Tyndall Air Force Base Evacuates Aircraft Ahead Of Storm
Hurricane Helene is projected to make landfall as a Category 4 storm.
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The first operational F/A-22 Raptor flies over the base on its delivery flight. Tyndall is home of the world’s first F/A-22 squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike Ammons)
Tyndall Air Force Base has temporarily relocated its F-35 fleet in preparation for Hurricane Helene, which could turn into a Category 4 storm as it makes landfall on Thursday evening.
The National Hurricane Center warned Helene would likely bring heavy rainfall and “devastating hurricane-force winds” inland to north Florida and Georgia on Friday.
A spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine Tyndall’s 95th Fighter Squadron relocated its F-35s to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada ahead of the storm warnings, noting that they will remain safe there until conditions improve at Tyndall. Meanwhile, officials at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia also evacuated its HH-60 combat rescue helicopters and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets to ensure their safety.
According to reports, Tyndall is still undergoing reconstruction due to damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018, which tore apart hangars and damaged several F-22 Raptors, causing some $5 billion in damage. Fortunately, Tyndall officials do not anticipate major disruptions from Helene.
Tyndall remains closed to non-mission-essential staff.
