MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Due to Tropical Storm Elsa, KC-135s from the 6th Air Refueling Wing on MacDill AFB are evacuating to McConnell AFB, Kansas.
MacDill aircraft are evacuating as a precaution due to the projected winds. The aircraft will return to MacDill AFB when conditions return to normal.
In addition, base commander had declared HURCON 4 and has directed limited base access and “mission essential personnel only” on Tuesday, July 6.
Active Duty: Directed to Telework to the maximum extent possible. Movement on base will be reduced to emergency and first responders and “Mission Essential Personnel” or as directed by Tenant and unit Commanders.
Civilians: Directed to Telework to the maximum extent possible. Weather/Safety Leave may be authorized by unit Commanders for members whose jobs are unable to telework.
Contractors: Directed to Telework to the maximum extent possible and in accordance their applicable contract Statement of Work (SOW).
All installation support activities will close at 1200 on Tuesday, July 6 including: Child Development Center and Youth Programs, BX and Commissary, medical clinics and pharmacy. Dependent on weather condition, potential for closure MAY extend through Wednesday, July 7.
For medical care, routine non-emergency medical care may be rescheduled depending on the severity of the storm/hurricane. We recommend beneficiaries maximize the use of the Nurse Advise Line at (813) 828-2273 Option 3. Appointments can still be made or cancelled via tricareonline.com
“The safety of our service members, families, and aircraft are paramount,” said Col Benjamin Jonsson, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander. “We need to launch our aircraft in a timely manner so that our maintainers and flight crew can take care of their families before Elsa arrives.”
MacDill authorities are in consultation with Hillsborough County officials and are not anticipating an evacuation of MacDill AFB. However, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.