News>Tinker AFB aircraft return to Oklahoma after diverting to Arizona
Photos
Five E-3 Sentries await preflight procedures to return to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. May 21, 2013, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Seven aircraft arrived at Davis-Monthan AFB after inclement weather threatened Tinker AFB, May 20, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier)
by Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/22/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- Six Air Force E-3 Sentries and two Navy E-6B Mercuries returned to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., May 21 after diverting here in advance of severe weather in Oklahoma.
The E-6Bs and one E-3 arrived May 17, while the other five E-3s arrived May 20 with less than eight hours notice. The inclement weather that caused the aircraft to divert included a tornado that touched down, destroying Moore, Okla., a small town located about 3 miles south of Tinker AFB.
The 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron deputy officer made the decision for the aircraft to divert here due to inclement weather, said Airman 1st Class Barbie Kramer, a 355th Operations Support Squadron airfield operations coordinator. Davis-Monthan AFB was chosen over other bases due to its location and 24/7 operations with a ramp space to support the heavy aircraft.
"Tinker (AFB) didn't have anywhere closer that they could go to quickly," Kramer said. "With a tornado warning or any other evacuation, they can come to us, and they know we have the space or will coordinate for the space to be made."
Flying crews for all the aircraft along with eight members from the 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and security forces members from the 72nd Security Forces Squadron arrived with the E-3 aircraft.
The E-3 is an airborne warning and control systems aircraft. Tinker AFB and Davis-Monthan AFB security forces members worked together to maintain around-the-clock security of the high-valued assets.
Tinker AFB Airmen are helping the community to find survivors and to helping restore the local community.
Comments
5/27/2013 10:45:42 AM ET It not just ramp space that needs to be considered. E-3E-6 crews number around 24 along with the support contingent that amounts to around 200 bodies that an incoming base needed to absorb. Billeting and then off base hotels needed to be looked at. Of course most flying bases have contigency plans for such evacuations and incoming aircraft. Tuscon AZ at the time was probably better suited to receive then Albuquerque NM at the time.
Berto, Florida
5/24/2013 9:08:41 AM ET Were they diverted...inbound to Tinker then sent to another base...or were they evacuated...moved from Tinker to another base...ahead of the stormIf they were in the AZ area and diverted to D-M that makes sense. If they were at Tinker and a decision was made...by the deputy officer whoever that is...to evacuate why fly all the way to D-M Kirtland has plenty of ramp space.How much lead time did they have to make this call generate 8 aircraft and their crews Do they do this all summer for every line of thunderstorms that roll through thereInteresting article that needs a bit more clarity.
