As Hurricane Isabel looms on the Eastern seaboard, the all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary known as Civil Air Patrol is helping the Air Force manage storm-related operations.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC), located at Langley AFB, Va., has moved its operations to CAP’s National Technology Center (NTC) at the Defense Supply Center Richmond in Richmond, Va. Langley AFB lies in the projected path of the hurricane, which is expected to hit the area Thursday afternoon.

Earlier this year, the AFRCC relocation team surveyed the facilities and determined the NTC was equipped with skilled personnel and equipment to support the U.S. Inland search and rescue system. The NTC normally provides support for CAP operations and communications nationwide, maintenance for CAP’s communications network and hosts several mission-critical Internet systems.

“We understand what the AFRCC needs because we do similar work,” said Pete Wharton, manager of the NTC. “If the AFRCC rescue controllers are unable to work from their center at Langley, we are able to support them with the office space, computer network connections, telephones, and radios – virtually everything they need – to operate as usual.  Plus, they’re already familiar with us.”

CAP conducts more than 95 percent of all AFRCC-tasked inland search and rescue missions throughout the U.S. and works daily with AFRCC staff.  “For the AFRCC, this facility provides us with one of the best remote operating locations we’ve seen,” said Maj. Dave Martens, AFRCC Relocation Coordinator. “We really appreciate CAP’s support.”

On the local storm front, CAP has placed its aircraft and volunteers in several Eastern states on alert for aerial and ground search and rescue, damage assessment and disaster relief. States affected will likely include Virginia, North and South Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

At CAP’s National Capital Wing in Washington, D.C., CAP aircraft normally not kept in hangars have been moved to safety. Wing commander Col. Frank McConnell said members likely will be tasked to do aerial photography for damage assessment as early as Friday morning.

“Our region has just installed new digital satellite imaging equipment,” McConnell said. “It allows us to take high-resolution photos from the air and immediately transmit them by e-mail using a digital satellite Internet connection. This technology will help officials determine more clearly exactly what damage has occurred.”

In North Carolina, CAP took aerial photographs today that will be used after the storm for damage comparison. North Carolina Wing commander Col. Harold Schaffer said the wing’s aircraft had been moved inland to Burlington, N.C., where an incident command system is set up. CAP members are gathering in Burlington and plan to spend tonight and Thursday night on standby for mission assignments.

CAP’s Pennsylvania Wing has officially activated its emergency operations center at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Pa. The wing is moving its aircraft and personnel to key locations throughout the state in the event Isabel hits the state on Friday.

CAP chaplains in Virginia and the Carolinas are on standby to provide support for responders and victims of the anticipated storm.

“The most gratifying part of our preparation has been the outpouring of support from CAP volunteers from other areas of the country,” McConnell said. “I’ve been contacted by many of our region and wing commanders with offers of additional personnel and equipment to meet this crisis. This is where you really see the advantage of CAP’s large network of members and resources.”

FMI: www.cap.gov, www.af.mil