When a major storm is expected like hurricane Sandy or Irene, did you ever wonder where FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency) get the aerial photographs of the coast to look for damage and focus relief efforts? Who takes those pictures just after a major event?
The volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol do!
Find out what's happening in Wakefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Made up 100% of volunteers from the community, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) goes up. Highly trained and well equipped for the task at hand, Air Crews are dispatched under the direction of a local or regional Incident Commander. With a specific mission assignment, a crew of three meet at Hanscom Air Force Base, a Mission Pilot, a Mission Observer who acts as crew chief and is responsible for communication with Mission Base and an Airborne Photographer.
Find out what's happening in Wakefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Aircrew boards a Cessna 182 and heads to the area of concern, often a coastline or river, to follow a predetermined pattern and take real time photos of the area. Back on the ground, the photos are uploaded to the requesting agency who within hours are sending relief to the areas of greatest need.
Hanscom Composite Squadron operates out of Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford and is responsible for several aircraft as well as the ongoing training and proficiency of the volunteers so that when the call comes in, CAP is ready to respond.
Semper Vigilans (Always Vigilant)
2nd Lt Eric Classen
Public Affairs Officer
Hanscom Composite Squadron
To find out more about Emergency Services, Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education, please visit www.hanscomcap.org and www.gocivilairpatrol.com. You do not need to be a pilot to get involved. Just a desire to help your community in this rewarding program.
