Personnel from the 821st Contingency Response Group (CRG) have flown to Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Florida to aid the recovery effort following Hurricane Michael.
Tyndall AFB was devastated by sustained winds of up to 150 mph, which significantly damaged every structure on-site. In response to early reports from the 821st, a C-17 from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, has since transported a larger contingent of almost 50 personnel. Also on board were much needed equipment and supplies for the re-initiation of airflow and the rebuilding of the base.
“Our main mission is to help restore Tyndall AFB by facilitating large support packages coming in from multiple organisations,” said Lieutenant Colonel Troy Pierce, CRE Commander.
“Our base requires extensive cleanup and repairs,” added Colonel Brian Laidlaw, 325th Fighter Wing Commander. “We need to restore basic utilities, clear our roads of trees and power lines, and assess the structural integrity of our buildings.”
A ‘Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources’ package or BEAR has now been sourced to help restore operations. According to the US Air Force, a BEAR has the capability to restore and repair many of its assets. It is a world-class team of diverse professionals from across the service, ready to provide mission-ready equipment at a moments notice.
As supplies continue to arrive, CRG personnel will continue to control air traffic from various locations, offloading cargo and moving it to a staging area in support of the Hurricane Michael relief effort.
“It’s going to be a slow recovery, but everyone involved is up to the task,” continued Pierce. “You make it better each day, and like every large challenge, I know the response teams and base will recover in time.”
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Michael. I know it will be emotionally challenging to come home and see the base not as you left it. We are here for you and wish you the best of luck as you recover from this catastrophic event.”
“We recognise the world is unpredictable,” concluded General Maryanne Miller, AMC Commander. “Mobility Airmen pride themselves on the ability to continuously respond to numerous, simultaneous high priority missions on short notice while maintaining support for global combatant commands.”
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BEAR Contingency Response Group Hurricane Michael Tyndall AFB
Post written by: Robert Atherton
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