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Andersen prepares for series of tropical storms

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  In order to combat a series of tropical storms slated to impact Guam, Team Andersen members around the base worked feverishly to ensure the wing is fully postured for tomorrow's fight - with Mother Nature. 

Airmen in the 36th Operations Support Squadron weather flight keep senior leaders on base informed on trends and the potential for danger, which aids in critical decision-making regarding manning and whether or not to evacuate and hangar aircraft. 

According to Lt. Col. Frederick Frostic, 36th OSS commander, Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, makes the call on when to evacuate and hangar aircraft. The decision is influenced by factors including Typhoon Condition of Readiness levels and proximity of the storms to the installation. 

Members of OSS coordinate closely with other ops squadrons on-base, providing guidance on all airfield operations matters. 

"[We are] prepared to re-open [the airfield] and bring in relief supplies if required," Colonel Frostic said. "We're here to help the base get back up and operation as soon as possible after a storm has passed." 

The weather flight also disseminates weather updates to the base populace in order to better prepare Airmen and their families for potentially disastrous scenarios. Airmen are made aware of current TCOR conditions established by the wing commander, Joint Region Marianas and GovGuam. 

Not all the base preparations fall on the shoulders of OSS. The 36th Civil Engineer Squadron plays an active role in readying the installation to weather storm. 

According to Master Sgt. Robert Barnett, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO-in-charge of customer service, members of the 36th CES implement an extensive checklist as the bases progress through TCOR conditions. 

Key areas of importance on these checklists include ensuring all generators are in working order and fully fueled, securing all lose articles throughout base housing and construction areas and safeguarding any and all equipment and assets around the installation. Airmen base-wide are also reminded to ensure they have enough food and emergency supplies and to know where emergency shelters are located. 

When faced with a potentially dangerous threat, Andersen Airmen put forth the effort to ensure this wing is 'Prepared to Prevail.'