Team Eglin responds to tornado spawned by Gustav

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  After air traffic controllers spotted three funnel clouds on base, Team Eglin spun into action Sept. 1. One of the funnel clouds touched down leaving a distinct trail of havoc in base housing and at the child development center. 

The first tornado warning was issued for Eglin and the surrounding local area at approximately 7:45 a.m. and the "all clear" was given at 8 a.m. Within an hour, a second warning was issued, again without a tornado touching down. The old adage "the third time's the charm" rang true at 9:35 a.m. when a third tornado warning was issued after three funnel clouds were seen forming on base. Shortly thereafter, a 911 phone caller reported the tornado had hit in base housing. 

Patrols from the 96th Security Forces Squadron were immediately alerted. Tech. Sgts. Maranatha Everson and Shannon Sanders responded to Airman 1st Class Devin Hennessy's home where a tree was uprooted and landed on top of the house. Ironically enough, the Airman was at work at the 46th Operation Support Squadron air traffic control tower and witnessed the formation of the storms on the radar. The tree caused extensive damage to the corner of the house and broke the windshield of his car. His wife and child had heeded the warnings and hid in the hallway - the safest spot in the house - and had safely ridden out the tornado without injury. 

The tornado also made a pit stop at the Child Development Center 2 directly in front of Fire House No. 3. 

By this time, shelters at the youth center and the base gym were identified and 96th SFS patrolmen were directing people to these locations or sheltering them in place at the entry control points. 

"We had a lot of people who evacuated from Louisiana around base with nowhere to go, so shelters were opened to provide a safe haven for them," said Sergeant Everson. "We also had people at the gates we were sheltering in place that needed a place to go once we reopened the gates." 

The 96th SFS patrolmen aided in directing these people to shelters as well as kept the traffic on base moving and safe. 

The fire fighters from the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron were also on hand to lend whatever support necessary as the tornado worked its way across base. 

"Procedures are so important especially in an emergency situation," said Chief Mark Giuliano, 96th CES fire chief. "(Shortly after the alarm sounded), the tornado touched down. Because we had a quick response time we were able to get everyone safely inside the station, make sure the assets were secure and close down the facility." 

Without a moment to spare, the tornado came in sight and threw things around at the CDC2. Once the tornado fizzled out, the fire chief made the decision to send out personnel to check the facility. Shortly thereafter they received information about the tornado touching down in base housing and sent out a team to aid the family. 

"We sent a team out to assess the damage and assist the family as necessary," said the fire chief. "Once we saw the damage the uprooted tree had caused, we began salvage and overhaul to divert water and storm damage from ruining personal property."
When severe weather strikes with little warning, the base's first responders are called upon to react quickly to protect people and assets. 

"The Airmen and (Department of Defense) Civilians responded in textbook fashion as they needed to and always do," said Sergeant Everson. "We got the job done and ensured no one was injured."