Kentucky Wing Flying Post-Tornado Assessment Missions

Kentucky Wing aircrews are flying storm surveys to assist the National Weather Service and the Kentucky Emergency Management Agency in gauging the official intensities of the deadly tornadoes that ripped into the Midwest on Dec. 10.

Kentucky Wing aircrews carried out a dozen sorties over the past two days, flying nearly 20 hours to provide imagery for the recovery effort in their state. More than 1,200 photos were taken Sunday, the first day of operations.

Acting as a Total Force partner and as the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, 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.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tornado devastation, especially during this holiday season,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, commander, First Air Force-Air Forces Northern. “Our auxiliary support flying aerial surveys are working diligently to help the interagency response effort so our Kentucky neighbors can get through these challenging times.”

CAP members routinely train to perform such aerial surveys with federal partners such as the National Weather Service, the Department of Homeland Security and state and local emergency management agencies.

Members are standing by throughout the Midwest to participate in the tornado response. Aircrews from the Indiana Wing joined the operations on Sunday afternoon.

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Lt. Col. LIndsay Shipps
Public Affairs Officer
Great Lakes Region