Texas Air Guard Supports Flood Response in Czechia

ČÁSLAV AIR BASE, Czechia - The 147th Attack Wing has shifted its focus from the NATO-led Ample Strike 2024 exercise to help Czechia respond to one of the most severe weather-related events it has ever experienced.

Rising rivers have devastated nearly all parts of the country, with the hardest-hit regions in the northeast along the Polish border. Floodwaters have affected an area spanning more than 100 kilometers, including parts of Ostrava, the country's third-largest city, with a population of around 295,000.

The Texas Air National Guard's 147th is assisting Czech emergency services with the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft to conduct damage assessments, allowing local authorities to prioritize recovery efforts and restore critical infrastructure.

"We have extensive experience dealing with natural disasters in Texas, which has prepared us to handle these types of missions effectively," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeff Morris, 147th Attack Wing Ample Strike Operations lead. "The flooding in Czechia presented a real need for our support, and we were able to seamlessly transition from close air support during Ample Strike to flood response."

The NATO exercise focused on joint air support and coordination.

"We were already familiar with the terrain from Ample Strike, which allowed us to quickly mobilize and deliver actionable intelligence to Czech emergency response teams," Morris said. The team has focused on assessing key infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and residential areas, to guide recovery operations.

Maj. Adam Walton said the MQ-9's sustained air surveillance capability allowed the team to scan large areas quickly.

"We've been able to pinpoint areas where roads and railways were completely washed out, helping authorities prioritize their recovery efforts," Walton said.

Morris said the assistance was a small way to return the warmth and hospitality of the Czech people.

The Czech Republic and Texas have been partners in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 1993.

"As Texans, we understand the devastation that flooding can bring - just like we've faced with hurricanes and floods back home," Walton said. "Being able to support our state partner through such a difficult time has been incredibly meaningful for all of us. We're not just flying missions; we're helping friends rebuild their lives."

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