On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Lee ‘Tex’ Hill squadron of the Civil Air Patrol held a Search and Rescue exercise at the San Marcos National Airport. The exercise involved 9 aircrew members who flew 5 sorties on which they practiced various search and rescue techniques. They were supported by 4 mission base staff who provided radio communications and monitored the progress of each sortie.
Saturday’s sorties simulated a disaster response where the crews were looking for stranded people and damage to bridges, towers, and roads. They flew over The Blanco River, the Guadalupe River, the Canyon Lake Dam and other infrastructure.
“We hold an exercise like this every month to ensure we are ready to respond when we are needed.” said Captain Mauricio Urquiola, the squadron Commander.
