Marion County Composite Squadron

SER-FL-361

"Home of the Valkyries"

Marion County Cadets assist at

Local Hurricane Awareness Expo

Cadets from Marion County Composite Squadron of Ocala assisted the Marion County Sheriff’s Emergency Management on 17 April at a Hurricane and Severe Storm Awareness Expo held at the Ocala airport.

Dozens of exhibitor displayed merchandise that has many helpful usages during a hurricane or severe storm.

The highlight display was a WC130 Hercules aircraft commonly know as a “Hurricane Hunter” was open to the public. Several hundreds passed thru the cockpit and cargo area to be informed by the crew of how the many instruments are used during their passes thru the eye of a hurricane. The pilot in the cockpit explained how they make the passes thru the eye and the severe turbulence they encounter while making the many passes.

The Marion County Sheriff's Mobile Command Center Trailer was open for the public to see the many areas of the center and how they are used during emergencies.

AF JROTC cadets from 3 Marion County High Schools worked side by side with the CAP cadets in helping the exhibitors set up and crowd control.

Marion County Composite Squadron’s Mobile Communications trailer as well as the Squadron’s Cessna 206 was on display.

The Air Force Association had a display as well as a recruiting display by the Air Force Recruiting unit which had a van with video games in the back the many young people played with great enthusiasm.

The Ocala Police department had their Swat Team vehicle on display as well as their Bomb Disposal Unit.  Their remote robot cruised around showing it’s capability in remotely defusing a bomb.

Ocala and Marion County Fire and Rescue had fire equipment on displays that are used during major disasters and haz-mat situations.

It was estimated that around 2200 visited the expo.

This page was last updated: April 21, 2010