The Hawaii Wing flew a U.S. Geological Survey volcanologist over newly erupted Mauna Loa early Nov. 28 while also providing photos of lava flows and other activity stemming from the first eruption of the world’s largest active volcano since 1984.
First Lt. John Bassett took off at 6:45 a.m. from Hilo International Airport in a CAP plane with volcanologist Ms. Natalia Deligne and 1st Lt. Susan Bassett, aerial photographer, aboard. They flew over the Mauna Loa summit and the North East Rift Zone.
The Bassetts belong to the Hawaii Wing’s Lyman Field Composite Squadron.
According to the USGS, “Lava flows are not threatening any downslope communities and all indications are that the eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone. Volcanic gas and possibly fine ash and Pele’s Hair may be carried downwind … Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa rift zone eruption can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly.”
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2nd Lt. Janel Fujinaka
Public Affairs Officer
Hawaii Wing