News>Military Units in Southeast Prepare for Isaac's Impact
Photos
irmen of 11th Intelligence Squadron board a C-130 during evacuations on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge)
A C-130 takes off from the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the base. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Hayden K. Hyatt)
Staff sergeants Alex Lee Hooper and Sophist Ly load a box of supplies onto a C-130 at the flightline on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast Region. Hooper is a an air transportation journeyman and Sophist Ly is an air transportation craftsman; both are with the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Hayden K. Hyatt)
Lt. Col. Bryan Collord shakes hands with Airmen from his squadron as they depart for the flightline on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast Region. Collord is commander of 11th Intelligence Squadron. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Hayden K. Hyatt)
Airmen of 11th Intelligence Squadron prepare for pre-storm departure at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge)
Staff Sgt. Raymond Davis prepares to transport aircraft parts off-base in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast region. Davis is the assistant NCO in charge with the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim)
A truck moves various aircraft parts off-base in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast region. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim)
Airmen of 11th Intelligence Squadron board a C-130 during evacuations on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 26, 2012. Hurlburt Field assets were being evacuated as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge)
8/26/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Military units in the southeastern United States are preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is barreling past the Florida Keys and may grow to a hurricane by the time it makes landfall on the northern Gulf coast sometime Tuesday.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say Isaac will probably strengthen to hurricane force once it gets over the Gulf of Mexico.
State and federal officials have notified military personnel in case they are needed to deal with the effects of the storm.
In Florida, Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency and has activated 30 National Guard personnel. About 5,800 personnel are available in Florida if needed.
In Alabama, there are eight National Guard personnel activated with another 70 soldiers and Airmen set for a state mission on Monday. There are 5,114 Guardsmen available if needed in the state.
In Mississippi, National Guard forces are on alert, but there have been no activations yet.
In Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee officials have identified National Guard units that may be needed. Those soldiers and airmen are on a heightened state of awareness.
"The National Guard Bureau's Crisis Management Element has been alerted to work 24/7 to assist affected states in positioning people and equipment to facilitate the most effective response to the storm," National Guard officials said.
The Air Force Reserve is moving aircraft out of the way of Isaac. Aircraft from the 919th Special Operations Wing have relocated from Duke Field, Fla., to Fort Campbell, Ky.
The 325th Fighter Wing is sending its F-22 fighters from Tyndall Air Force base, Fla., to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas to ride out Hurricane Isaac.
Planes of the 482nd Fighter Wing have relocated from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. to Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas.
Aircraft from 927th Air Refueling Wing have relocated from MacDill AFB, Fla., to Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., and McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn.
On the other side of Florida, aircraft of the 920th Rescue Wing will shelter in place at Patrick AFB, Fla. The 403rd Wing will fly its WC-130Js for weather reconnaissance from Ellington Field, Texas.
Eglin AFB, Fla., is the largest military installation currently in the path of Isaac. Base officials have declared Hurricane Condition 3. Officials want base residents to monitor storm reports on local radio and television stations, and call for residents to secure lawn furniture, trash cans, potted plants and other loose objects. Those planning to evacuate should know the route they will take and consider leaving before an evacuation order is issued.
Comments
8/27/2012 10:50:47 AM ET If people leave before the official evacuation order is issued they are not eligible for any reimbursement for the days of travel prior to the date the order is issued.
Laura, Joint Base Charleston
8/27/2012 8:47:08 AM ET Not to sound like an OPSEC nazi but is it necessary to identify the specific locations where the planes are evacuating to Wouldn't it be sufficient to just say they're relocating to inland bases to ride out the storm
DC, MD
8/27/2012 6:00:29 AM ET Please fix the typo. Sheppard AFB is in TX not KS
