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AFAUX plays important role in ND floods

  • Published
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  Critical integration of efforts and resources has helped the citizens of North Dakota during the recent flooding that has hit that region in the past several days.

Part of that interagency integration has been placed in the hands of the Air Force Auxiliary, the official federal aviation arm of the Civil Air Patrol that provides indispensable emergency services to the U.S. Air Force and its customers.

The North Central Region of CAP has been flying AFAUX missions since March 19, when the unit received word about the potential of flooding in the Red River area of North Dakota, as well as other surrounding areas in Minnesota and South Dakota. Since then, they have flown more than 30 sorties and captured hundreds of visual images to give emergency responders and on-scene commanders the most up-to-date picture of the affected areas. In the case of flooding, CAP imagery can alert decision makers of damage to vital infrastructure, which can ultimately help save lives.

Falling under the operational control of the Joint Forces Air Component Commander, Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, the AFAUX works around the clock to assist federal, state, county and local government and law enforcement agencies. One of the added benefits of employing AFAUX in its role is the amount of money saved by the Air Force. On average, it costs $120 an hour to fly and maintain a CAP aircraft, whereas the cost of flying an Air Force fighter, helicopter or larger aircraft is much higher, making CAP a cost-effective force multiplier and essential part of Air Forces Northern's Defense Support for Civil Authorities mission.