As Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm, barrels towards the southeastern part of America, military bases in its projected path are wasting no time preparing for what could be one of the most destructive storms of the season.
The storm, which rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to make landfall in Florida this Wednesday, with 160 mph (250 km/h) winds threatening widespread devastation.
In anticipation, the Department of Defense (DoD) is mobilizing its forces—evacuating personnel, aircraft, and ships to ensure safety and continuity of operations, as reported on Monday, October 7.
Here’s what we know about the matter.
The Military’s Response to Hurricane Milton
Preparation for Hurricane Milton is well underway across numerous military installations, according to DoD.
At MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, right in the path of the storm, officials have already initiated widespread evacuations and closed most base services, including schools, to brace for impact.
Col. Edward Szczepanik, commander of MacDill’s 6th Air Refueling Wing, urged personnel in a video statement to help each other during these challenging times, reminding them of past experiences with such storms.
The base has relocated 12 of its KC-135 refueling aircraft to McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, ensuring the planes are safe from the storm’s destruction.
Further south, the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, located near Miami, has also taken swift action.
Seven F-16 fighter jets have been relocated to San Antonio, Texas, a move aimed at preserving the operational capabilities of these key assets.
“[T]he federal government, to include DOD, is leaning very far forward to be ready to respond to Hurricane Milton, you know, to include thinking through all the potential contingencies, search and rescue, route clearance, those kinds of things,” Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters on Monday.
Meanwhile, the US Navy is also taking significant precautions.
At Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers—the USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), and the USS Lassen (DDG 82)—have been moved out to sea on Monday to avoid the brunt of the storm.
Other ships at Mayport have been secured in heavy weather mooring positions, while aircraft are being evacuated or stored in hangars.
Hurricane Milton’s minimum pressure has dropped to the infamous sub-900 mb mark, with a central pressure of 897 mb, making it the 5th most intense hurricane in Atlantic history by central pressure.
A monster Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 180 mph and gusts to 225 mph. pic.twitter.com/oonALiH3Ee
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) October 8, 2024
Rear Adm. John Hewitt, commander of Navy Region Southeast, has issued a Hurricane Condition of Readiness Three for all naval installations in Florida.
Preparations include sandbagging, clearing debris, fueling emergency generators, and stockpiling potable water supplies.
“All bases are currently open but are expected to close non-essential operations by Tuesday (October 8) afternoon,” Hewitt’s directive read.
These proactive measures demonstrate the military’s commitment to safeguarding personnel and resources ahead of what could be a catastrophic event.
Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath: Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Even as the military prepares for Hurricane Milton, many service members remain actively engaged in recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the southeastern US just weeks prior.
Hurricane Helene, now recorded as the second-deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland in the last 50 years, claimed over 180 lives and caused widespread damage across six states.
In response to the destruction caused by Helene, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mobilized 1,000 active-duty soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and other units at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
These troops, requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are actively assisting in delivering essential supplies like water and fuel, managing logistics at supply staging locations, and clearing debris to reopen vital transportation routes.
The National Guard has also been heavily involved in the recovery effort, with over 6,500 Guardsmen deployed across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and other affected states. They are providing high-water vehicles, helicopters, and boots on the ground to support cleanup and rescue operations.
In Florida, nearly 3,500 Guardsmen remain on active duty, while Georgia has deployed over 1,400.
Both Moody Air Force Base in Georgia and Fort Eisenhower have struggled with power and water outages, prompting temporary evacuations and relocations for some personnel and their families.
At Moody Air Force Base, non-essential personnel were given leave to temporarily relocate due to uninhabitable conditions caused by Helene.
In North Carolina, over 800 Guardsmen are still engaged in recovery efforts. They’ve received assistance from out-of-state units, with 80 Guardsmen and 13 helicopters from Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York joining the mission to aid local communities.
“Department of Defense will continue to stay fully engaged with FEMA and the whole of government relief efforts related to Hurricane Helene, providing capabilities that best support needs on the ground,” said Ryder during the recent On-The-Record Press Briefing.
The combination of active-duty and National Guard forces underscores the significant role the military plays in disaster recovery, a role that will undoubtedly be tested further as Hurricane Milton approaches.
A Unified Military Effort
With Hurricane Milton looming, the DoD’s preparations reflect the military’s ability to quickly mobilize and protect assets while continuing ongoing recovery efforts from previous disasters.
From the swift relocation of aircraft and ships to the deployment of thousands of service members, the military’s readiness is on full display.
As Pentagon spokesperson Ryder emphasized, the military is leaning forward to address all potential contingencies, whether it be search and rescue operations, clearing routes, or restoring critical infrastructure.
The coordinated efforts between the DoD, FEMA, and local authorities demonstrate the importance of a unified response in the face of natural disasters.
With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in just a few days, the military remains on high alert, ensuring that personnel, equipment, and resources are protected from the storm’s fury.
At the same time, they continue to support communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, showcasing their ability to handle multiple crises simultaneously.
Final Thoughts on the Matter: Stay Safe!
The military’s preparation for Hurricane Milton and ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene highlight the critical role the US Armed Forces play in disaster preparedness and response.
From evacuating key assets to assisting in rebuilding efforts, the dedication and coordination of these service members provide hope and support to those affected by these devastating storms.
As the southeastern US braces for Milton, the military stands ready to face the challenges ahead, ensuring that both their personnel and the communities they serve are protected.
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