Officials issue stop movement, Florida bases evacuated

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SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  As people and aircraft evacuate some Florida bases July 8 with the approach of Hurricane Dennis, Air Force officials have placed a ”stop movement” order for people permanently moving to or transiting to some Florida and Missippi installations.

Affected installations are Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field, Corry Station, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base and Tyndall AFB in Florida. Stop movement is also in effect for Keesler AFB and the 366th Training Squadron’s Det. 6 in Mississippi.

The order also affects any duty location serviced by the installations’ military personnel flights.

Stop movement prevents people from moving into a hazardous area -- in this case, a natural disaster -- which would potentially put them in harm's way, officials said. Resources, such as facilities, which may be required in the aftermath are freed up as well.

Stop movement also means people permanently leaving the installations will have their departures delayed.

Those heading permanently or temporarily to Florida who have not yet departed their current duty station should remain at that station until further guidance is given, officials said.

Airmen who have already departed should immediately contact their previous military personnel flight for instructions. Those who have already departed from an overseas location should contact the nearest installation's MPF for instructions.

Airmen who cannot reach their serving MPF can call (800) 435-9941.

Evacuated bases are:

-- Tyndall: F-15 Eagles sent to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, and Tinker AFB, Okla. F/A-22 Raptors sent to Nellis AFB, Nev.

-- Eglin: F-15s sent to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

-- Hurlburt Field: AC-130 Gunships, MH-53 Pave Lows and MC-130 Combat Talons are evacuating to various installation. (Some information courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center News Service)