Hurricane Earl prompts evacuation of N.C. base Published Sept. 1, 2010 By Maj. Shannon Mann 916th Public Affairs Office SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- On the eve of Labor Day weekend, Seymour Johnson Airmen prepared to handle their first big storm of the hurricane season. Hurricane Earl, which was downgraded to a category 2 storm, spewed bands of wind and rain over the North Carolina coast late Sept. 2 as it churned its way up the East Coast. Airmen from the 916th Air Refueling Wing and 4th Fighter Wing began hurricane evacuation preparation early Sept. 1. Fighters, tankers and personnel were scheduled to leave the Goldsboro base as early as that afternoon.. A larger evacuation was set for the next day. The last time the base evacuated was in 2008 for Hurricane Hanna. "Not only is the 916th tasked with getting our own aircraft and people out of town, but we are also a partner with the 4th Fighter Wing as we help move their jets and Airmen to a safe location to ride out the storm," said Col. Caroline Evernham, 916th Operations Group commander. "Our mission of rapid mobility is evident in situations like this. We're ready to move quickly at a moment's notice." Hundreds of aircraft maintainers and aircrews went to Florida to ride out the possible damage that Hurricane Earl could create at home station. More information on how to stay safe during a hurricane is available online at http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=17191 People can follow the 916th Air Refueling Wing as a Fan on its Facebook page at: www.facebook.com