by Cliff Deane
The pilot reports that he took his chopper to his bird’s max ceiling of fourteen-thousand feet. He reports the eye was unobservable as the cloud ceiling was topping above thirty thousand feet. He also reported that at fourteen thousand feet he could not see any sign of an outer edge.
He estimates the storm’s speed to be approximately twenty-five miles per hour. It’s going to be a long hard ride, here. I wish I could offer a better report to Defiance. I sure hope they can get to safety in the outlying shelters in the area.”
The Sgt. Major said, “Roger, Lejeune, have you been able to contact Defiance?”
“Roger, they are making what preps they can and will seek shelter in the neighboring communities.
Bradley, you’d better find shelter, because, if this thing doesn’t either turn sharply northeast or slow down, it will be upon you by midnight, tonight. We anticipate landfall here in about two hours, Defiance in seven hours, and DC ten hours later.”
“Roger, sir,” said a worried Sgt. Major Bradley Cobb, “God bless you, my friend; you are in our prayers.”
“Thanks, Bradley, and Godspeed to you; out here.”
The Sgt. Major turned to Levi; his face contorted into an agonizing expression. He said, “Did you get all that, sirs?”
“Yes, Brad, we did; but we’ll have to worry about Lejeune and Defiance later, right now we need to find shelter for ourselves. I need recommendations, as in now.”
Gus suggested they make the dash back to the Capitol Complex, “the White House can provide shelter, and the underground parking might save the vehicles. The road has already been somewhat cleared, and we should make it in about four hours. That will give us sufficient time to secure equipment in the parking garages, and get everyone underground in the governmental bunker complex.”
Whether this was the best solution was inconsequential, as the time frame made the decision an easy one, “All right, let’s get a move on!”
Gus was, of course, right. The Capitol Complex was the best bet to ride out a cat three hurricane. The biggest fear was the storm surge that could flow up the Potomac River. If a twelve-foot surge made it up the river, DC could be under several feet of water as the city is only ten feet above sea level. While a flood of two feet posed no threat to the Brigade, it could force a lengthy delay in returning home to Defiance.
An unspoken sense of urgency drove the troopers to lash everything down that wouldn’t be taken into the bunker complex. As usual, the timing and professionalism of the 1st Bde made short work of the mission at hand; they were as prepared as possible a good three hours before the anticipated arrival of the possible hurricane.
Gus had posted lookouts to keep an eye on the sky, and on the barometer, which was falling slowly, but steadily. With three hours to go the barometer had dropped to thirty. The lookouts kept reporting clear skies between short bands of rain, rising wind gusts, and a slowly falling barometer.
Gus asked Levi if he thought that the ‘cane might have veered back out to sea.
“Dear God, I hope so,” said Levi, “but I’m more worried about Defiance than about us. I don’t really think we’ll have much of a problem here.”
“Yeah, I agree, but I’m worried about Darren; yeah, I think we’ll be pretty snug down here, and I’ll bet those blast doors are water tight.”
“Gus, you are a funny man, a real funny man. I’ll tell ya’ what; I’ll bet you a dollar to one of Jonesy’s muffins that the doors will stay water tight. Still, the storm surge up the river could well cause some flooding. I’m anxious to get home to help with the cleanup. Man, I sure don’t want to be holed up here for a week waiting for floodwaters to recede.”
Gus looked solemn and said, “Yeah, I just hope there’s a…”
Levi jumped in saying, “Shut up, Gus! Don’t say it; okay?”
“Sure, buddy, sorry.”
Now, Levi felt guilty for jumping on his closest friend. He said, “I’m sorry, Gus, I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
“I know; no sweat, it’s okay.”
Lejeune
26 August 1000
Camp Lejeune High School
835 Stone St.
The outer bands of the ‘cane began battering the coastal region with rain squalls and forty to fifty mile per hour winds. Then, as the last squall faded, allowing the two lookouts to see to the horizon their mouths opened in disbelief. They looked at each other in horror when they saw the actual lightning filled storm bearing down on them.
Dolan looked back at his buddy and said, “Nathan, it’s been good to know ya’. Oh, yeah, here’s that twenty in chits I owe ya’” They made their way down from the rooftop and sought Lt. Colonel Guyardo. He had been directing efforts to add additional shoring to the concrete walls; mostly to give the troopers something to do rather than sit around worrying.
The two lookouts reported to Colonel Guy that the storm would hit in about ten minutes, and it was a pisser. Dolan added, “Sir, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you.”
Just as Guy was about to respond, the entire building shook as the forward edge of the storm slammed into the building. Mike Guyardo said, “Yep, it’s going to be a rough night.”
The winds continued to build to over one hundred and eighty mph; the building stood strong, defying the storm to destroy it.
No one slept while the storm raged outside of these walls. Rain fell in such torrents that the streets quickly filled with water. A new concern began to surface in Mike’s mind when he saw water begin to seep past the bottom of the door.
Defiance
26 August 1000
Hertford County High School
1500 W. First St,
“Sir,” said the Radio Operator, “I’ve lost contact with Lejeune and the 1st Brigade; it must be the atmospherics.”
President Ralph Bassett thanked the Radioman and directed him to keep the set on.
There are dozens of Hurricane shelters near Defiance, and the citizenry had been directed to seek shelter at any of them. Unfortunately, most of those living in the outer areas had no idea of what was coming just over the horizon. They would soon find out…
Williamston
26 August 1000
Walmart Super Center
Williamston
Coronel Guevara knew when a tropical storm was coming; having grown up in Cuba, he was well acclimated to the subtle shifting air currents, and like most of his people he had developed the sixth sense of an internal barometer. His barometer was telling him to take shelter in the Walmart.
As the point squad approached the Walmart entrance, Guevara’s force was challenged by ROA Security.
“Halt, who goes there?” demanded the guard; one of six securing the Walmart.
Guevara used hand signals to halt his battalion before rushing to his Point Squad, and shouted to the guard, “We are eight travelers, seeking shelter from the storm. Will you let us in?”
“Of course,” said the guard who immediately found himself looking down the barrel of an AK-47. He was ordered to call his sergeant. The sergeant quickly found himself a captive and was told to call the rest of the guard compliment.
The sergeant said, “Why would I do that? My guess is you plan to kill us anyway, so no, I will not make it easy for you.”
“On no,” said Guevara in a most disarming way. “Our intention is only to ride out the storm in safety. Once it has passed, we will leave you in peace. We mean you no harm.”
Looking at Guevara, the sergeant said, “From where I stand it appears that you are an invading force, and I am looking down the barrel of your AKs.”
Guevara said, “Por favor, let me explain; I am Coronel Jesus Guevara. My command is from Brazil and was in the U.S. for training with our American counterparts when the lights went out. Since then we have been attempting to get to Washington to find a way home.
He then offered his hand in greeting.
Turning to his sergeant, Guevara said, “Sarjento, please turn your rifles aside and
return the weapons to our new friends.”
Without questioning his Coronel, the sarjento followed his orders.
“There,” said Guevara, “perhaps now we can be friends, si? We only took them to ensure there were no accidents. Now, I would appreciate it if you would call the rest of your command to meet us so that we can all get to know each other; again to avoid a tragic misunderstanding.”
With his rifle securely in his possession, the sergeant called his remaining troopers to meet the new arrivals.
Handshakes and introductions were made, and the security detail was anxious to hear the stories about Georgia and Florida.
Once everyone was relaxed and off guard, Guevara stepped back among his soldiers, and the Cubans raised their weapons and ordered the guards to again hand over their weapons. As soon as the guards were disarmed, he was about to order the prisoners to be shot when the ROA sergeant said, “Wait! Why are you doing this? You said you meant us no harm.”
Guervara’s smile resembled a deadly viper as he said, “I lied. Fuego!”
The Cuban rifles roared, belching flame and hurled 7.62 X 39 rounds into the bodies of the Americans.
“Sarjento, bring in the battalion, and remove the trash.”
“Sí, mi Coronel, de inmediato.”
DC
27 August 0300
TOC
The Road Home
Deep in the bunker, the 1st Brigade Troopers had no idea what was happening topside. The hardened bunker complex completely cut them off from the world above. The storm had arrived at nearly 2400, as predicted. The question, of course, was, did the storm carry a cat five punch, or a cat two.
Levi called a head shed meeting to discuss what to do next. Before officially beginning the meeting, Levi told the group that the first thing they must do was to ensure the 1st Brigade was ready to go. Once this portion of the meeting was wrapped up, only then would they spend the remaining hours speculating on what was happening in Defiance, or Lejeune.
Agenda item one was maintenance. Gus deferred his comments to the Motor Sergeant.
“Sir, when we entered the bunker, the convoy was ready to continue, that is when they were parked, of course, there is no guarantee that our trucks are still on all four wheels. There is a very real possibility that they are buried under tons of concrete. A best case scenario, the convoy is ready to get back on the road.”
Levi said, “The way I see it is that we have to send a scout out at dawn to check on the storm status and any damage. I have a feeling the streets and roads are going to be even less serviceable, from the storm debris, than from just stalled cars.”
Item two, once the Brigade is again able to reach the surface, the commo section will rush to the Commo Van and try to raise Defiance and Lejeune.
Item three, Bradley, please tell Jonesy that I am disappointed that he has been unable to procure any muffins,” causing everyone to smile broadly.
Dawn
The Scout stood before the blast door as it was opened, and was most pleased not to see water rushing in. He then made his way to the surface and found a very cool, but beautifully clear morning. The streets were rife with flowing water into the partially clogged storm drains.
The Scout found no appreciable damage; apparently, the storm had turned back out to sea and as it departed, left only a tropical storm in its wake.
He quickly made his way back down to the bunker with the good news, which caused a flurry of activity to get the Brigade back on the road.
Once back at the Commo Van, the operator attempted, unsuccessfully, to reach either Defiance or Lejeune.
By 0800 the Ground Crews had given the thumbs up to get the birds back in the air. The pilots wanted to recon Defiance, but Gus vetoed this mission because the helos did not have the range for a round trip. He told Susan that, as he had no idea of the damage further south, fuel might not be available, and he certainly did not want any portion of the Air Arm to be stranded with a radio having a range of only five miles while on the ground.
Begrudgingly, Susan relented and returned her section to standard operating procedures for convoy movement.
Levi was upbeat and encouraging when he was in front of anyone but Gus; their relationship cut through the crap and allowed both of them to be able to express their fears and concerns.
“Gus, I have to say that I am especially worried about Defiance. I know that the folks are spread around to several shelters, and that will make it take longer to get back into operation.
Still, I can’t help but worry about everyone’s safety, oh hell; I’ll just say it; I’m worried that the ROA is gone. Add to that the simple fact that we should have had contact with Lejeune by this time; I’m worried, Gus.”
Gus patted Levi on the shoulder and said, “I know, brother, I have those exact same fears. I just can’t get Darren out of my head for even a second.
Come on; it’s time to put our game faces on and head home.”
Levi bucked up and said, “Ayup, let’s saddle up.”
Levi checked in with the Commo Van at 1100 and heard the bad news that there had been no communications with either station.
Lejeune
27 August 0430
Lejeune High School
The winds of the hurricane of aught one blew through Lejeune as an extreme cat five, that lasted for five hours as it slowly passed directly over Lejeune. If the wind speeds could have been measured, the top recorded gusts would have topped out at one hundred and ninety-five miles per hour, with sustained winds of one hundred and seventy-five mph.
Hangers were ripped apart, and the winds began scattering the vehicles, and planes like toys being flung from the hand of an angry giant.
The storm surge at the beach hit sixteen feet. The surge coupled with more than thirty inches of rain in a four-hour span flooded Lejeune and burst through the doors and windows of the Lejeune High School building.
The Brigade personnel had rushed to the second floor of the building. Colonel Eldridge ordered Lt. Colonel Guyardo, the Sgt. Major, flight trainees, I.Ps, ground crews, and mechanics into the inside bathrooms. Additional personnel were also sent to other bathrooms, equipment storage rooms, and any other more protected spaces.
At 0247 hours, a low moaning built in pitch to a thunderous ripping sound just before the roof tore off…
Defiance
27 August 0230
Hurricane Shelter
ROA
President Ralph Bassett had ordered the evacuation of Defiance immediately after the warning call from Lejeune. They had grabbed food, water, and clothes before scattering to some of the nearby Hurricane Shelters. Ralph, in his wisdom, had held a monthly Hurricane Drill which allowed everyone to know where to seek shelter.
Defiance did not receive the full force of the hurricane as it began to turn sharply north when it made landfall. The eye of the storm bypassed Defiance, which brought more destruction from wind and rain, as the storm lasted longer.
A few of the shelters actually survived the hurricane of aught one.
The Road Home
30 August 1030
150 Miles from Defiance
Two days passed with no commo from Defiance or Lejeune. Levi finally dispatched one Cobra and a Huey to make the round trip to Defiance; they were still too far from Lejeune.
Piles of debris began to slow the convoy, as the farther south they traveled, the more storm debris blocked their path. Mobile homes were strewn across the countryside, including the road. Tall pines were uprooted. The ground was still way too soft for the heavy convoy to bypass any obstacles, forcing them to remove each one, either by the M-88 or by hand.
The choppers returned at 1330; Susan informed Levi and Gus that there were survivors, but she saw only three buildings still standing. The outlying communities were just gone. The crops had been ripped from the fields, and the Air Crews had seen no signs of human life, other than in Defiance proper. The helos landed in Defiance and were told that, so far, only fifty souls
had returned.
Susan said, “Gus, Darren is among the survivors, as is the entire Medical Staff. Adan and his staff are also accounted for, and none of them are injured.
Her face then became sadder when she said, “I’m sorry, Levi, but Ralph is still missing and presumed lost. Adan told me to tell you that he cannot build any radios because he has nothing to build them with.”
Neither Levi nor Gus said anything for several seconds. Levi was the first to recover his voice; he asked, “Do the survivors have wounded, food, water, and shelter?”
“No one is injured, sir; and yes to the rest of your questions. Of the survivors, there were also four farming families. The group has sufficient food stores and water to last until we can get there.
The minds of both Levi and Gus were going at maximum speed, trying to come up with ways to proceed.
Levi finally ordered Susan to return to Defiance with all of her birds, less one Huey and one Snake, and, make sure they have begun to stockpile, and inventory whatever they can find. Send one Cobra to recon Lejeune, and upon completion, the pilot is to return here to brief us.
I want you to continue on to Fort Jackson and see if there are any flyable Hueys there. We’re going to need all of them that we have pilots for, Roger?”
Susan said, “Yes, sir, Roger that. I’ll also remove the Co-pilot from the recon bird to give us one more pilot. When would you like us to depart?”
“Just as soon as you refuel and your wrench turners say you’re good to go. Oh, take a ground crew and a Fire Team with you on the Huey.”
