Joint Task Force Alaska Public Affairs
BY SPC Amie J. McMillan
May 1st, 2010
5/1/2010 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — When an earthquake or other natural disaster strikes, communication is vital. Without it, emergency responders often have no way of knowing the extent of the damage or even where to send help.
During Arctic Edge 10, a training exercise, employees from the Poker Flat Research Range at the University of Alaska Fairbanks responded to an earthquake scenario. They used an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), a class of aircrafts that do not require a pilot to be onboard, to conduct damage assessmentand aid in relief efforts.
The Poker Flat Research Range Manager, Greg Walker, flew the ScanEagle around the staged areas in Anchorage to capture visual information for the sole training purpose of saving lives, preventing suffering and protecting crucial foundations by sending emergency responders where they are needed.
"We think we have something we can contribute to the security and safety of our state and to other states," said Ro Bailey, special projects officer, Poker Flat Research Range, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
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