1997 Typhoon Paka Guam Response

Posted on Jan 3, 2025 in 1990's, HING History

December 1997, HIANG aircraft from the 204th Airlift Squadron and the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron deployed with emergency supplies and relief workers to Guam following Typhoon Paka. The deployment clearly demonstrated the Hawaii Air Guard’s ability to quickly respond to natural disasters in the Pacific area.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 3
MISSION OF MERCY- Hawaii Air National Guard airmen off load more than 62,000 pounds of Typhoon Paka relief supplies and equipment Ji-om the 204th Airlift Squadrons C-130 Hercules, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in December 1997. Tech. Sgt. Mark M. Uenten photo
(Picture from the 1998 Annual Report)

Typhoon Paka smashed into Guam on Dec. 16, causing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage and leaving about 1,700 families without adequate shelter. The Hawaii National Guard was quick to respond to our Pacific neighbors in need. Within a few days, a KC-135 from the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 203rdAir Refueling Squadron transported active-duty Air Force personnel and members of the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron to Guam to repair shelters at Andersen Air Force Base for victims left homeless by the typhoon. AB we go to print, more than 62,000 pounds of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and American Red Cross disaster relief supplies have been flown to Guam aboard 203rd tankers and 204th Airlift Squadron C-130 aircraft. The Hawaii National Guard stands ready to respond, whenever it’s called upon.

– 1997 December – 1998 January Pūpūkahi pp. 2
Oh, what a relief! A Hawaii Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircrew from the 204th Airlift Squadron off loads relief supplies and equipment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in December. Hawaii Air Guard personnel assisted with relief and recovery operations on Guam in the wake of Typhoon Paka. HIANG aircraft transported a total of 57 personnel and more than 62,000 pounds of relief supplies to the storm ravaged territory.
Oh, what a relief! A Hawaii Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircrew from the 204th Airlift Squadron off loads relief supplies and equipment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in December. Hawaii Air Guard personnel assisted with relief and recovery operations on Guam in the wake of Typhoon Paka. HIANG aircraft transported a total of 57 personnel and more than 62,000 pounds of relief supplies to the storm ravaged territory.
(Picture from the 1998 February – March Pūpūkahi)