Southwest Florida CAP Squadrons Conduct Hurricane-Readiness Search-and-Rescue Exercise

In the quiet moments before a storm, readiness is built through effort, discipline, and a shared heart for service. On February 21, more than 30 dedicated volunteers from three Southwest Florida Civil Air Patrol (CAP) squadrons gathered at Marco Island Executive Airport for a large-scale Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX). This wasn't just a routine drill; it was a testament to the tireless commitment of members who give their time and talents to ensure Florida communities are protected.

Operating from the Marco Island Senior Squadron (FL-376) hangar and mission spaces, aircrews and ground teams from the Highlands County Composite Squadron (FL-314) and Lee County Composite Squadron (FL-469) joined forces to execute 15 complex sorties. These teams worked through realistic emergency scenarios, including locating simulated crash victims, photographing storm damage for post-disaster assessment, and searching for lost boaters in coastal environments.

Mentoring the Leaders of Tomorrow

The exercise highlighted the Civil Air Patrol’s dual mission: providing elite emergency services while training the young leaders of the future. Cadets from the Lee County Composite Squadron were in attendance, working alongside seasoned officers to learn the high-stakes world of incident command and search operations. By involving these young men and women in realistic scenarios, the CAP is ensuring that the next generation of Florida’s leaders is prepared to step up when their neighbors need them most.

Innovation Through the Orthomosaic Advantage

What sets this regional team apart is their pursuit of excellence through specialized training. The squadron has demonstrated remarkable dedication by developing unique procedures and training for orthoscopic imagery, an advanced capability that is new within the Florida Wing.

During disaster response, CAP can use specialized photographic equipment to produce orthomosaic imagery. This unique type of imagery removes perspective distortion and is produced by stitching ultra-high-definition 360-degree images together to create a panoramic, three-dimensional view for CAP's partner agencies to identify and analyze damaged areas to enhance their response efforts. 

Civil Air Patrol pilots and aerial photographers must complete in-depth, additional technical training in the use of this equipment, which was part of the curriculum during the training exercise. 

This forward-thinking approach allows aircrews to refine imagery collection and disaster assessment with a level of precision that is critical during the aftermath of a major hurricane.

The training also sharpened mission staff rehearsals for imagery collection processes that support public-sector partners during recovery operations. This operational model helps communities move faster from impact to assessment, and from assessment to action.

Voices from the Field

The leadership across all three squadrons emphasized the importance of this integrated training:

“This is exactly what readiness looks like — disciplined volunteers, unified command, and practical training focused on protecting our neighbors before the next storm arrives. When we train together at this scale, Southwest Florida communities gain a faster, safer and more coordinated emergency response capability.” — 1st Lt. Michael Harms, Commander of FL-376.

“From an incident command perspective, this was a strong execution of priorities: safety, tempo and mission clarity. Three squadrons came together and produced measurable readiness outcomes. That matters when the mission shifts from simulation to real lives.” — Capt. Robert Boone, Incident Commander.

“Our objective as operations staff is to make every sortie purposeful and every crew more capable than they were the day before. This training sharpened communications, improved task integration and reinforced the standards we need for effective support to local and state agencies.” — Lt. Col. Robert Corriveau, Operations Section Chief.

“Readiness is regional. When squadrons train together, Florida communities benefit from a larger, better integrated volunteer force that can scale quickly under pressure.” — Lt. Col. Stephen Kintner, Commander of FL-314

“This mission showed how quickly teams can align around a common objective. Our members trained hard, collaborated well and built confidence that translates directly into better service for families and communities.” — 1st Lt. Jesse Spencer, Commander of FL-469

Community Support: The Fuel for the Mission

While the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary provides major assets such as planes and vehicles, local squadrons are responsible for significant operating costs, training events, and facility maintenance. These volunteers receive no pay and freely give their time, but they rely on community support to keep their operations airborne.

• Stay Informed: Join the local mailing list by emailing Michael.Harms@flwgcap.us to receive mission updates and activity newsletters.
• Support the Mission: Tax-exempt contributions directly fund emergency services training, disaster assessment readiness, and youth cadet programs. Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/MICAP376.
• Join the Ranks: CAP welcomes adult volunteers (21+) with no maximum age limit or prior military experience required. You do not need a pilot’s license to save a life.

Civil Air Patrol is the all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary and a congressionally chartered nonprofit focused on emergency services, aerospace education and cadet development. CAP volunteers support communities across the nation through search and rescue, disaster relief, training and youth leadership programs.