Louisiana Airport Director Says His Facility is up and Running Thanks to Sky Harbor Crew

Phoenix, Arizona -- The head of the Lake Charles Regional Airport in Louisiana says his runways are clear, lighting is operational and equipment is secured thanks to a team from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “These guys are angels from heaven,” said Alan Kratzer, Executive Director of the Lake Charles Airport. “There are not enough words to say how much they helped us.” The team of five electricians and seven building maintenance workers from Sky Harbor pulled into the Louisiana Airport early Sunday morning, ten hours after Hurricane Rita caused severe damage to buildings and airfield equipment. They had originally planned to go to New Orleans to help repair damage from Hurricane Katrina, but were diverted to Lake Charles after Hurricane Rita.

The Sky Harbor crew first removed shredded hangars, branches and rubble from runways and taxiways. By early Monday morning Kratzer said “our airfield was so clean, we could accommodate the military.” Those military flights were able to transport much needed supplies into the area. The Sky Harbor team then repaired and replaced airfield lighting, retrieved and re-installed signs, cleaned out damaged buildings and safely stored salvageable equipment and furniture. “This is a success story,” said Kratzer. “They did so much here, it’s just unbelievable.”

The Lake Charles Airport was so grateful to the Phoenix team, that they cooked a traditional Louisiana dinner for them last night. The Sky Harbor crew departed Lake Charles this morning and dropped off supplies at the airport in Beaumont Texas, which is being assisted by crews from San Diego and Houston. They are now heading back to Phoenix, driving a convoy of vehicles and pulling trailers that were packed with food, water and supplies when they left for Louisiana.

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