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The bulldozer of life

Airmen from the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron provide clean-up efforts Nov. 18, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The base experienced a severe wind storm with gusts reaching 71 miles per hour, almost hurricane force. The Airmen provided clean-up for uprooted trees and fixed damage across the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nick J. Daniello)

Weather damage

Members from 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron begin clean-up Nov. 18, 2015 during the after math of the largest windstorm to hit Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. since 1941. The storm blew over trees and partial parts of buildings causing damage to rooftops, government and personal operated vehicles and power outages on base. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Weather damage

Airman 1st Class Nicolo Daniello, 92nd Air Refueling Wing public affairs photojournalist, documents the damage done to vehicles Nov. 18, 2015 after parts of roofing from the snow barn blew off during a large windstorm at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The windstorm was the largest Fairchild has experienced since 1941, causing a majority of the base to lose power. The storm blew over trees and partial parts of buildings causing damage to rooftops, government and personal operated vehicles and power outages on base. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Record winds impact Fairchild

Published Nov. 19, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The base experienced a severe wind storm Tuesday evening with gusts of wind reaching 71 miles per hour, almost hurricane force. The storm blew over trees and partial parts of buildings, causing damage to rooftops, government and personally operated vehicles and power outages on base. According to the Seattle Times, the extent of power outages in the region was the worst since an ice storm in November 1996.

"The wind broke a record dating back to 1941 according to climatic records," said Senior Airman Tyler Bivens, 92nd Operation Support Squadron weather forecaster. "The previous record was a relatively calm 57 knots (65mph)."

"Team Fairchild has plans and procedures in place to assist in dealing with circumstances such as the severe wind storm Tuesday night," said Col. Scott Gundlach, 92nd Operations Group commander. "We practice a variety of scenarios, which may not be exactly the situation that occurs, but we exercise the major muscle movements that can be adapted."

The weather flight is required to provide two hours of advanced lead time to notify members of inclimate weather, but was proactive and delivered the warning six hours of ahead of time. This allowed planners and operators ample time to take required actions, said Bivens.

Winds over 50 knots (58 mph) involve closure of aircraft cargo doors, dismissing of all non-essential maintenance equipment and placing aircraft in a safe location.

The storm carried on throughout the night and power did not turn back on in the housing area and dormitories for approximately 12 hours. Cleanup efforts began with the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron heavy repair crews to remove fallen trees and large limbs around base.

"The men and women of the 92nd CES, to include the fire department, responded to numerous calls and quickly resolved potentially hazardous obstructions to roadways and mitigated effects of downed power lines," said Gundlach.

The 92nd Security Forces Squadron building suffered severe damage to the roof, but the squadron continued service. Members of the 92nd Maintenance Group prepared the KC-135 fleet to better weather the storm and command post provided continuous and seamless command and control, Gundlach added.

Although many parts of the base were damaged, there were zero reported injuries.

"Team Fairchild needs to keep in mind Mother Nature has a vote," said Gundlach. "When situations like this occur, respect her and always use common sense."

For more information regarding what to do during a severe storm, visit the National Weather Service website http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/resources/ttl6-10.pdf.