McConnell takes tornado precautions

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Courtney Witt
  • By Senior Airman Courtney Witt
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan --  With Kansas' tornado season underway and a volatile weather system threatening Wichita, McConnell Air Force Base relocated 16 of its 63 KC-135 Stratotankers to Grand Forks AFB, N.D., April 14, 2012, rather than risking damage to the air refueling aircraft.

Late Friday evening, the National Weather Service and McConnell's Weather Flight issued notices alerting the public and McConnell respectively about severe weather approaching Wichita with a significant potential for heavy precipitation, three-quarter-inch hail and high probability of a tornado. As a result, McConnell Airmen opened tornado shelters and put aircrews into crew rest in preparation for evacuation.

Saturday morning, McConnell leadership reevaluated the weekend weather scenario.

"Once hearing the potential of strong hail, the universal decision was made to evacuate 16 aircraft and place 10 in hangers," said Capt. Eric Waldo, 22nd Command Post chief. "If the planes are left out, the damage will be costly to fix and the time lost would hinder the mission."

With the majority of aircraft off-station supporting worldwide missions or out for maintenance, it's even more important to protect the 26 aircraft at McConnell. Each aircraft costs approximately $40 million dollars, and they are in high-demand to provide air refueling support around the world in a moment's notice, said Senior Airman Michael Heasley, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief.

Once senior leaders elected to relocate the aircraft, base operations put the plans in motion and crews worked quickly to evacuate.

"I have never done an evacuation before," said Heasley, "but, I have been on three deployments, and we can go anywhere in the world within 24 hours."

The evacuation showcased the base's ability to quickly move its aircraft. Heasley said when it comes to national security, McConnell's mission comes first.

Even if the anticipated weather bypasses McConnell and the Wichita area, hail damage can put a dent in the McConnell mission. That threat alone is worth moving the aircraft, he said.

"McConnell is a super tanker base." said Heasley "any damage to the planes would be devastating. The fact that we are so important, we can't take chances that would slow our mission."

While crews left for Grand Forks, their families remained behind and like the rest of Team McConnell continued preparations at home.

"My family is going about business as normal," said Maj. Garret Bilbo, 22nd Air Refueling Wing executive officer. "They went grocery shopping and are preparing incase the storm hits. The family and I have had enough notification to get all our ducks in a row."

McConnell Airmen and their families have been receiving weather notifications through social media, news and word of mouth to stay informed.