Base preparations on target for Gustav

Published Sept. 4, 2008
By Keesler Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- Hurricane Gustav's glancing blow over the Labor Day weekend gave Keesler a chance to test its revamped hurricane plan -- and it worked.

Hurricane Gustav made landfall in Cocodrie, La., at about 9:30 a.m. Monday as a Category 2 storm, according to Capt. Mark Sheldon, officer in charge of weather operations for the 81st Operations Support Flight.

A maximum sustained wind of 45 mph and a maximum gust of 61 mph were recorded at Keesler, Captain Sheldon said. The storm surge was estimated at six feet along Biloxi's Back Bay.

Six training facilities became shelters for 3,100 students and mission-essential personnel. Another 6,400 Keesler people and their family members evacuated.

Keesler's new hurricane procedures incorporate the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina three years ago, according to Staff Sgt. Bradley Baker from the 81st Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight who helped write the plan.

"The objective of the plan was to prepare the base for severe weather by putting
the right tools in the hands of the right people at the right time," said Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill, 81st Training Wing commander.

Many changes were made in how the base would deal with a major hurricane.

The hurricane database was improved by including more pertinent information about Keesler members, including sheltering intentions and personnel classification, which allowed more detailed queries and fidelity for status reporting to higher headquarters.

A personnel accountability team was also created. This group of 24 Keesler members from the 81st Force Support Squadron headed to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., before
everyone else to ensure the accountability of all evacuated personnel.

Other procedural changes included the more efficient hardening of buildings using a new screen material, reducing the need for wood and manpower. Hurricane response
teams are also identified, making accountability and assessments more efficient.

The damage assessment process was one thing that didn't change, but the way findings were cataloged did change, according to Sergeant Baker. Damage assessment reporting is now standardized across Air Education and Training Command.

The 81st Civil Engineer Squadron's initial damage estimate is $902,000, primarily for downed trees, fences, roof and flashing damage and a few water leaks.

The 81st CES damage assessment teams evaluate the base in all areas to determine its status. This is done primarily to ensure the safety of Keesler residents
and to restore the mission.

Each team includes different civil engineer specialties such as structural, utilities and
electrical. Once the teams are formed, they are assigned to a route within a sector.

After the storm has passed and it is deemed safe to venture out, the teams check out of the shelter for accountability and load vehicles with equipment. They work closely with unit control centers and update their location while inspecting specific checkpoints on base.

They follow specific routes and report completion rates to unit control centers. This is
done in case there is a delay, then rescue teams will know exactly where to begin looking.

"We looked for fires, flooding, fallen trees and power lines and other hazards," said Tech. Sgt. Melvin Jackson, noncommissioned officer in charge of one of the damage assessment teams. "We found mostly windows blown open from wind surges, broken tree limbs and fences and high water in the marina, but we expected that."

"This base was designed with that flooding in mind," said Lt. Col. Jeff Szatanek, 81st CES commander. "Since Katrina, we've made many infrastructure improvements as well."

The newly-built base housing was built above the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood plan, with windows that withstand 140 mph winds. The basement at Keesler Medical Center now has a dike system in the basement to protect assets there from flooding again. Additionally, generators were upgraded to automatic ones which turn on when the power goes out.

"I feel like we had a plan, we executed that plan and we took care of our people," said Colonel Szatanek. "I am proud of the sense of urgency our squadron had. Thankfully (the storm) wasn't as severe as it could have been."

Keesler begins to resume operations