Exchange Stays Mission-Ready As Hurricane Season Approaches

As hurricane season approaches, the Exchange is ramping up efforts to ensure military communities stay supplied and prepared during severe weather.

The Department of War’s largest retailer is boosting inventory of essential supplies including batteries, flashlights, generators and bottled water at its distribution centers to ensure high-demand products can be deployed to PXs and BXs quickly.

“The Exchange has powerful infrastructure that allows the organization to act quickly when hazardous weather strikes,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “From emergency supplies to mobile field Exchanges that can be deployed wherever they’re needed most, the Exchange is fully committed to the well-being of military communities in their most critical moments.”

At installations vulnerable to hazardous weather, managers monitor forecasts and work with command groups to ensure PXs and BXs are ready for major storms. Stores also prepare lists of items to be shipped in advance.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. To prepare across the organization, the Exchange’s Disaster Support Group—made up of a team of leaders from around the globe—keeps a close watch on weather developments to effectively respond to storms.

“When hazardous weather or hurricanes threaten our community, the Exchange works hard to keep the mission going, working with command to ensure military families have the support they need,” said Exchange South East Regional Vice President Tony Pares. “Mission readiness means being there when it counts and that’s what we plan to do.”

The Exchange’s Waco Distribution Center also stands ready with mobile field Exchanges, which can be stocked with snacks, beverages and hygiene items. These 53-foot trailers can be quickly deployed to communities in the aftermath of severe weather, ensuring military communities can receive the support they need upon command request.

The Exchange has long supported military communities after severe weather, such as hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Hurricane Michael in 2018 and hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017.