HUREVAC prepares Moody to weather the storm

Published May 3, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- From June to November every year, coastal states have the possibility of being hit with destructive winds, rains and flying objects as hurricane season takes its course.

To prepare for such conditions, Moody tested the response of several base units during its annual Hurricane Evacuation exercise April 27 to 30.

"It is important for all bases to be prepared for natural disasters, but it is especially important for Moody," said Col. Mark Ruse, 23rd Mission Support Group commander. "Because of our geographic location, we are more susceptible to many natural disasters including not only hurricanes but tornadoes and flooding."

Throughout the four days of the exercise, each agency had a role as the inclement weather caused by "Hurricane David" progressed. As the categories and conditions changed, all agencies were charged with taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of Moody's personnel and assets.

For some agencies, this included simply securing loose objects outside facilities, but for the Freedom I Fitness Center, which is one of the base's primary shelters in the event of a natural disaster, it included much more.

"Once the exercise kicked off, we took many steps to become a suitable shelter for up to 115 individuals who may need the protection," said Master Sgt. Michael Francis, 23rd Force Support Squadron NCO in-charge of fitness. "We set up cots in the main gymnasium, converted the racquetball courts to pet-holding areas obtained enough potable water and meals, ready-to-eat, for those we provide shelter for."

To help the fitness center and other agencies stay up-to-date, Emergency Operations Center make sure base personnel receive all the information needed. Representatives from numerous base agencies are present to relay the information back to their respective units.

In addition to manning the EOC, agencies also conduct other training that can equate to success when a real-world situation presents itself.

"This exercise was so in-depth because it's vital that Moody be able to respond appropriately when something actually happens," said Colonel Ruse. "We have to be able to respond, recover and then report damage. Having units efficiently carrying out their processes and procedures is vital to accomplishing this."

Colonel Ruse added that he witnessed many strengths during the exercise but that two stood out.

"The positive attitude displayed over these few days was phenomenal," he said. "In addition to this, I witnessed willingness to continually improve the processes and procedures and they were flexible about it."

Other scenarios during this annual exercise included a spin-off tornado, mock media interviews with commanders and a hazardous materials incident.

As of June 1, hurricane evacuation procedures and checklists will be available on www.moody.af.mil.