Military bases in Nebraska battle flooding as Offutt AFB, Camp Ashland remain under water
An aerial view of Offutt Air Force Base and the surrounding areas affected by flood waters on March 16, 2019. An increase in water levels of surrounding rivers and waterways caused by record-setting snowfall over the winter in addition to a large drop in air pressure resulted in widespread flooding across the state of Nebraska.
RACHELLE BLAKE/U.S. AIR FORCE
By ROSE L. THAYER | STARS AND STRIPES Published: March 18, 2019
Offutt Air Force Base is operating with only essential personnel and the National Guard’s Camp Ashland is completely closed as floodwaters remain high at both Nebraska bases from massive flooding over the weekend after rivers breached several levees following heavy rain and snowmelt upstream.
Military officials at the bases said Monday that they are surveying damage as they wait for the water to recede, which isn’t expected until Thursday.
Flooding began Friday at Offutt, which is near Bellevue, peaked Sunday evening and flooded about one-third of the base. Overnight, the water only receded about one foot, Col. Michael Manion, commander of the 55th Wing Command, which is headquartered at Offutt, wrote on his Facebook page. He also oversees base operations.
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/military-bases-in-nebraska-battle-flooding-as-offutt-afb-camp-ashland-remain-under-water-1.573200
