The Civil Air Patrol provides emergency services , which includes performing search and rescue and disaster relief missions ; as well as assisting in humanitarian aid assignments . The CAP also provides Air Force support through conducting light transport , communications support , and low-altitude route surveys . The Civil Air Patrol also supports counter-drug missions . After September 11 attacks in 2001 , the New York Wing was activated to support the state by providing some of the first aerial photographs of Ground Zero and by offering support to local agencies
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
New York Wing Civil Air Patrol