Fort Rucker Weathers the Storm Together | Article

FORT RUCKER, Ala. — A mighty team of Fort Rucker Soldiers, civilians and contractors worked together to prepare for and recover from Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall near Destin, Florida, Friday, Oct. 9, as a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph. The storm continued north, bringing heavy rain and damaging wind gusts across southern Alabama and the Wiregrass region.

To prepare for the potential storm, installation leaders and weather personnel held planning meetings and daily command update briefs to ensure the safety of those who live and work on Fort Rucker, as well as protect buildings, aircraft and equipment. All key leaders remained engaged throughout the process, while the Directorate of Public Works had a contractor team on standby to respond during the storm and coordinated with Alabama Power to support power outages and recovery operations once conditions were safe.

According to Matthew Patton, chief of the plans, operations, mobilization and security division, a trained battle captain staffed the Installation Operations Center before and during the height of the storm to support coordination and situational awareness.

“Aircraft and equipment were secured,” Patton said, “and personnel were directed to depart at 1 p.m., based on mission requirements, using administrative leave and weather and safety guidance.”

Following the storm, Soldiers, civilians and contractors began cleanup and recovery efforts across the installation to address infrastructure damage and restore safe conditions for the Fort Rucker community.

Keeping an Army installation safe takes a team effort. From the planning that took place before the storm, to communication during, and the hands-on work required during recovery, the Rucker team played an important role in protecting the community and operations.

Garrison leaders said they are grateful to have weathered the storm together and to everyone who stepped up, worked hard and continue to get Fort Rucker back on their feet.

Command Sgt. Maj. Castro, Fort Rucker garrison command sergeant major, said the team on Fort Rucker is well prepared to respond to emergencies.

“Fort Rucker stakeholders are well rehearsed and postured to respond to incidents like this,” Castro said. “Through continuous rehearsals and process preparation, it almost feels like clockwork. The responsiveness, professionalism, pride and passion for this community are felt and seen as Fort Rucker returns to normal operations.”

Col. Jeffrey Paulus, Fort Rucker garrison commander, said he was grateful to everyone who stepped up to support the recovery effort.

“The community response to the storm and its aftermath has been phenomenal,” he said.

Paulus said Maj. Gen. Phillip Baker, commanding general of Fort Rucker and the Army Aviation Center of Excellence remained focused on the safety and welfare of families throughout the response.

“The entire AVCOE and garrison team, through coordinated efforts with our community partners, including Alabama Power and Corvias, executed storm recovery operations effectively and efficiently,” Paulus said. “Because of the team effort, most facilities and operations were back online within about 12 hours.”