HOURS-LONG LOCKDOWN AT HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD FINALLY LIFTED
On Monday, February 3, 2025, at approximately 2 p.m., Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, was placed on lockdown due to reports of a suspicious person on the base. The lockdown was initiated as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of personnel and facilities. Now, leadership at Hunter Army Airfield has shared new details surrounding what prompted the hours-long lockdown.
Hunter Army Airfield is Put Under Lockdown Monday Afternoon
Multiple sources have said that the lockdown was due to a suspicious person on base. The initial report released stated, “A lockdown order has been issued at Hunter Army Airfield.”
On Monday, just before 2 p.m., a lockdown order was issued, which told all on base to stay inside and close and lock all windows and doors. During the lockdown, all gates were closed to inbound and outbound traffic. After a brief period, officials allowed outbound traffic to resume, enabling individuals to exit the base while preventing entry.
The lockdown was eventually lifted at 5 p.m. On Tuesday morning, LTC Derick Taylor and CSM Keiven Favor shed light on why the lockdown occurred.
According to LTC Taylor, someone who approached a security checkpoint, "indicated the presence of a weapon and willingness to do violence."
LTC Taylor said, based on that interaction, he made the decision to issue a lockdown and shelter-in-place order.
When asked about issuing the order, LTC Taylor said, "there is no step I won't take to protect the servicemembers, families, civilians and veterans of the Savannah military community. Stay vigilant."
Where is Hunter Army Airfield Located?
Hunter Army Airfield is located in Savannah, Georgia. The base has a 2020 population of 145,754. The base is located in the 5th largest city in Georgia and the 180th largest city in the United States.
Hunter Army Airfield provides support and services to approximately:
- 4,400 active-duty military
- 14,350 family members of active-duty
- 9,390 military retirees
- 31,970 family members of retirees
- 1,200 civilian employees
- 230 contractors
- 1,600 reserve component
- 3,790 family members of reserve components
Pulaski Elementary School Is Put on a Precautionary Lockdown
As a result of the Hunter Army Airfield lockdown, nearby Pulaski Elementary School is also on a precautionary lockdown.
At 3:45pm, the following statement was sent to Pulaski Elementary School parents from the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System:
“Good afternoon parents, This is a safety message to let you know that Pulaski Elementary has been placed on a precautionary lockdown today due to a lockdown at Hunter Army Airfield. Civilian car riders and walkers will be dismissed shortly, but all bus riders will be delayed due to the lockdown on post. In addition, military car riders and walkers who live on post will have a delayed dismissal once the situation on post is resolved.
Please know that the safety of our staff and students is our top priority. We thank you for your support of Pulaski Elementary School.”
A Statement Is Issued on Hunter Army Airfield’s Facebook Page
The following statement was released shortly after 2 p.m. on the base’s Facebook page:
Initial Report at 2 p.m.
"The Commander has issued a lock down order for Hunter Army Airfield. Lock down your facility immediately, stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors. Keep telephone lines open for information updates and monitor social media outlets for additional information. Report accountability to your leadership. An all clear message will be distributed when the emergency is over."
Lockdown Lifted at Hunter-Army Airfield
The base has released new information regarding why the lockdown was issued.
Statement Released at 8 p.m.
“The commander of Hunter Army Airfield issued an order to lockdown the installation after receiving credible threats against the security of Hunter Army Airfield. At approximately 1:50 p.m. an SUV with one driver and one passenger were stopped by security forces. When questioned, they expressed a threat to the installation and fled the scene. Military Police followed protocol which included initiating gate closures on Hunter. At approximately 2 p.m. today, all gates on Hunter Army Airfield were closed for entry and exit while law enforcement personnel conducted a search for the suspect(s) and vehicle.
Based on the recommendations of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, all gates resumed normal operating procedures.
At 5 p.m. the installation lifted the lockdown, however all exiting vehicles matching the suspect description were stopped and checked. A collaborative effort with multiple law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate the incident.
The safety of Hunter Army Airfield and the surrounding Savannah community is our number-one priority. Our civilian and military force protection organizations consistently train to safeguard the installation.”
Update Released at 4:53 p.m.
"Parents of Pulaski K-8 and all Child Development Centers can proceed to pick up their children effective immediately. The Pedestrian Gate and outbound gates will be open at this time.
Access Control Points (inbound and outbound) will be open at 5 p.m. with 100 percent ID check."
Updated Released at 4:27 p.m.
"Stay safe, stay home, lock your doors": WJCL spoke to one person who was stopped at the gate for about 2 hours, during which she saw an ambulance exit the gate.
Update Released at 4 p.m.
"Base officials say there is no estimate at this time as to when the lockdown will be lifted. They did not speak to what prompted the lockdown order."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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