Starting on Dec. 9 and continuing for a period of about two weeks, the Department of Defense will conduct an aerial imagery survey over hurricane-affected parts of Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize to collect data for assessing the effects of environmental damage.

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), which has been tasked to support ongoing relief efforts with aerial imagery, will coordinate employment of U.S. Air Force OC-135B observation aircraft from MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla. These aircraft will use their film-based, high-resolution cameras to chart terrain changes, new water routes, damaged or destroyed agricultural crops, mudslide flows, and washed out bridges and roads.

The missions will provide detailed, high-resolution aerial imagery of the affected areas to better understand the effects of the disaster over broad regions in order to more effectively and efficiently coordinate the employment of relief and recovery resources.

A limited number of seats are available for journalists interested in accompanying aerial survey flight missions over the affected region. Those interested in obtaining more information may contact Lt. Cmdr. Ike Skelton, (813) 828-2215/2218.

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Dec1998/b12081998_bt625.html