The New Mexico Wing hosted a Southwest Region exercise May 18 designed to enhance disaster response capabilities for such large-scale emergencies as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, with 12 aircraft and more than 90 members from five wings flying to various states to capture photos of critical transportation and communications infrastructure.
In a real emergency, the imagery would be provided to agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the White House, law enforcement agencies, and other volunteer response organizations, offering vital situational awareness to save lives and protect property.
Emergency services staff on the ground from across the Southwest Region also participated, training to manage disaster responses while testing policies, procedures, communications, and other critical aspects involved in an effective response.
“A large-scale disaster could easily cross state lines,” said Capt. Mark Chappell, the New Mexico Wing’s director of emergency services. “CAP wings in our region need to know how to collaborate and be ready to assist each other during real-world disasters.
“This exercise helps us prepare for just that.”
Of the Southwest Region’s six wings, four — New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas — participated, as did the neighboring Rocky Mountain Region’s Colorado Wing.
Col. Andrew Selph, New Mexico Wing commander, emphasized the importance of such exercises.
“Our volunteers need opportunities like this to be ready when the time comes to respond to an emergency,” Selph said.
“As the old saying goes: ‘Train how you fight, fight how you train.’”
Recent events underscore the need for Civil Air Patrol and communities to be disaster-ready. In 2022, New Mexico experienced its largest wildfire in state history, while numerous other states faced significant tornado activity. Hurricane season has become increasingly dangerous in Texas, and Arizona has also seen numerous large wildfires in recent years.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, natural disasters claimed 492 lives last year and caused $94.2 billion in damage. Since 1980, t383 disasters have cost $1 billion or more each when adjusted for inflation. Civil Air Patrol’s recent Report to Congress highlighted 21 disaster relief missions across the U.S. in 2023. With over 37,000 trained emergency responders among its 65,000 members, Civil Air Patrol contributed volunteer service hours valued at $253.1 million._____Capt. Ryan M. StarkPublic Affairs OfficerNew Mexico Wing
