ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A strong wind storm ripped through Rosecrans Air National Guard Base June 4, 2020, at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Wind speeds estimated to be 75 mph caused minor damages to the 139th Airlift Wing’s facilities and one C-130 Hercules aircraft. A few vehicles sustained broken windows, several trees were knocked over or had fallen limbs, and some power lines were down. No one was injured during the storm.
The winds were so strong, it caused the front of one aircraft to be moved by a few feet.
Shortly after the storm passed, Airmen from 139th Maintenance Group were on the scene to assess the damage. Only one aircraft sustained minor damages.
“The response our Airmen had was phenomenal,” said Lt. Col. Tom Orth, commander of the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “They did everything in a timely manner so that we can offer up aircraft to whatever needs operations has.”
The aftermath of the storm only caused some flying missions to be cancelled that morning. Aircrews from the 139th Operations Group were able to conduct their training flights on schedule later that evening.
Since the beginning of the year, the operations group has been operating out of temporary trailers as their building undergoes renovations. Those trailers sustained structural and water damages from the storm.
The maintenance hangar sustained minor damages to include a few broken windows, water leaks in some offices, and partially collapsed awnings.
The storm comes as many of the wing’s Airmen are engaged in supporting Missouri’s response to COVID-19 and civil unrest.
“When a tornado is taken in stride and isn’t the biggest challenge in our day, that says something about our environment,” said Col. Ed Black, commander of the 139th Airlift Wing. “Our lives have changed dramatically in the last few months; the uncertain future is weighing on us all. But what I know to be one constant in my world is my belief in the members of the 139th Airlift Wing and their ability to overcome the chaos.”