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Keesler Begins Recovery Operations
EFL: KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Base officials started assessment and recovery operations after declaring HURCON NORMAL yesterday and by evening provided the first hot meals to the 6000 military, civilian and family members who sheltered during Hurricane Katrina. “Initial reports showed drastic damage to the industrial and housing areas,” said Maj Ray Mottley, 81st Civil Engineering Squadron Commander. “Approximately 50% of the base was underwater. The commissary, Base Exchange and some of base housing had more than six feet of water. “We don’t have power on base due to the power outage in the local area. So we are using generators to power our critical facilities,” explained Mottley, “However, the base hospital is completely without power at this time due to the water surge from the Back Bay which flooded the basement.”

In spite of the power outage, the air field is operational during daylight hours, and other utilities are available. “We have a fully operational sewage system and drinking water,” said 81st CES commander.

Base officials said 35 critical patients were medivaced to Wilford Hall, Lackland AFB, TX.
One of the base dining facilities provided the first hot meal to the 6000 base shelter residents Tuesday night. “The plan is to have two hot meals a day,” said Mr Don Cook, 81st Services Director, “Once we get more cooks, we can provide a morning and evening hot meal.”

“The safety, health, and well being of our Keesler family is our priority, said Brig Gen William Lord, 81st Training Wing Commander. “Thankfully our people who sheltered in one of our certified hurricane shelters are safe and we can now focus on reconstituting the base and reestablishing our mission. I’m proud how our team is working together to help each other make it through these difficult times. I want everyone to know we are not alone and will do everything we can to keep people safe and get them home as soon as possible.” Base officials are in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and with commanders from surrounding military bases who have offered assistance.
Posted by: Steve 2005-08-31
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=128250