TWO MILITARY BASES REMAIN AFFECTED BY HURRICANE HELENE

Hurricane Helene struck the United States and the devastation has been widespread, breathtaking, and the only thing that’s clear, is that recovery is going to take a very long time. While every day Americans work to rebuild their lives, the military community is also hurting. Two military bases remain affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. Both Fort Eisenhower and Moody Air Force Base aren’t expected to be opened until October 5, 2024, at the earliest.

Military Bases Still Affected by Hurricane Helene

Two military bases, Fort Eisenhower in Georgia, and Moody AFB in Florida, are planning to stay closed until at least Saturday, October 5, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Families have dealt with days of no power or water and residents living on base have been approved to go elsewhere.

There is still a lack of infrastructure in many affected areas and common facilities, such as healthcare and childcare facilities, are working to get back up and running.

Sadly, Hurricane Helene has already claimed the lives of at least 160+ people with millions still out of power and many facing a lack of similar utilities.

Fort Eisenhower

A lack of water and power has evacuated families from Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. No one who isn’t a worker or resident is allowed on post at the Augusta installation, and there are several issues facing anyone from staying comfortably.

Accessing clean water is vital for anyone, but especially hospital patients at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center, who have been evacuated from the Army base.

Not only are there issues on base and the surrounding areas following Hurricane Helene, but many systems need to be recalibrated to work properly so that utilities can be restored.

Known for its training programs, trainees will have to wait a week before completing graduation and unfortunately, the ceremonies for these Soldiers are now canceled.

Furthermore, job training is delayed for basic trainees due to them heading to Fort Eisenhower from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for further development.

Moody AFB

Hundreds of Airmen are working to restore Moody AFB. The military base is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, with 150+ buildings dealing with damage.

Thankfully, the fleet of aircraft on base is unharmed, and major, permanent loss is believed to have been avoided for the affected buildings.

Tree limbs are everywhere, water damage is being found, and although power began coming on starting on October 1, 2024, there is still plenty of work to do.

The 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Operations Flight is working to find potential electrical hazards in buildings, while others continue to restore other necessary utilities.

Lending a hand from Florida, which was also affected, over 30 airmen from the 823rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (REDHORSE) are also helping clean the area and restore the base.

Furthermore, thanks to the Air Force Contract Augmentation Program (AFCAP), the Air Force Civil Engineer Center Disaster Recovery division is at Moody AFB to also assist in recovery for the installation.

Despite improving conditions, Moody AFB still has a long way to go. For now, anyone not essential to bringing the base back to an operational level or other important missions is not allowed on site.

More information will be delivered to families as it becomes available from base officials; however, anyone looking to learn more should contact their Commanding Officer or by emailing the 23rd Wing Public Affairs office at 23wg.public.affairs@us.af.mil.

Military Bases are Harshly Affected by Hurricane Helene, but What’s Next?

Hurricane Helene damaging military bases should come as no surprise, unfortunately.

Half of the US military bases are at risk of facing serious weather effects as climate change continues to alter what we come to know as normal.

This is a trend The Pentagon has been aware of and is working on plans to adjust for; however, it’s clear that nature is going to do what it wants regardless of how well-prepared any of us are.

The threat to national security and the immediate disruptions affecting military families are no small issues that extreme weather patterns continue to pose challenges for the American Armed Forces.

This isn’t the first time and sadly it won’t be the last, but the military bases damaged by Hurricane Helene are a stark reminder that we need change and actionable plans to maintain a strong country and a better way of life for troops, Veterans, and their families.

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