Missouri Wing Participates in Multi-State Training Exercise

Missouri Wing, Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, members and aircrew are assisting in a multi-state disaster relief training exercise over the next several days. Training activities will be in support of CAP’s Arkansas and Oklahoma Wings.

Mission base for Missouri Wing’s part of the exercise is located in Nixa, MO. Aircrew from Branson, Joplin, and Springfield are participating.

The exercise involves CAP’s Southwest Region – comprised of the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas – with emphasis on a simulated earthquake in northern Arkansas. Additional training objectives across the region including responding to simulated flooding and damage from straight-line winds.

In addition to supporting other CAP wings and regions, formal disaster relief and search and rescue training exercises are held on a regular basis throughout the state several times each year.

“Our all-volunteer teams train constantly to be of service not only to Missouri communities but also to assist other states in times of need, and can even support national emergencies,” said Lt. Col. Raun Hamilton, Missouri Wing director of emergency services and incident commander for the Missouri part of the exercise. “We make sure we’re ready when the call comes.”

Acting as a Total Force partner and official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. 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.