The Pentagon says 24/7 operations for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will be affected by Hurricane Milton as the massive storm approaches Tampa, Florida, home to MacDill Air Force Base, where CENTCOM headquarters is located. is not expected.
Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon deputy spokeswoman, told reporters Tuesday that she did not provide specific numbers on how much equipment and personnel had been moved from MacDill, but said many moves were made, including moving aircraft out of the region. He said precautionary measures had been taken. countermeasure.
“Evacuation orders are in place. I believe only essential personnel will be on base during this period,” she said. “But for the most part, I think most people are following that order and leaving the affected areas.”
Hurricane Milton Florida evacuation: What to prepare for the storm
U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. (Mandel Gunn/AFP via Getty Images)
Singh also said he did not foresee any impact on Middle East militaries.
He said troops in the Middle East could operate, but deferred all other questions on the matter to CENTCOM.
Defense officials told Fox News that CENTCOM personnel are being relocated to a backup site to maintain 24/7 operations, but details of where the backup site is located were not disclosed.
As Hurricane Milton threatens Florida, food and drink essentials to weather the storm
Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon spokeswoman, told reporters Tuesday in Arlington, Virginia. (Pentagon Live)
“CENTCOM is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its personnel and their families while maintaining operational oversight of all chains of command,” defense officials said. “We remain focused on both our mission and our most valuable resource: the men and women of our organization.”
As Hurricane Milton heads toward the state's west coast, residents of the Sunshine State are fleeing inland to shelters or safer areas in other states.
MacDill Air Force Base and the location of U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida. (Related news organizations)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Milton is expected to regain Category 5 strength late Tuesday and make landfall in western Florida late Wednesday.
