The flightline is empty at Charleston Air Force Base S.C. The C-17 Globemaster IIIs that fly from base were evacuated Sept. 4 in preparation for possible hurricane conditions. The C-17s moved inland to both Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and to Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Cynthia Spalding)Eleven C-17 Globemaster III aircraft here evacuated Sept. 4 due to the possibility of severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Hanna.
The evacuation of the C-17s began midmorning and continued until about 2:15 p.m. Six of the aircraft relocated to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, while the remaining five were repositioned at Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Currently, flying operations are suspended here until the aircraft are cleared to safely return. The last time Charleston AFB officials evacuated aircraft for a hurricane was in August 2006.
"We've been watching Tropical Storm Hanna this past week and we are taking the appropriate actions to make sure that both the base and our people are ready," said Col. John Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "We are repositioning our aircraft for two reasons. One is to maintain the security of the aircraft; the other is to continue the ability to use the aircraft, so that if we get tasked for missions, we still have the ability to operate."
The colonel said the day-to-day operations here would continue up until the point that base leaders determine the safety of Charleston's population could be jeopardized because of the storm.
"Our main concern is the safety of our Airmen and their families," he said. "We are making sure that we take effective measures to inform them of the status of the situation and that we take the appropriate preparatory actions."
At this time, no mandatory evacuation order for personnel has been given. However, as a reminder, in the event of an evacuation, Airmen and their families must call the Personnel Relocation Center at 1-800-435-9941 to notify the Air Force Personnel Center of where they are, a good contact number and any other pertinent information. Airmen also are asked to call on a daily basis to see when they will be able to return to the base.
"It is imperative that supervisors maintain 100 percent accountability of personnel and their families, including those with deployed loved ones," Colonel Millander said. "Nothing is more important than our Airmen who perform the mission each and every day. I appreciate all the hard work each individual has dedicated to this effort in ensuring the safety of Team Charleston. Continue to stay positive and focused. We are in this together."
