Typhoon Bolaven approaches Okinawa Aug. 24, 2012. In the mean time, Status of Forces Agreement-status personnel on the island need to use their chains of command for the most accurate information. They should also monitor the Kadena Air Base Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KadenaAirBase for updates as they become available. (Satellite image courtesy of the Joint Typhoon Weather Center)

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Air Force prepares for Isaac, Bolaven

Published Aug. 24, 2012

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- While the Air Force has moved aircraft out of Florida in advance of the possible path of Tropical Storm Isaac, Airmen half a world away brace for Typhoon Bolaven as it heads toward the Japanese island of Okinawa.

Pentagon spokesman George Little said 22 Air Force Reserve F-16 fighters from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., were flown to Naval Air Station Fort Worth in Texas in advance of the tropical storm. According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Isaac is currently gaining strength, with maximum speeds of up to 60 miles per hour reported.

Half a world away, at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Typhoon Bolaven is expected to reach the island on Sunday with sustainment winds of more than 140 mph. "This is the most powerful typhoon to hit the island in 13 years," said Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander.

"Take time today and tomorrow to secure your outdoor items and get the supplies you need to weather this storm" said Molloy. As of Friday, Aug. 24, the status of the storm was TCCOR 3, meaning winds of 50 knots or greater are expected within 72 hours.

(Amaani Lyle and Senior Airman Maeson Ellemon contributed to this article)

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