Redirecting...

Keesler provides evacuating aircraft safe haven

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Travis Beihl
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
Seven HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, along with 31 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, both from Florida, arrived here this weekend to escape Hurricane Irma.

The HH-60s and HC-130s are from the 41st and 71st rescue squadrons, respectively.

Aircraft from the affected region were evacuated to numerous bases throughout the U.S. and Keesler was eager to support in any way possible.

“We are happy to give support to the 40 aircraft and the 199 personnel who needed to escape Hurricane Irma,” said Maj. Sam Walker, 81st Operation Support Flight commander. “We are providing power units, lodging, office space, maintenance facilities and refueling among other things so they can continue to plan their next mission; whether it’s to their base or to assist with the hurricane relief efforts.”

The aircraft are projected to stay here long enough to ride out Irma, which was downgraded to a tropical storm today. Once it is safe for them to return to return home, the team here will provide all necessary support .