Hurlburt Field aircraft, workers return

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tom Knowles
  • 16th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD Fla. (AFPN) --  More than 30 aircraft safely returned here Sept. 19 after evacuating to Fort Campbell, Ky., on Sept 13 to escape the path of Hurricane Ivan. Meanwhile, recovery team members continued their efforts to bring the base back up to operational status.

“We’re working hard to rapidly return the base to normal operations,” said Col. O.G. Mannon, 16th Special Operations Wing commander. “Every base agency is fully engaged to ensure this happens in the safest and most expeditious manner possible.”

While recovery team members were busy whipping the base into shape, all servicemembers and mission-essential Department of Defense civilians reported for work Sept. 20 and focused their combined efforts on recovery operations, Colonel Mannon said.

All nonmission-essential Department of Defense civilians here should report for normal duty Sept. 22, he said.

Recovery team members began initial base recovery efforts Sept. 16 after the dangers related to Hurricane Ivan had passed. The team secured the base, assessed damage caused by the storm, repaired or removed debris, and began the process of bringing the base back up to operational status.

Most of the base's visible preliminary damage assessments consist of downed trees and wind-damaged roofs. Overall, structural and water damage to base facilities is believed to be minimal, officials said. Ongoing assessments continue to determine the full extent of damages. There were no people injured here as a result of the storm.

"The bottom line is we didn't want anyone hurt," Colonel Mannon said. "We can replace buildings, but we can't replace our valuable asset -- our people."