The Civil Air Patrol, the one-of-a-kind Air Force Auxiliary, conducted damage assessment flights over Virginia in the aftermath of tornadoes that devastated an area in the southeastern portion of the state on April 28. The flights began the next day, with a CAP aircraft flying National Weather Service and state officials over the area, while another CAP aircraft flew over the area so CAP members, using personal digital cameras, could record the damage. According to a May 1 CAP release, the Virginia CAP unit’s Satellite Digital Imaging System “had become inoperable and replacement equipment had not yet been installed.” CAP Virginia wing director of emergency services, praised the unit’s members for their “quick and professional response” with “so little lead time” during a work week.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.