MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. – A KC-135E Stratotanker is scheduled to depart the 108th Air Refueling Wing Friday morning, transporting personnel to the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

     The personnel, approximately 35 security forces members, will be assisting with the on-going relief efforts in the affected areas following the hurricane.  In addition to these Airmen, the NJ National Guard anticipates multiple flights carrying humanitarian relief supplies, primarily water, to follow in the near future.

     Media outlets wishing to attend MUST register with Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, Public Affairs Office, NJDMAVA, prior to 7 a.m. on Friday, Sep. 2.  Leave a voice mail message with the following information: organization; name(s) of all persons attending; and a contact phone number.  Media should report to McGuire AFB's 24-hour gate (directions attached) between 8:15 – 8:30 am to be escorted to the 108th ARW's Flight Line.

     Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General – New Jersey will be available for comment and interviews.

     All inquiries about the 108th ARW's participation should be directed to the Department of   Military and Veteran's Affairs Public Affairs Office at (609) 530-6939.

     Directions to 108th Air Refueling Wing, Air National Guard, McGuire AFB, NJ

     From Exit 7, New Jersey Turnpike take Route 206 South to Route 68 South (watch for where divided highways split for Rt. 68).  Take Route 68 to Route 545 (watch for McGuire AFB sign on your right, do not follow signs for Fort Dix).  You will be turning left off of Route 68 for a very short distance (half a block) to get to stop sign for Route 545.  After exiting the divided highway Route 68, you will come to a stop sign which is Route 545, turn right onto Route 545.

     Route 545 is a single lane country road that turns into Route 680, a dual lane divided highway (total distance is approximately 3-5 miles) that comes directly to McGuire AFB Gate 1, the main gate (this gate is currently closed.)  Turn left at the light and enter McGuire using Gate 2 (24-hour gate).  You must have a Dept. of Defense Decal on your car to enter or you will have to get a visitor pass.

     After the guard passes you through the gate, continue straight ahead until you enter a traffic circle with P-38 Lightning (known as “Pudgie”) aircraft on display.  Take the first right off the circle which is Tuskegee Airman Blvd.  Continue to traffic light, turn right (a very large hangar is in front of you) continue on this street as it follows the perimeter of the airfield until the last intersection just before you are about to exit another gate (Gate 8, which leads to the BX/Commissary).  Turn left at the intersection before the gate.  This is Wonnacott Ave. (there will be an F-4 Fighter aircraft on display on your left near the 108th Logistics Squadron Building 3369).

     Follow this street until the first street on your right, Thunder Road. Continue on Thunder Road, it will seem you are about to exit another gate which is closed.  Turn left onto Charles Blvd.  Take Charles Blvd. until you see a large parking area on your left and a building with a flagpole out front on your right, which is the Wing Headquarters, Bldg. 3327.  You may park in this lot in any legally marked spot.