Civil Air Patrol Highlights 85 Years of National Disaster Response Service

Civil Air Patrol volunteers are preparing to mark the organization's 85th anniversary on December 1, highlighting its history as a national disaster response force, Civil Air Patrol News reported. The organization provides volunteer support during emergencies such as hurricanes, wildfires, and oil spills. [1]

Civil Air Patrol News noted key historical operations, including the response to Hurricane Hugo. The Category 4 storm hit Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, on September 21, 1989, driving a 12- to 14-foot storm surge into the coast and cutting off power, water, and easy access across the region. [1]

Civil Air Patrol operates as a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation and serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Its members include volunteers from diverse backgrounds who support aviation and disaster response missions under federal law. [2]

Local wings continue regular emergency training. As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, the Utah Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, which comprises over 830 members across 14 statewide locations, recently partnered with the Utah Army National Guard to conduct the 'Red Iguana' exercise to simulate response to a 7.0-magnitude earthquake near Salt Lake City. [5]