Connecticut Lawmaker Rides Along on Ice Buildup Photo Flight

Before takeoff

The Connecticut Wing’s new Legislative Squadron commander got a closeup look of the wing’s mission documenting ice buildup that can threaten public safety and impede commercial boat traffic on major waterways and lakes and along the Connecticut shoreline. 

State Sen. Cathy Osten joined Lt. Col. Jim Whitesell, wing vice commander, on a mission flight Feb. 20 over the Connecticut and Thames rivers. They flew with 2nd Lt. Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe, mission photographer, south along the Connecticut River from Hartford-Brainard Airport, taking photos and video of ice at predetermined locations, including the Arrigoni Bridge and East Haddam Swing Bridge.

The three then flew east along the shore to New London and followed the Thames River north, passing over a few of the towns Osten represents. Images collected by the crew were shared with the U.S.  Coast Guard and the state to aid in icebreaking operation in the Long Island Sound and navigable Connecticut waterways.

“This was an exciting day to travel along the rivers of Connecticut,” Osten said. “The value of Civil Air Patrol is unparalleled; we need to continue to support this valuable asset.”

“The Connecticut Wing is very excited to have Sen. Osten commanding our Legislative Squadron, comprised of 50 members of the Connecticut General Assembly,” Whitesell said.  “With support from the senator and other legislators, the Connecticut Wing provides valuable services to the state, including documenting ice on major waterways, assisting boaters in distress during the summer months, and assessing damage following major coastal storms.”