Photo By Senior Airman Eduardo Figueroa Varela | A Czech emergency services official reviews aerial footage captured by an MQ-9 Reaper...... read more read more
ČÁSLAV AIR BASE, Czechia – The 147th Attack Wing has shifted its focus from the NATO-led Ample Strike 2024 exercise to flooding response efforts in response to one of the most severe weather-related events Czechia has ever experienced. Rising rivers have devastated nearly all parts of the country, with the hardest-hit regions in the northeast, along the Polish border. Floodwaters have affected an area spanning more than 100 kilometers, including parts of Ostrava, the country’s third-largest city, with a population of around 295,000.
Amidst this flooding, the 147th has deployed its specialized capabilities to assist Czech emergency services in responding to the crisis, leveraging the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft to conduct real-time damage assessments, allowing local authorities to prioritize recovery efforts and begin restoring critical infrastructure.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Jeff Morris, 147th Attack Wing Ample Strike Operations Lead, discussed the quick shift in mission focus. “We have extensive experience dealing with natural disasters in Texas, which has prepared us to handle these types of missions effectively,” Morris said. “The flooding in Czechia presented a real need for our support, and we were able to seamlessly transition from close air support during Ample Strike to flood response.”
Initially in Czechia for Ample Strike 2024, a NATO exercise focused on joint air support and coordination, the 147th Attack Wing rapidly adapted when the flooding occurred. “We were already familiar with the terrain from Ample Strike, which allowed us to quickly mobilize and deliver actionable intelligence to Czech emergency response teams,” Morris added. The team’s efforts have focused on assessing key infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and residential areas, to guide recovery operations.
Major Adam Walton emphasized the significance of the Guard’s contribution during the flooding response. “During Ample Strike, we worked closely with Czech JTACs, but when the floods hit, our mission changed. We began flying over the flood-affected areas, providing real-time assessments of damaged infrastructure.”
Walton highlighted the importance of the MQ-9’s sustained air surveillance capability, which allowed the team to scan large areas quickly. “We’ve been able to pinpoint areas where roads and railways were completely washed out, helping authorities prioritize their recovery efforts. The MQ-9 provided capabilities that Czechia lacked, and this real-time data has been priceless in supporting their emergency response.”
Throughout the flooding response, close collaboration with Czech emergency services has been essential. “We worked directly with Czech officials to map out scanning routes and provide real-time feedback on critical areas, helping Czechia respond more effectively,” Walton explained.
Lt. Colonel Morris expressed deep gratitude for the warmth and hospitality the Texas Air National Guard has received from the Czech people, emphasizing the personal connection that has formed during their time in Czechia. “We’ve experienced the generosity of the Czech people for weeks now, and this is just a small way we can give back. Their kindness has made us feel at home, and now, in their time of need, we are honored to stand by them,” Morris shared.
Major Walton added to the sentiment, highlighting the emotional impact of the mission. “As Texans, we understand the devastation that flooding can bring—just like we’ve faced with hurricanes and floods back home. Being able to support our state partner through such a difficult time has been incredibly meaningful for all of us. We’re not just flying missions; we’re helping friends rebuild their lives.”
As the response efforts continue, the 147th Attack Wing remains steadfast in their commitment to aiding Czechia’s recovery, as an example of the strength of the State Partnership Program and the enduring bond between Texas and Czechia, united in facing challenges and offering support.
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2024 13:43 |
| Story ID: | 481405 |
| Location: | CZ |
| Web Views: | 154 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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