Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood response efforts in Washington received critical support in December from volunteer aircrews and ground teams operating in coordination with federal, state, and local partners.
At FEMA’s request, nearly 100 volunteers from the Washington and Oregon wings of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) supported disaster operations following severe flooding across 14 Washington counties. A series of Pacific storm systems caused widespread impacts to communities, infrastructure, and transportation corridors across the region.
FEMA tasked Civil Air Patrol to provide aerial imagery, ground photography, and situational assessments to support damage evaluation and recovery planning. Civil Air Patrol serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and operates as a Total Force partner supporting domestic response missions through Defense Support of Civil Authorities.
“This mission marked Washington Wing’s first major FEMA flood tasking on record this century. Despite challenging weather, limited assets, and rapidly evolving tasking, our members delivered exactly what was needed. This operation demonstrated the professionalism, flexibility, and depth of capability that Civil Air Patrol brings to complex disaster response.”
FEMA Mission Support Across Western Washington
Beginning Dec. 11, Civil Air Patrol aircrews, ground teams, and mission staff deployed across western Washington to document flood impacts to residential areas, transportation routes, and critical infrastructure. Operations extended from Whatcom County south through the Puget Sound region.
During the 16-days, volunteer teams completed 56 total missions, including 17 air missions and 39 ground or small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) missions. Aircrews collected low-level aerial imagery requested by FEMA, while ground and sUAS teams gathered detailed photography in areas inaccessible by air.
These efforts supported FEMA and emergency managers by providing timely information used to prioritize response actions, allocate resources, and support recovery planning for affected communities.
“Civil Air Patrol’s volunteer members consistently stepped up under demanding conditions,” Morgan said. “From aircrews and ground teams to communications, logistics, and mission staff, this was a true team effort that met every assigned tasking.”
Supporting Communities Through Federal Partnerships
Civil Air Patrol’s role in the flood response illustrates how we can extend FEMA’s reach during large-scale disasters. By integrating with federal coordination centers and operating alongside emergency management agencies, Civil Air Patrol helps deliver rapid situational awareness during critical response periods.
The mission also reinforces Civil Air Patrol’s shared commitment with other agencies to protect communities and support recovery efforts when disasters strike.
How to Serve Communities Through Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for people who want to support emergency response and community resilience. Volunteers serve in roles such as disaster assessment, aviation support, communications, logistics, and emergency operations planning. Members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and no aviation experience is required. Those interested in community-focused service can learn more and connect with a local squadron by visiting gocivilairpatrol.com.
Through partnerships with FEMA and other agencies, Civil Air Patrol volunteers continue to support disaster response efforts focused on saving lives, protecting property, and helping communities recover.
