JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) -- Col. Terrence Adams, Joint Base Charleston commander, has terminated the limited evacuation order and issued a recall order for all remaining personnel, Sept. 6, in accordance with the governor’s announcement that lifted the state’s evacuation order.
All personnel are ordered and authorized to return to their residence as soon as possible, but when it is safe to do so given the weather and road conditions from their safe haven location, but no later than 11:59 p.m. EST, Sept. 8. At that time all claimable travel, lodging and per diem entitlements will cease. Adams will approve any requests for exceptions to the authorized entitlements due to extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. If unable to return safely by the designated return time, personnel must request an exception to this order through their chain of command.
This order does not apply to personnel detailed to the Naval Information Warfare Center. NIWC personnel should follow guidance from the activity head.
“We continue to work quickly to restore power to our work facilities and have determined that it is now safe for the return of all remaining personnel,” Adams said. “We ask that any personnel who are affected by power outages, infrastructure damage, or have safety concerns when returning home, please contact their chain of command or housing representative for further guidance.”
In accordance with the announcement by the governor to rescind the evacuation order, Col. Clint ZumBrunnen, 437th Airlift Wing commander, announced the airfield shared by the base and Charleston International Airport is open for traffic as of 7 a.m. Sept. 6, for daylight operations. Once radar services are restored, the airfield will return to normal.
JB Charleston leadership commends the efforts of recovery teams and their role in providing a safe environment for the rest of the JB Charleston family to return. Leadership reminds all personnel to work closely with their chain of command to ensure all team members are safe and taken-care of throughout the recall process.
For up to date hurricane condition information, service members and base residents can go to https://www.facebook.com/TeamCharleston/ or http://www.jbcharleston.jb.mil/.