Aircraft moved to escape possible eruption

[unhappycamper]

Aircraft moved to escape possible eruption
Staff reports
Posted : Monday Feb 2, 2009 15:44:14 EST

The threatened eruption of an Alaskan volcano sent several Air Force planes based in Alaska to Washington state, well outside the potential hazard zone.

On Sunday, three C-17 Globemasters and about 200 airmen who fly and maintain the jets evacuated Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, for McChord Air Force Base, Wash. Also relocating to the McChord were three C-130J Hercules on their way back to Elmendorf from a deployment in Mississippi.

More aircraft could arrive Monday and Tuesday at McChord, according to a McChord statement.

McChord officials anticipate the transports will be at the Washington base for at least four weeks.

The volcano threatening to blow clouds of ash into Alaskan skies is Mount Redoubt, located about 100 miles southwest of Elmendorf. The volcanic ash is hazardous to aircraft engines, the equivalent of pouring sand into an engine.


Article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/02/airforce_volcano_moves_020209w/%2e