Brig. Gen. James Glynn, the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and the Eastern Recruiting Region, announced yesterday he will order a mandatory evacuation for the depot beginning at 12 p.m. today in preparation for Hurricane Florence.
Glynn made the announcement after he received an updated report about Hurricane Florence’s expected path and the potential impact it would have on the base. The announcement also aligned with the evacuation ordered by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, which directed the evacuation of the state’s coastal counties.
“I have determined the safest course of action is to evacuate,” said Glynn. “For everyone’s safety, I have issued the evacuation order well ahead of the storm in an effort to ensure everyone is able to seek refuge before the storm impacts the area.”
The evacuation order is mandatory for all Department of Defense personnel stationed aboard the depot. Additionally, the evacuation order includes personnel assigned to 6th Marine Corps District and Marine Corps recruiting offices that would be impacted by the hurricane.
Recruits in Training
All Marines at the depot who are currently in recruit training will be transported to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., and will continue training there until the storm has dissipated and damage assessments have been conducted at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
Glynn directed a command leadership group to depart for Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany ahead of the recruits in order to setup the base for training recruits.
Once damage assessment have been completed aboard the depot and it has been concluded it is safe for recruits to return, recruits will be transported back to the depot to continue recruit training.
Marines and Sailors assigned to MCRD Parris Island
According to the evacuation order, all Department of Defense personnel are authorized funded travel to a safe haven site no less than 100 miles or exceed a distance of 400 miles from Beaufort, S.C. Personnel will be reimbursed authorized evacuation expenses, which includes mileage up to 400 miles, tolls, per diem and lodging.
All personnel will remain at their safe haven locations until the evacuation order is terminated or they have been directed to return by their chain of command.
Additional Information
Updated information regarding Parris Island will be made available at the following sources:
MCRD PI Command Website: https://www.mcrdpi.marines.mil/
MCRD PI Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ParrisIsland
The weather hotline for Parris Island at 1-800-343-0639 (Option 3)
For media, high resolution photo and video packages of evacuation efforts and actions aboard both installations will be posted at the following link when available: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/MCRD-PI.