Isaac looming, Pensacola NAS begins moving aircraft

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Officials at NAS Pensacola began to prepare for the worst Sunday as Tropical Storm Isaac approached the Gulf Coast on a yet uncertain track.

Patrick Nichols with NAS says they've already begun securing all aircraft into hangars. He says they've also sent 35 Air Force jets and ten Navy jets that they couldn’t store off the base and out-of-state.

Military boats have been pulled to higher ground.

"Everyone along the Gulf Coast has been watching this storm and we know how unpredictable it is right now. We'd rather take the conservative approach, no matter what happens," said Nichols.

Nichols said they have also put sandbags in front of many buildings along the base's waterfront.

There were no plans Sunday to evacuate the more than 4,000 military students onboard the base. But Nichols said if the storm strengthens, it's something they're prepared to do.

Officials said if evacuations were to take place, many shelters will be set up across Pensacola for personnel.

"There's a lot of corporate knowledge aboard NAS Pensacola regarding hurricanes. We remember Hurricane Ivan and what a catastrophe that was. We're doing anything we can to ensure the safety of our planes, people and our assets," Nichols said.