SMYRNA, TN (WSMV) -
Middle Tennessee is playing a helpful role in the U.S. Navy's preparations ahead of tropical storm Isaac.
Dozens of planes and helicopters arrived Monday at Smyrna Airport after evacuating airfields along the Gulf Coast. Around 80 Bell helicopters and 30 T-6 single-engine turbo-prop jets are among the aircraft being kept out of harm's way.
The aircraft are primarily based at Pensacola, FL, where they are used for training purposes.
Blake Tumbleson, director of sales and marketing for the Smyrna Air Center, said discussions between the airport and military officials began last week when Isaac was first forecast for the Gulf Coast.
"The Smyrna Air Center has a contract with the United States military, and we handle all their fueling of the aircraft. Second of all, Smyrna Airport, as you can see, has a large ramp area - this being an ex-military base. It's the ideal location to move assets," Tumbleson said.
The aircraft and dozens of crew members will stay in Smyrna until the threat from Isaac is over.
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Photo courtesy: Blake Tumbleson
