Riding Out the Storm

  • Published
  • 8th Fighter Wing
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Typhoon Kompasu swept through the Korean Peninsula and Kunsan Air Base Sept. 2 with maximum wind speeds of 53 knots and 0.56 inches of rain, forcing the base into Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 1, or TCCOR-1.

"The safety of our Wolf Pack members is a priority," said Col. Hugh J. Hanlon, the 8th Fighter Wing Vice Commander. "Due to our state of readiness and emergency preparedness, there were zero injuries or deaths as a result of the storm."

Civilian personnel were released early Sept. 1 and military personnel were restricted to base. Military personnel were restricted to their dorms until the storm passed and base safety inspections concluded. Personnel returned to normal duty hours Sept. 2 at noon.

The typhoon caused minimal damage to the base overall.

"The high winds caused minor damage to facilities and buildings," said 1st Lt. Joseph Pickenpaugh, 8th Civil Engineering Squadron. "The hard work of the entire base ensured we remained safe and ready to promptly resume mission tasking."

Base personnel braced for the storm with food, lodging and evacuation plans. Emergency response teams also prepared to quickly respond to any damage caused by the storm. Flying operations ceased and aircraft, vehicles and other equipment were stored in hardened shelters or were safely secured.

"The base always stands ready," said Colonel Hanlon. "This is what we are trained to do, regardless of real world, exercise or inclement weather."