We're pleased to note that a talented auxiliary military resource is finally getting the chance to use their immense expertise in Search and Recovery to help in finding answers to one of the greatest tragedies in recent memory... the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia. One of our favorite ANN News-Spies passed along the following data in order to make sure that the very dedicated folks who comprise CAP were recognized for the valued effort they're making... and we couldn't be more pleased to share it with you. Here's a a look at their recent efforts...

CAP Mission Summary - Task Force Columbia

NASA has tasked CAP with airborne shuttle debris identification missions in Texas. All missions have centered around rural areas south and west of Dallas/Fort Worth.

The results for this past weekend are as follows:

8 Feb 03

1. 3 TX Wing aircraft were utilized on 4 sorties. (6 flights were cancelled due to weather.)
2. CAP flew 8.5 hours and 40 CAP members were involved in the missions.
3. 3 potential targets were reported to NASA for follow-up.
4. No targets have been confirmed as Shuttle Columbia debris. 3 potential targets reported were checked out by NASA ground crews and determined to be insignificant.

9 Feb 03

1. 6 TX Wing aircraft were utilized on 14 sorties. (12 flights were cancelled due to weather.)
2. CAP flew 20.1 hours and 40 CAP members were involved in the missions.
3. 15 potential targets were reported to NASA for follow-up.
4. No targets have been confirmed as Shuttle Columbia debris. 8 of the 15 potential targets have been checked out by NASA ground crews and determined to be insignificant. The remaining targets will be verified on 10 February 2003.

Cumulative: 28.6 hours flown.

15 sorties are scheduled for 10 Feb. Weather conditions are favorable for air operations 10-11 Feb 03.

FMI: www.capnhq.gov