Since the first flight on Aug. 29, the role of the E-3 has evolved into not just communication relay, but rather a critical coordination hub between the western Air Defense Sector, Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center, an Air Support Operations Squadron and more than 80 Search and Rescue aircraft.
Examples of information passed include hospital availability, the status of 14 helicopter landing zones, seven airfields for fixed wing aircraft and coordinates for the location of the most critically ill survivors.
The information being gathered on board the aircraft enables crews to prioritize and direct assets where they are needed most.