(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Iowa Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) took to the sky Tuesday afternoon, to survey storm damage from the April 26th tornadoes that struck western Iowa. Colonel Jonathan Lartigue, Commander of the Wing, told KJAN News the CAP responded at the request of the United States Air Force (USAF), as well as federal and state agencies, such as FEMA and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, to document the tornado damage.

He said Tuesday their efforts began Monday, and will continue until their services are no longer needed.

A Civil Air Patrol aircraft is shown at the Atlantic (IA) Municipal Airport.

Colonel Lartigue says their work will help to ensure assistance gets to those who need it.

He says Civil Air Patrol pilots understand the role they play in the storm recovery process.

The Civil Air Patrol, a USAF Auxiliary, operates 560 aircraft across the country, and performs inland search and rescue, saving 155 lives in 2019. More than 66,000 members of the CAP perform homeland security & disaster relief missions, promote STEM education, and mentor 28,000 cadet members.