Flying low over some of the nation’s most high-profile events, the Aerial Measuring System (AMS) team often gets a one-of-a-kind view.
Ahead of the Republican National Convention in July, a twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter flew slow and low in a parallel line pattern over Milwaukee. Inside the aircraft, AMS Supervisor Dr. Jacqueline Brandon led a team of Nevada National Security Sites’ Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL) specialists scanning the city’s downtown to measure background radiation in preparation for the convention. The baseline map helped security agencies know what the radiation levels were, in case there was an emergency during the RNC.
“In addition, we are looking for any radiological irregularities throughout a city that might need to be investigated further by the Radiological Assistance Program’s (RAP) ground teams,” said Dr. Brandon. Shortly after the RNC, AMS geared up to support the DNC in Chicago.
The Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) is the umbrella designation for all U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration radiological and nuclear emergency response functions. In addition to RSL’s AMS, within NEST are the RAP and the National Search Team, all of which can be activated ahead of a large public event.
At the United States Secret Service’s request, RSL has supported the Republican and Democratic National Conventions during past election cycles. Such events typically require additional security, and according to the Department of Homeland Security’s Special Event Assessment Rating this year’s RNC and DNC were rated at a National Special Security Event level, the highest level for national events.
To prepare for any event, AMS coordinates with the local RAP team for ground support. AMS pilots may fly as low as 150 feet above ground, so coordination with local air traffic control is critical to evaluate any known obstacles that may be difficult to navigate around. Additionally, RSL ensures the public is adequately informed ahead of time to minimize questions and concerns about their low-flying aircraft.
AMS typically deploys with seven people: two pilots, a mechanic, three scientists, and an equipment specialist. On board, two pilots, an equipment specialist, and a mission manager survey the scene from the sky. Simultaneously, their ground counterparts, a team of scientists, watch the data in real time to detect any anomalies. Following each flyover, AMS discusses mission successes and identifies any areas for improvement.
“We have learned to be flexible as a team,” said Dr. Brandon. “We never know what the weather is going to be like or what new obstacles we will encounter on each mission.”
Each year, RSL secures some of the nation’s largest events including the Super Bowl and other major sporting events, the State of the Union address, and celebrations including New Year’s Eve on the Las Vegas Strip.