Maxwell officials prepare for Hurricane Gustav Published Sept. 2, 2008 MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- As Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast, Maxwell Air Force Base officials are bedding down federal and state emergency management units and evacuees from military bases in the storm's path. Maxwell is a designated National Logistical Support Area for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Officials there are receiving semi-tractor trailers filled with relief supplies for affected areas along the coast. They currently are expecting to receive about 150 of the vehicles loaded with water, food, cots and blankets. Along with the FEMA personnel here to manage the fleet of vehicles are representatives from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, here to coordinate the emergency response at the state level. A team from the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., also is on Maxwell. Their task while here is to track the location of all the military personnel who evacuate the Gulf Coast base. Members of 2nd Air Force headquarters also will relocate to Maxwell from Keesler to ensure continuity of training. On Aug. 30, about 90 Gulf Coast evacuees already have found refuge on Maxwell, located in central Alabama. The base and nearby Gunter Annex can accommodate more than a thousand military identification card holders seeking shelter from Gustav in temporary shelters. Because of the potential influx of a large number of people and the unpredictable path of Gustav, evacuees are being received on a first-come, first-served basis, said base officials. "The base exercises routinely with state and federal emergency response agencies for these types of contingencies," said Col. Kris Beasley, 42nd Air Base Wing commander. "It is because of this close partnership and cooperation that we are able to provide both a safe haven for our military members and families and a base of operation for federal and state relief efforts for the Gulf Coast." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page