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Navy Facilities in New Orleans Weather Storm

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080904-07
Release Date: 9/4/2008 6:55:00 AM

From Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity New Orleans (NSA) and Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) New Orleans incurred only minor wind damage and no flooding from Hurricane Gustav; however, the bases will not reopen to military personnel and their families until base utility services and quality-of-life services are restored.

The storm brought heavy rains and winds estimated at nearly 70 miles per hour to the bases, but no major structural damage was reported as of Sept. 3. Evaluations of buildings and facilities are ongoing by base personnel and a regional damage assessment team.

The bases have not reopened to military personnel and their families who evacuated because power has only been partially restored, and there is a lack of available quality-of-life services. NAS JRB and NSA remain open to official military entry and exit only.

NAS JRB has electrical power for portions of base housing and is operating on generator power for vital facilities until electrical capability is completely functioning. The surrounding parish has only intermittent power and sewage capabilities, and the base is working with Plaquemines Parish officials to restore services as soon as possible.

NSA only lost power for a short period of time; however, housing for base personnel is not yet available, nor is access to the base feasible through Orleans Parish at this time.

Any required personnel arriving at the bases must first contact their respective commands prior to gate arrival. The military member's command must inform the emergency operations centers (EOC) of authorized entries and exits at (504) 678-4762 for NAS JRB, and (504) 678-2316 or 9151 for NSA.

No dependent personnel are authorized to return at this time.

The NAS JRB airfield opened for normal operations the morning after the storm hit.

Once all safety, security and quality-of-life issues have been addressed, base personnel and their families will be recalled and allowed to return home. Until then, military personnel are requested to await further instructions and monitor news agencies.

They may also get the latest updates from the base recall line at (877) 762-1067.

For more news from Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrse.