessment flights after severe storms with high winds, lightning, hail and tornados Tuesday caused widespread damage and left two dead.

The state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security asked for Civil Air Patrol assistance Wednesday, identifying 15 towns as flyover targets for damage assessment. The wing has flown three sorties to date and expects to make additional flights over the next few days as severe weather remains a local threat.

“We train regularly to ensure preparedness in the event we are called upon by federal and state officials to assist them in an emergency,” said Col. James Ridley Sr., Connecticut Wing commander. “Our pilots and aircrew performed brilliantly and demonstrate to our community that we are ready, willing and able to serve their needs with our personnel and assets should the need arise for us to use them.”

A news reporter from WFSD-TV, the CBS affiliate in Hartford, flew along on one sortie and interviewed the mission pilot for the flight, Senior Member Jim Skiff of the Royal Charter Composite Squadron.