Hurlburt to evacuate aircraft

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – In a precautionary move and the potential arrival of Hurricane Michael to the northern Gulf Coast, Hurlburt Field leadership called for the evacuation of aircraft only on Oct. 8. The aircraft will be evacuated to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., until the bad weather is over. The aircraft being evacuated are AC-130J Ghostriders, AC-130U “Spooky” Gunships, MC-130H Combat Talon IIs and PC-12s. Hurlburt weather professionals and base leadership have been extensively analyzing the storm forecast. Based on the current forecast, leadership has determined a personnel evacuation is not warranted at this time. Hurlburt is also the HQ of the AF’s Special Operations Command and 1st Special Operations Wing. (Source: Hurlburt Field media release 10/08/28). Following the media release, Col. Mike Conley, commander of the 1st SOW, called for minimum essential manning on base for Oct. 9. Commanders will notify personnel that need to be at work. Notifications to affected personnel will be made through official channels. Although weather looks good Tuesday, he wanted to provide personnel maximum opportunity to prepare for the storm and take care of family needs. Details for Oct. 10 will follow later, but expect emergency services only, no other services open, the commander posted via Facebook.