A S.D. Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182. Photo from SDCAP.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Civil Air Patrol’s South Dakota Wing delivered Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today to Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown on behalf of the South Dakota Department of Health.
“This is truly a turning point in the battle against COVID-19,” said Col Nick Gengler, South Dakota Wing commander. “Through the efforts by the South Dakota Department of Health, its health partners and Civil Air Patrol we were able to coordinate an effective way to contribute to this mission. Our professional volunteers stepped up today to provide a service to the local communities. We will continue to be of service and look forward to ways we can continue to contribute.”
At the request of the Department of Health, the South Dakota Wing is flying the Pfizer vaccine to certain smaller communities in state with its fleet of single-engine aircraft. Other wing members will assist with mission planning and logistical support.
Civil Air Patrol is assisting with vaccine distribution in its role as the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, part of the Air Force Total Force. CAP is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.
“Thanks to the robust support of CAP National Headquarters and 1st Air Force, we are well on our way to providing a much-needed service to the people of South Dakota,” said Lt. Col. Todd Epp, mission incident commander. “We are happy to partner with Gov. Kristi Noem and the Department of Health in their efforts to keep South Dakotans safe from the coronavirus.”
The wing will likely fly additional sorties to deliver the Pfizer vaccine distributed to smaller communities without regularly scheduled air service, as needed by the Department of Health.
Wing aircraft and aircrews are located in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, Spearfish, Pierre, and Brookings. The wing can deploy its six aircraft and its vans where needed to assist in emergency response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies. The wing has over 400 members in units in Sioux Falls, Tea, Brookings, Mitchell, Miller, Pierre, Rapid City, Spearfish and Custer.
(The S.D. Civil Air Patrol contributed this report/news release.)
