Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Oct. 2, 2016, Families settle into their seats aboard a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft for evacuation from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay ahead of Hurricane Matthew.
Approximately 700 spouses and children were evacuated to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida tenant commands continue to make preparations for Matthew. Hurricane Condition of Readiness 2 (COR II) was set base-wide in preparation for destructive winds within 24 hours. Base residents were reminded on the importance of being prepared with essential supplies and were advised to remain within their residence until the “all clear” was passed.
Four C-17 and two C-130 aircraft from U.S. Transportation Command relocated the spouses and children, along with 65 pets, from Guantanamo Bay on Sunday. The NAS Pensacola commanding officer, Captain Christopher Martin, met the planes as they arrived. Shuttle buses carried the evacuees to quarters where they will live until it is safe to return to NSGB.
As of today, Oct. 3, NSGB is in Condition of Readiness (COR) 1 and is receiving bands of weather from Hurricane Matthew. Hurricane force winds are expected by Tuesday afternoon.
Approximately 4,800 personnel remaining behind at NSGB have sheltered in place or have moved to a designated shelter depending on the storm rating for their assigned housing. The base is communicating with personnel via the Armed Forces Network, social media, and all-hands emails. Once it is safe to do so, personnel will conduct a damage assessment and begin the process of recovery.
Emergency Family Assistance Centers (EFAC) are open at NAS Pensacola and will be opened at NS Guantanamo Bay to assist families with their needs. NAS Pensaco
Image Credits: US Navy
