JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Four of Travis Air Force Base’s (AFB) C-17 Globemaster IIIs and 75 personnel arrived here during the late hours of Aug. 19 as the base served as an evacuation site due to California’s wildfires.
Travis Air Force Base installation commander ordered an evacuation order Aug. 19 in response to the LNU Lightning Complex Fire near Fairfield and Vacaville, California, out of an abundance of caution for Team Travis Airmen and families. The aircraft and crew arrived Aug. 19-20, and departed back to Travis Air Force Base Aug. 23.
“When we heard Travis Air Force Base was evacuating their aircraft here, Team McChord immediately jumped into action to ensure we could give them the support they needed, allowing them to safely evacuate and quickly enter crew rest” said Lt. Col. Brandy Johnson, 62nd Airlift Wing (AW) chief of wing plans and programs.
Airmen from the 62nd AW plans and programs office and 62nd AW command post coordinated with Travis Air Force Base POCs, along with the 62nd Operations Support Squadron and 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron to provide operational support. Meanwhile, Airmen from the 627th Air Base Group coordinated security for the aircraft, transportation and lodging for the arriving personnel.
“I am extremely proud of Team McChord for their swift response to protect both personnel and aircraft from the devastating fires surrounding Travis Air Force Base” said Col. Erin Staine-Pyne, 62 AW commander. “Our thoughts are with the Travis leadership team as they navigate through this challenging environment, and we are happy to be able to support.”