Most base services remained closed at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., and Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 30, four days after Hurricane Helene battered the southeast with high winds and torrential rains. Only mission-essential personnel are allowed on base as recovery operations continue.
MacDill, which sits just a few feet above sea level near Tampa Bay experienced flooding in low-lying areas, widespread power outages, and masses of debris on roads, base officials posted on social media.
Col. Ed Szczepanik and Chief Master Sgt. Raun M. Howell, the commander and command chief of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, said in a video message that some sections of the base—including dorms and base housing—would be temporarily without power Sept. 30 as personnel worked to restore electricity to the whole installation.
Official and unofficial images posted to social media show the road leading to U.S. Central Command headquarters underwater, and no “C” on the “MACDILL AFB” sign on a hangar, the letter having been blown off by the winds.
Szczepanik and Howell said the base would remain closed “at least” through Sept. 30.
MacDill evacuated its KC-135 tankers ahead of the storm. The 6th Air Refueling Wing did not immediately respond to a query on the status and location of its aircraft and crews.
The 23rd Wing at Moody was in the storm’s direct path, and 23rd Wing Commander Col. Ben Rudolphi posted on Facebook that the installation remained closed to non-essential personnel “until further notice.” Rudolphi imposed a 5 p.m.-9 a.m. curfew to minimize the workload for law enforcement.
“Currently, there are numerous hazards in town, including downed power lines, debris on roadways, and ongoing recovery efforts. Traffic accidents have increased, putting both drivers and emergency response teams at further risk. By aligning our curfew with local authorities and enforcing it earlier, we aim to minimize the number of vehicles on the road and reduce the chances of accidents,” Rudolphi wrote.
Tens of thousands of households in Lowndes County, where Moody is located, likewise remain without power.
Moody evacuated its A-10, MC-130, and HH-60 aircraft ahead of the storm. Officials did not reply to a query about their current locations.
Other bases in the region are back to work. Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.; Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; and Robins Air Force Base, Ga., all escaped the storm with minimal damage.