Members of Civil Air Patrol’s North Carolina Wing have launched 56 flights totaling 159 hours conducting airborne imagery and photography operations across the state in support of the Hurricane Helene disaster response.
In its role as the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, CAP is assisting in missions to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency as well as the North Carolina Emergency Management, North Carolina National Guard, and North Carolina Department of Transportation, along with other local agencies.
To expedite damage assessment, CAP aircrews use sophisticated camera systems attached to their aircraft and handheld digital cameras inside the planes to capture high-definition images and photos that aid in recovery. Essential data collected from the imagery helps in getting assistance to those affected by the disaster.
On the ground, North Carolina Wing volunteers have used four CAP vans with 16 drivers to transport evacuees to shelters around Asheville – one of the hardest-hit areas. The evacuees receive food, bottled water, access to power, and showers at the shelters.
That mission is continuing, said Capt. Glenda Engstrom, the wing’s public information officer. “At this time, the CAP vans and volunteers are standing by to transport other evacuees to shelters,” she said.
The wing’s Asheville Composite Squadron is using its meeting location as a shelter. Others are set up throughout the region as well.
CAP members have also devoted more than 80 hours to staffing the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center. The CAP incident command post is set up at Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport.
In all, more than 175 CAP members have totaled more than 3,000 volunteer hours as part of the disaster response.
More CAP members will be used to staff Points of Distribution in the region, Engstrom said.
“The incredible dedication of our members to execute on our core values has been on display nonstop since before landfall,” said Col. Dennis Bissell, North Carolina Wing commander. “Our members have and continue to answer the call to serve our fellow North Carolinians who are in need.”
Acting as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, 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.
Bissell said the North Carolina Wing’s post-hurricane response “has demonstrated first-hand how Civil Air Patrol serves America’s communities, saves lives, and shapes futures.” In partnership with both FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management, “we have executed missions that directly impacted the rescues, delivery of needed supplies, and the beginning of the recovery process,” he said.
That effort will continue, Bissell said. “North Carolina Wing [members] will do everything within our power to assist in the full recovery of our state,” he said, “and will continue to answer our state and nation’s calls in time of need.”
