Civil Air Patrol units from Texas and Louisiana took part in Rita disaster response actions, flying aerial damage assessments, moving officials and supplies, and participating in search and rescue efforts. According to the Air Force, as of Sept. 25, CAP has flown approximately 40 missions—half the total missions for the Air Force. CAP has 12 aircraft and crews based out of Dallas Mission Base in Addison, Tex., and Stinson Field near San Antonio. During Katrina efforts, CAP units from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi racked up 1,300 flight hours in support of more than 670 air missions.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
