CAP Emergency Response Teams train in disaster scenarios missions this weekend

July 21, 2012 - PRLog -- July 21, 2012 Release #2: 10:00 a.m.

By Capt Robert Bowden &  Lt. Col. Christine Rinn

Hastings, Michigan — Civil Air Patrol members from throughout Michigan are participating in Disaster Response training this weekend. The scenario is simulated heavy storms have hit western Michigan. Air and ground crews will assess simulated storm damage and verify the condition of the electrical infrastructure.

During this exercise, members will utilize aircraft equipped for aerial photography, emergency beacon tracing and communications relay.

The mission base is at the Hastings Airport, where campsite and mission support have been set up. Michigan residents might see low flying aircraft and people in military uniforms in the vicinity of the airport from Friday evening through Sunday.

The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that the Michigan Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is capable of a quick and accurate response to emergencies. All participants will have to be flexible and prepared for anything since their tasks can change rapidly depending on the situation.

For additional information please contact:
Capt Robert Bowden Cell: 248-429-7218

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 61,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 54 lives in fiscal year 2011. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to nearly 27,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet program. CAP received the World Peace Prize in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for 70 years. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.capvolunteernow.com for more information.