NAS Key West Takes Care of Their Own in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

29 September 2022

From Jay Cope, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

KEY WEST, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2022) – Service members, government civilians and their families who had to evacuate their homes onboard Naval Air Station Key West unexpectedly Sept. 27 had a slew of worries about their homes and their possessions, but the installation team made sure they didn’t have to worry about their next meal.

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Hurricane Ian evacuees served dinner at NGIS

KEY WEST, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2022) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West evacuees were served catered dinner by local ombudsmen while sheltered at Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) Sept 28, 2022. NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Beth Regoli ordered a mandatory evacuation of residents in low-lying area of Sigsbee Park and Truman annexes after unprecedented storm surge from Hurricane Ian. Sixty-one residents and their pets were rescued and relocated to NGIS. (U.S. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers/released)

NAS Key West Commanding Officer Captain Beth Regoli and the ombudsmen from the various commands worked to ensure the people who had to leave their Truman Annex and Sigsbee Park homes due to flooding were treated to a healthy meal at the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites on base.

“After receiving [evacuation] orders from NAS Key West we evacuated to Fly Navy where we checked in and began taking in families. We were able to serve food and get dinner started. The Fly Navy staff was so professional and helpful with keeping everyone calm. Having so many people willing to help made it feel like a family atmosphere,” said Brandy Teague, the NAS Key West ombudsman.

Hurricane Ian evacuees eat dinner at Naval Air Station Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2022) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West evacuees were served catered dinner by local ombudsmen while sheltered at Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) Sept 28, 2022. NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Beth Regoli ordered a mandatory evacuation of residents in low-lying area of Sigsbee Park and Truman annexes after unprecedented storm surge from Hurricane Ian. Sixty-one residents and their pets were rescued and relocated to NGIS. (U.S. Navy photo by AM2 Takeshia Dockett/released)

The command purchased the food from a local establishment and the ombudsmen set up a make-shift serving line and served the food to the evacuees Wednesday.

The removal of the people from their homes was required due to higher than expected storm surges from Hurricane Ian. Emergency responders evacuated 61 residents late Tuesday evening as the Truman Annex homes began to flood. The Sigsbee Park housing was evacuated due to an expected high tide and storm surge Wednesday afternoon.

“I was part of a mom group text that the Sigsbee neighborhood was evacuating. I gathered everything I could and headed to the [NGIS],” said Kristen Pate. “It’s amazing what people can do when we come together as a community.”

Hurricane Ian evacuees eat dinner at Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2022) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West evacuees were served catered dinner by local ombudsmen while sheltered at Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) Sept 28, 2022. NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Beth Regoli ordered a mandatory evacuation of residents in low-lying area of Sigsbee Park and Truman annexes after unprecedented storm surge from Hurricane Ian. Sixty-one residents and their pets were rescued and relocated to NGIS. (U.S. Navy photo by AM2 Takeshia Dockett/released)

Navy personnel and families are encouraged to check their Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) account (https://navyfamily.navy.mil) to ensure it is up-to-date. Those impacted and requiring assistance can complete a needs assessment at www.navyfamily.navy.mil or by calling their local Fleet and Family Support Center. All NAS Key West personnel should muster with their chain of command daily.

A damage assessment will be conducted throughout the installation when it is deemed safe to do so.

For more information on NAS Key West and its emergency response, visit https://cnrse.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Key-West/ or follow the installation on social media at https://www.facebook.com/naskeywest and https://twitter.com/NASKeyWest.

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