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B-52s fly search and rescue missions after Hurricane Ike

  • Published
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  B-52 crews from here flew two missions to gather high-resolution digital imagery and full-motion video of destruction after Hurricane Ike hit the United States Sept. 14.

The crew members are from the Air Force Reserve's 93rd Bomb Squadron and Regular Air Force's 96th BS.

This was the first time the bombers have been flown in a strictly humanitarian role as a search-and-rescue platform using advanced, forward-looking infrared and visible light video recording equipment.

Both missions collected more than 700 images of oil platforms, oil tankers and the shoreline infrastructures along the Texas coast between Galveston and Houston.

In addition, more than two hours of full motion video documented the destruction, current flood areas and routes suitable for emergency recovery crews to get in and out of.

Barksdale B-52s and aircrews in the Air Force Reserve's 917th Wing and the Regular Air Force's 2nd Bomb Wing have been on intermittent alert for potential search-and-rescue missions since Hurricane Gustav.

The two flights were a test of the concept of operation for future use of B-52s in a more expanded role in assisting with rescue efforts on land and at sea. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service from a 917th Wing news release)