Gitmo Families Evacuated To NAS Pensacola

October 4, 2016

Approximately 700 spouses and children are evacuating from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB), Cuba during preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Matthew.

U.S. Transportation Command provided four C-17 and two C-130 aircraft as military airlift traveling to Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Relocating family members allows the installation to minimize operations during the storm, expediting recovery operations after the hurricane has passed. NSGB has approximately 5,500 residents living and working aboard, including families. The remaining 4,800 personnel remain behind in order to quickly begin recovery efforts, and will shelter in place.

The installation expects winds above 60 mph for several hours as Hurricane Matthew passes. U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Fleet Forces, Navy Installations Command, and Navy Region Southeast are providing the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay support and will continue to do so through the recovery efforts following the storm.

Pictured: Families settle into their seats aboard a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft for evacuation from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) to Pensacola ahead of Hurricane Matthew. Pictured inset: Naval Air Station Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin and his wife, Catherine (left), greet Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s Commanding Officer Capt. David Culpeper’s wife as part of the first lift of Hurricane Matthew evacuees. Approximately 700 spouses and children of Guantanamo personnel are being housed on Naval Air Station Pensacola until the storm passes and it is safe to return. U.S. Navy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

6 Responses to “Gitmo Families Evacuated To NAS Pensacola”

  1. Denise on October 5th, 2016 11:42 am

    Welcome families. Hello Pensacola, there are cases of Zika reported in the area. We are not concerned about Zika entering because of these families.Besides with a blowing hurricane out there, no telling how many Zika infested mosquitos will enter the US anyway. That can happen. Several years ago after a Tropical Storm blew through Pensacola, I had hundreds of hummingbirds appear. Nice photo of the plane’s interior. Prayers for the safety of everyone in Matthew’s path.

  2. Atmoreman on October 4th, 2016 9:57 pm

    At Dee
    These military family and spouses who are in another country are being brought stateside to be out of harms way while their spouses vigilantly protect our country. And you who probably have a civilian job at NAS is not concerned with their safety in the least, only yours and being bitten by a mosquito not a hurricane…..go figure!!!

  3. No Excuses on October 4th, 2016 3:04 pm

    Welcome to NSGB residents. Thanks for your service to the US Navy and Marine Corps! We weathered Hurricane Ivan 12 years ago and so we understand what you are going through!

    @ Dee – Zika is already here. I don’t think these folks will make it any worse :-) .

  4. Brenda on October 4th, 2016 2:02 pm

    Welcome aboard!

  5. Richard Acord on October 4th, 2016 12:41 pm

    Welcome NSGB! Just happened to be in the area Sunday afternoon and heard the distinct sound of the C-17 at take off. Got a great view of her heading Southeast seconds after wheels up at a much higher altitude than aircraft that frequent the area. Thanks for the update, I must admit: I had the thought of why the fleet was departing.

  6. Dee on October 4th, 2016 7:11 am

    Did they test them for zika? I work on the base and I really don’t want to turn NASPEN into a zika breeding ground.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News