Hurricane Passes, Evacuation Order Lifted at MacDill Air Force Base Following Moderate Damage
Hurricane Milton: Airmen Returning to MacDill Base
Listen up! Airmen from the 6th Air Refueling Wing are making their way back to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, following Hurricane Milton. However, those working for U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command might have to wait a bit before they can get back to their usual digs.
The evacuation order for Airmen was lifted on October 11, but those living on base couldn't move back home until 5 p.m., while off-base dwellers were given the green light right away. The 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, Col. Ed Szczepanik, initially set a return deadline for Eglin-assigned personnel by 11:59 p.m. on October 12. But, hold up, a MacDill spokesperson clarified that it's not exactly a hard return deadline. Instead, it marks when evacuation expenses reimbursement expires.
As of the afternoon of Oct. 11, over 80% of MacDill's facilities and all on-base housing had power restored, according to Capt. Kaitlin Butler. Notable damage to the installation includes missing roof tiles, knocked-over road signs, scattered debris, and water intrusion in some base housing due to winds exceeding 90 miles per hour.
Regarding air operations, MacDill isn't dishing about when their KC-135s will get back to the base for opsec reasons. Some of them have been sent to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, while others are conducting operational missions.
Eglin Air Force Base and Moody Air Force Base were selected as "staging areas for hurricane relief and support efforts" for those impacted by both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. Helene caused major flooding damage across the Southeast before its September 26 landfall.
During the daytime of October 11, MacDill operated under "a mission-essential only status." Col. Szczepanik highlighted the importance of caution while returning to the base and mentioned the recovery team is working diligently to restore the installation to full capacity.
Despite initial predictions indicating catastrophic damage from storm surge associated with Milton, winds strangely sucked water out of Tampa Bay instead of sending a 15-foot storm surge onto the base, which extends into the water body. Although there is flooding in low-lying areas due to 13 inches of rain and some wind damage from 90-mile per hour winds, MacDill isn't taking a severe hit overall.
U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command personnel still remain evacuated, with no word yet on their return. The safety of the personnel and their families, along with ensuring they have the necessary resources to recover from Hurricane Milton, is the priority. Both commands are currently operating out of multiple locations, ensuring no disruption to operations.
The Pentagon is collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to offer aid to those affected by these devastating storms. Top officials receive daily updates on recovery efforts, as the Defense Department tackles disaster response efforts. Approximately 6,500 National Guard members with large trucks and helicopters, as well as 250 Army Corps of Engineers members and 100 Marines from Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, have been deployed to help with the recovery efforts resulting from both hurricanes.
If you're seeking specific details on air personnel returning after Hurricane Milton, it's best to contact the base directly or check official military communications. Stay tuned for the latest updates on personnel movements and operations following significant weather events!
Note: MacDill Air Force Base offers resources and guidance on hurricane preparedness, stressing the importance of having a kit, having a plan, and being prepared for emergencies. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. For updates specific to MacDill Air Force Base, follow their social media accounts or visit their official website.
- The 6th Air Refueling Wing is part of the U.S. Air Force and is located at MacDill Air Force Base, which is currently focused on returning to full capacity after Hurricane Milton.
- Amidst the recovery efforts, the Pentagon is working closely with federal, state, and local partners to provide aid to those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and is prioritizing the safety and resources of military personnel and their families.
- Moody Air Force Base and Eglin Air Force Base have been designated as staging areas for hurricane relief and support efforts, demonstrating the military's role in maintaining security and defense in times of crisis.
