0 min left

Air Force Planes Damaged Less Than Expected in Florida

During Hurricane Michael, Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida was virtually destroyed – but there is a light of hope for some of the aircraft left behind; the planes that could not be evacuated before the hurricane sustained much less damage than expected, especially given all the surrounding destruction.

Before Hurricane Michael swept through Florida’s panhandle, staff at Tyndall Air Force Base evacuated as much as they could, including planes. But some had to be left behind due to maintenance and safety concerns. Luckily, in the wake of the hurricane, leadership returned to find the aircraft left in much better condition than they expected.

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright toured the base – what’s left of it, at least – and noted in a release reported by NWF Daily News that although the planes were damaged, they “were all intact and looked much better than expected considering the surrounding damage to some structures.”

They are unsure as of yet, though, whether the aircraft is damaged little enough to be able to be repaired and fly again – that will be determined by an upcoming assessment from maintenance professionals on the base.

The Air Force does intend to bring Tyndall back to pre-hurricane operations. “It will take time to recover but … our airmen are up to the challenge,” the release said. “[We] will be working detailed plans in the days ahead to tackle and overcome the challenges. We will get through this together.”

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Comments are Closed.
0 Comments