Capturing Thousands Of Images Of Earthquake Damage
A U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk continues its persistent watch
over Haiti. To date, the Global Hawk has flown six missions,
approximately 130 hours, and provided more than 3,600 images of
Port-au-Prince and areas damaged by the massive earthquake and
ensuing aftershocks that rocked the Caribbean nation earlier this
year.
Global Hawk Aerial Photo
"Thanks to Global Hawk's highly advanced sensors, which are
capable of taking hundreds of images in a single mission, we've
provided disaster assessments for various agencies to make
real-time decisions," said Gen. Bob Otto, commander of the 9th
Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, CA. "The ability to fly
24-hour duration sorties meant the Global Hawk could support
hundreds of ad-hoc requests while staying well clear of the relief
workers and neighboring airports. Truly, Global Hawk's capabilities
have proven invaluable to the worldwide humanitarian efforts in
Haiti."
On January 13th, a U.S. Air Force Block 10 Global Hawk was
diverted by the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force
Base from its trip en-route to support usual wartime operations in
Afghanistan to assist in relief efforts after Haiti's 7.0 magnitude
earthquake on Jan. 12. A Global Hawk took off from its main
operating base at Beale Air Force Base, flew to Haiti, and provided
12 hours of coverage over the disaster area before landing at
Patuxent River Naval Air Station, MD. Subsequent missions were
launched from Maryland to provide 14 to 16 hours of persistent
watch over Haiti before landing back at Patuxent River.
"Not only has Global Hawk helped determine the extent of damages
and usability of Haiti's infrastructure, it has also helped to find
and recommend roadways and airfields accessible for delivering
emergency supplies and rescuing injured and trapped people," said
George Guerra, Northrop Grumman vice president of high-altitude,
long-endurance systems. "We are committed to supporting the ongoing
relief efforts in Haiti for as long as necessary to help rebuild
the lives of those affected."
Global Hawk File Photo
The Global Hawk team collaborated with other agencies to assist
in all aspects of recovery and relief. Officials and analysts from
U.S. Southern Command in Miami, the 548th Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group from Beale Air Force
Base, the 480th ISR Wing from Langley Air Force Base, and the Naval
Air Systems Command Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstration
program from Patuxent River helped provide critically needed
imagery and information.