Shaw responds

Published Oct. 8, 2015
By Senior Airman Michael Cossaboom
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - -- After Hurricane Joaquin threatened the East Coast, South Carolina was hit by a subsequent storm which a dumped a record breaking amount of rainfall Oct. 1 through Oct. 6, causing intense flooding throughout the state and at Shaw.

The 20th Operations Support Squadron weather flight recorded an unprecedented 19.99 inches at Shaw of rain during the six days.

While the base was closed Oct. 5 to non-mission essential personnel, 20th Fighter Wing emergency responders, security forces, and other personnel worked through the storm to maintain the base.

Initial efforts required 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen to pump water out of buildings, repair fences, and clean the flightline to restore 20th FW operations.
Due to the diligent efforts of 20th FW Airmen, the flightline was operational by the afternoon of Oct. 5 and able to receive aircraft.

"Everybody made it through the flood with a great attitude," said Col. John Thomas, 20th Mission Support Group commander. "Now it is time for all of us to get focused so that we can get the base back to where it was before the storm."

In efforts to assist the Sumter, South Carolina community, 20th CES Fire Department Airmen responded to 23 calls from the city to aid in recovery efforts.

The base resumed normal operations Oct. 6 and has begun picking up the pieces the storm left behind.