Maxwell shelters Navy Seahawks from Tropical Storm Fay Published Aug. 21, 2008 By Christine Harrison Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Dozens of U.S. Navy helicopters evacuated from the Florida coast to Maxwell Air Force Base on Wednesday in an effort to avoid the destruction of Tropical Storm Fay. Currently, 157 crew members and 33 aircraft assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 are sheltering at Maxwell until Fay passes the Jacksonville, Fla., area. The unit is based at Naval Station Mayport, near Jacksonville. Navy Cmdr. Chris Fallia, executive officer for the unit, said the decision to evacuate to Maxwell AFB came early Wednesday, when the destructive storm was projected to veer back inland after hugging the East Coast -- placing Naval Station Mayport directly in its path. According to the National Hurricane Center, up to 30 inches of rain were predicted to fall in some areas of the state. The Navy has a standing agreement with Maxwell AFB as an evacuation center. Commander Fallia said military installations on or near the coast use Maxwell to divert from hurricanes because of the base's capacity and location. "Its one of the best places to come to because of the amount of billeting, and the ramp has plenty of room," he said. "Rarely will a hurricane reach this far inland, so that makes Maxwell an ideal spot to divert resources and personnel." The naval wing's mission involves anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, logistics, and command and control responsibilities. The 42nd Air Base Wing vice commander said Maxwell takes its role of providing safe shelter during storms very seriously. "It is right in line with our wingman culture," Col. Tyrone Woodyard said. "These aircrews and their aircraft are receiving the same level of service and support that everyone who visits Maxwell gets. We are giving them what they need to monitor their mission and stay in communication with their commanders."