Civil Air Patrol/New Smyrna Beach FL-378

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"The New Smyrna Beach Composite SQDN proudly names...."
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Emergency Services

EMERGENCY SERVICES

CAP is still best known for its search and rescue missions. Civil Air Patrol air and ground teams perform 85 percent of inland search-and-rescue missions for the Air Force's Air Rescue Coordination Center. These volunteers donate their time and labor, receiving reimbursement for fuel and oil only, thus saving the taxpayers millions of dollars. More than 100 lives are saved every year by CAP members on search and rescue missions!

CAP’s disaster relief missions, such as those during hurricanes and floods, often don't make headlines, but CAP provides both air and ground transportation and an extensive communications network. CAP members also fly disaster relief officials to remote locations and support local, state and national disaster relief organizations with manpower and leadership. CAP ground teams provide vital assistance to disaster relief operations.

The CAP Emergency Communications Network spans the country with a data and voice net built to survive the loss of civil communications. With one of the most sophisticated communications networks in the nation, CAP supports local, state, and federal agencies during disaster relief, search and rescue and many other emergencies. The fleet of 530 CAP-owned aircraft communicates on CAP's own dedicated frequencies, while new systems coordinate and track search flights via sophisticated datalink.

The youth-centered CAP Drug Demand Reduction Program is only one of Civil Air Patrol’s activities in our country’s "War on Drugs." Since 1986, CAP has made major contributions to the counterdrug fight by providing aerial reconnaissance, airborne communications support, and airlift of law enforcement personnel. In 1995, CAP units flew nearly 32,000 hours in support of counterdrug efforts.

As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, it’s not surprising that Civil Air Patrol performs vital Air Force missions upon request. This support includes air search and rescue on USAF directed missions, light transport, communications support and low-altitude route surveys.

All in all, there are numerous reasons for enthusiastic, aviation-oriented volunteers to join one of this country’s premier service organizations.

Growing from its World War II experience, the Civil Air Patrol has continued to strive to save lives and alleviate human suffering through a myriad of emergency service and operational missions.

Search and Rescue (SAR): Perhaps best known for its search and rescue efforts, CAP now flies more than 85 percent of all federal inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley AFB, Virginia. Outside of the

continental United States, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Just how effective are the CAP missions? More than 100 people are saved every year by CAP members!

Disaster Relief: Often overlooked but vitally important is the role CAP plays in disaster relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation, and an extensive communications network. They fly disaster relief officials to remote locations, and support local, state and national disaster relief organizations with manpower and leadership.

The 378th Composite SQD maintains a Ground Operations Team that is trained and ready to respond to both SAR and DR functions. The 378th serves as one of the CAP-USAF units in the region able to respond to disaster situations with total logistical support.