Tyndall Air Force Base, located just east of Panama City, Florida, “took a beating” and the base “requires extensive cleanup and repairs,” Colonel Brian S. Laidlaw, Commander of the 325th Fighter Wing said in a letter posted on their website.
Photos from the base show at least one aircraft -- which was not functional -- upside down and seemingly in someone's yard.
Laidlaw said the base remains closed as they restore basic utilities and clear the roads, “I know that you are eager to return. I ask you to be patient and try to focus on taking care of your families and each other. We can rebuild our base, but we can’t rebuild any of you.”
The good news: Tyndall has had no reported injuries or fatalities.
The damage to the base, however, is extensive:
- All base houses sustained significant roof and siding damage. Some houses sustained more significant structural failures.
- Some Tyndall dorms appear to have fared well; others sustained severe damage.
- The flight line is devastated.
- Every building has severe damage. Many buildings are a complete loss.
- The hurricane completely destroyed the Tyndall marina. The structures and docks are gone.
- The drone runway, AFCEC labs, and Silver Flag areas all sustained catastrophic damage.
- Tyndall Elementary School sustained severe damage.
- The BX and commissary sustained severe damage, and the two shoppettes sustained catastrophic damage.
BEFORE MICHAEL
AFTER MICHAEL