RC-26 assists Hurricane Katrina recovery operations Published Sept. 6, 2005 ELLINGTON FIELD, Texas (AFPN) -- The RC-26 is normally tasked to assist law enforcement in a counterdrug role, but now has now been tasked to assist state and federal officials in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.In the immediate aftermath of the devastating hurricane, the 147th Fighter Wing here dispatched its RC-26 to fly photo missions over New Orleans and surrounding areas. They provided to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers with detailed photographs of the devastation, particularly the breached levees in New Orleans. The photographs provided officials with a comprehensive overview of the effects of the massive flooding.The 147th Fighter Wing RC-26 pilots also ferried Louisiana state officials to provide them a broad visual perspective of the devastation. Their mission is expanding to provide search and rescue support for local law enforcement officials using the planes infrared video equipment at night.The RC-26 supports counterdrug operations at the request of federal, state and local law enforcement officials. After the Sept. 11 attacks, the mission expanded to provide a wide array of additional activities, such as counternarcotics activities overseas, presidential support and humanitarian missions.“Nobody is better equipped to roll into that and tie in with law enforcement than us,” said Maj. Joe Lewis, National Guard Bureau counterdrug aviation branch chief.Texas and many other states are providing uniquely capable civil and military assets to assist in recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina.