N. Dakota Wing Assists in Missing Person Search

Outstanding effort by North Dakota Wing in this recent missing person search.

"We'd like to take a moment to thank the volunteers and professionals who took part in last week's search for Artoun Gostantian in the Badlands. Civil Air Patrol crews and aircraft maintained a steady pace, flying from the initial request for support Wednesday until weather conditions paused operations Friday. Their volunteer service is deeply appreciated.

A special thank you goes to NDResponse / ND Dept of Emergency Services for coordinating flight operations. We couldn't have flown safely without your support.

We're also honored to have worked alongside outstanding partners, including the North Dakota National Guard, Badlands Search & Rescue Service, MHA Emergency Operations Center, North Dakota Highway Patrol, local sheriff's offices and the many other agencies and volunteers who answered the call.

To everyone who offered encouragement, prayers and kind words throughout the search—thank you. Braving the heat and long hours is a little easier knowing there's a community standing behind the effort. While we don't yet know how this story will end, Civil Air Patrol aircrews are not being employed in the search at this time. We'll remember your support the next time we're called to serve."

(Photo: Mission aircrew member 2nd Lt. Clint Fleckenstein searches the rugged Badlands terrain aboard Civil Air Patrol's FLIR-equipped aircraft Friday. Civil Air Patrol photo by Maj. Benjamin Conlin.)