Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Florida, took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael. The base has sustained extensive damage, said in an official statement.
The Ride Out Element will conduct initial damage assessments when it is safe to do so.
Michael was a Category 4 hurricane when it made landfall, with catastrophic wind speeds.
There have been no injuries reported on Tyndall at this time.
Teams will work diligently to recover the base in the coming weeks. The storm brought down trees and power lines. It removed roofs from buildings and caused significant structural damage.
The conditions of the runway is unknown at this time.
My heart goes out to everyone at Mexico Beach and @TeamTyndall Tyndall AFB (my old home)- The F/15 static display is down. Our old house is gone. Prayers for everyone. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/7WeLvYPWdn
— Dr. Judy Staveley ™ 🔬 (@DrJudyStaveley) 11 October 2018
The base commander ordered a mandatory evacuation of base personnel Monday, Oct. 8. This evacuation order remains in effect until further notice. Evacuated personnel should make plans for an extended time away from the base. Base officials do not have an estimate at this time for when it will be safe to return.
Tyndall houses F-22 Raptors, T-38 Talons, QF-16s/F-16 Fighting Falcons converted into unmanned aircraft.
F-35A Joint Strike Fighters were also moved from Eglin Air Force Base, the Pensacola News Journal reported, and ABC News reported the expensive planes were sent to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
