Crossville To Host Tennessee Wing’s Search And Rescue Training This Weekend

The Crossville Squadron 120 will host the Tennessee Wing’s search and rescue and disaster relief training this weekend.

Lieutenant Colonel Craig Christen said squadrons train to help in the face of natural disasters, search for downed aircraft, and things of that nature. He said this weekend will have squadrons and crews working together during scenarios as if they are actually responding to emergencies.

“This is really important so that each of the members of the different squadrons understands that when we do have an emergency, how we operate,” Christen said. “Under the umbrella of the instant command post and the instant commander.”

Christen said participants may train in missing plane scenarios or may be targeted with a certain type of disaster. He said they may also utilize ground teams and send them to various targets and will aid in search or disasters from the ground in small groups.

Christen said the Civil Air Patrol started in 1941 during WWII. He said CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education.

Christen said the 60-person training will be based out of Camp Nakanawa. He said many local businesses have signed on to help support training by providing snacks and meals.