Civil Air Patrol joins relief efforts in Georgia

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Civil Air Patrol’s Georgia Wing joined the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Sunday for Hurricane Helene relief efforts needed in the aftermath of the storm that left devastation across multiple eastern states.

CAP teams are assisting local officials with humanitarian efforts after the Category 4 hurricane left millions of homes without power. Teams of volunteers were sent to three locations in the Augusta area to assist in food and water distribution to local communities. The effort frees up emergency responders so they are able to continue focusing on life-saving calls for assistance. 

“Following Hurricane Helene, our trained and professional volunteers are ready to step in and provide critical support,” Georgia Wing Commander Col. Michael Willis. “Our commitment is to support our partners and ensure the people impacted by this disaster receive the assistance they need as quickly and effectively as possible."

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, plays a critical role in emergency services and disaster response operations. Working in close coordination with state and local agencies such as GEMA, CAP’s highly trained volunteers provide essential support in times of need, often serving as a force multiplier when disasters strike.

When tasked by agencies like GEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Civil Air Patrol mobilizes its diverse capabilities, which include aerial reconnaissance, search and rescue, and ground team support, to ensure timely and effective responses to natural and man-made disasters. During operations, CAP members assist by conducting aerial photography to assess storm damage, delivering essential supplies to isolated areas, and even performing life-saving search and rescue missions for missing persons. From Sept. 26 to Sept. 29, CAP across 23 states has provided support to FEMA for geospatial damage assessments with over 50 CAP members and over 200 volunteer hours.

“Civil Air Patrol’s ability to rapidly deploy aircraft and trained personnel makes us a valuable partner in emergency response efforts,” said Senior Master Sgt. Rick Besaw, Incident Commander.

CAP’s involvement in these missions underscores the organization’s commitment to community service and dedication to supporting public safety agencies.

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.