Tyndall update: Oct. 16, 2018

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Tyndall,

Phase 2 is to get you back into your homes and dorms to inspect and collect your belongings, and it has begun.

We are opening the gates for limited access for five days from Wednesday, Oct. 17 through Sunday Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Military members, military dependents, civilians, civilian dependents and nonappropriated fund employees may voluntarily go to Tyndall Air Force Base and the surrounding area to evaluate their personal property. No reimbursement is authorized for voluntary travel performed. This evaluation may only be accomplished between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Central Standard Time on the previously mentioned days.

We must emphasize the importance of following the established guidelines set in-place for this limited access. There are restrictions in-place for a multitude of reasons, safety being a top concern. Force Protection measures will be in place to ensure everyone travels directly to their home and exits the gate in an orderly fashion.

All residents entering Tyndall AFB will abide by the following rules:
- Personnel will proceed through a check point for all housing and dorm areas. Emergency contact information will be provided since the local 911 emergency system is inoperative.
- Dorm residents will enter through the Louisiana Gate entrance, the eastern most gate on 98.
- Housing residents south of 98 will enter through the Sabre Gate, the gate across from the Visitor’s Center.
- Shoal Point and Bayview residents will check in at the Visitors Center across from the Sabre Gate.
- Access is restricted to housing areas and dorms.
- You must be self-sufficient. Ensure you have enough water and food. Personal protective equipment is highly recommended and should include at a minimum safety glasses, gloves and a hard hat. Gas is in limited supply in the local area; fill vehicles outside approximately 70 miles from the Tyndall AFB local area. A tire plug kit is recommended due to the potential for debris.
- No pets will be allowed on base.
- I strongly recommend you refrain from bringing children, as their safety cannot be guaranteed.
- This temporary suspension of the evacuation applies to both off-base and on-base housing.
- You will NOT be able to stay. All must depart the base, and surrounding area to include Shoal Point and Bayview, not later than 3 p.m. Central Standard Time to ensure you comply with mandated curfew requirements.
- All Tyndall AFB personnel remain under the previously mandated evacuation order.
- You are welcome to collect your belongings during the aforementioned days.
- You will be permitted to bring moving vehicles to transport your belongings and store them outside the evacuation area at your own expense.
- You will be permitted to remove vehicles left on base, as long as moving them is safe and the vehicles are drivable.
- Staying overnight anywhere in the evacuation area will void your evacuation benefits.

Mental health representatives, chaplains and additional points of contact will be available to provide the best support possible during this difficult time.

Please understand that our base and local area remain dangerous. We are still cleaning roads, power lines and debris. This has been a major undertaking but we are getting better each day.

We continue working a long term plan of action but we simply aren’t there yet, as we are concentrating on the short term day-to-day recovery actions.

Q: What if I cannot return to Tyndall AFB within the five-day period? Will I have another opportunity to gather my belongings?
A: A long term plan of action is being formed. More information will be available in the coming days.

Q: Am I able to bring a non-military member with me since my spouse is deployed?
A: Yes, you are.

Additional answers to your questions can be found by calling the Total Force Service Center:
- DSN: 665-0102
- Commercial: 210-565-0102
- Toll Free: 1-800-525-0102