Search/rescue exercise hosted in Twin Cities

AUBURN - Civil Air Patrol's Lewiston/Auburn Squadron played host to a statewide search and rescue exercise Jan. 21. Volunteers from as far away as Calais converged on Auburn-Lewiston Airport to take part.

Five aircraft and two teams of ground searchers practiced search and emergency management drills focused on locating an electronic distress beacon hidden west of Auburn.

Other aircrews practiced aerial surveying of the sort required to support disaster relief missions. The beacon was successfully found before noon.

Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the Air Force. Its volunteer members perform more than 85 percent of all inland search and rescue missions tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, as well as disaster relief and aerospace education of its members and the community.

The cadet program offers young people between the ages of 12 and 21 the opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills and aerospace knowledge, as well as to take part in missions. For more information, contact Lewiston/Auburn Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Scott Higgins at 577-5998.