C-17

A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flight line on Grand Forks Air Force Base Aug 27. The C-17s are here from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., in response to Hurricane Irene. The C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases and can also perform tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amanda N. Stencil)

C-17

Irene

Lt. Col. Bradley Baugh, 319th Operations Support Squadron commander, is interviewed about Grand Forks Air Force Base's support in housing three C-17 Globemaster IIIs and eight KC-10 Extenders during Hurricane Irene on GFAFB Aug 27. The mission helped protect these $200 million assets by opening up the flight line to house the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amanda N. Stencil)

Irene

Lt. Col. Bradley Baugh (left), 319th Operations Support Squadron commander, is interviewed by Senior Airman Priscilla Christensen, 319th Public Affairs broadcaster, about Grand Forks Air Force Base’s support in housing three C-17 Globemaster IIIs and eight KC-10 Extenders during Hurricane Irene evacuation tp GFAFB Aug 27. The mission helped protect these $200 million assetst by opening up the flight line to house the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amanda N. Stencil)

KC-10

Eight KC-10 Extenders sit on the runway on Grand Forks Air Force Base Aug 27. The KC-10s are here from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. in response to Hurricane Irene. The KC-10 incorporates military-specific equipment for its primary roles of the mobilization of US military assets and aerial refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amanda N. Stencil)

Home away from hurricane

Published Aug. 29, 2011
By 2nd Lt. Jessica Tait
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Nearly a year since the last KC-135 Stratotanker departed Grand Forks, eight KC-10 Extenders and three C-17 Globemaster IIIs are resting safe and sound on the flight line here having escaped the jaws of Hurricane Irene Friday.

Having found a temporary home here as a result of the established agreement between Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., to house aircraft in the event of an emergency, the planes were welcomed by Grand Forks team members who stepped up to provide the space and hospitality to accommodate the pilots and their crews.

"I was shocked and absolutely amazed to see such a great processing line," said Lt. Col. Doug Hall, 6th Airlift Squadron commander. "In my wildest dreams I didn't think the (evacuation location) would be set up as well as it was. The support we found was greatly appreciated and went off without a hitch."

The potential damage from Hurricane Irene caused too great a risk for these valuable aircraft, each valuing approximately $200 million apiece.

"There are only 59 KC-10s in the fleet so they are an absolute national asset," said Colonel Hall. "It doesn't make any sense to put them at risk. The combatant commanders need those aircraft for at home and for the war."

In addition to being an evacuation location, Grand Forks is now a staging location for combatant operations while the aircraft are being housed here.

Despite the short notice and intense preparation, Grand Forks Airmen have reaped a sense of accomplishment for their efforts.

"This has been an exciting time for our wing," said Lt. Col. Bradley Baugh, 319th Operations Support Squadron commander. "As I look around, people have a glow in their eyes. They are excited to have airplanes on the ramp.

"They are excited to do the things they are trained to do. There has been a lot of work by a lot of people. It's been a great team effort to make this a success."