Special Tactics Airmen open Tyndall Air Force Base air field for operations

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airmen with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron load cargo onto a CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 11, 2018. Special Tactics Airmen and supplies were transported to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, to provide relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Michael, one of the most intense tropical cyclones to ever hit the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Pick)

Special Tactics Airmen open Tyndall Air Force Base air field for operations

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airmen with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron load water onto a CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 11, 2018. Special Tactics are prepared to assess, open, and control major airfields to provide support during humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Pick)

Special Tactics Airmen open Tyndall Air Force Base air field for operations

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airmen with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron unload an all-terrain vehicle from a CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 11, 2018. Special Tactics are prepared to assess, open, and control major airfields to provide support during humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Pick)

Special Tactics Airmen open Tyndall Air Force Base air field for operations

A U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airman with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron reviews a map while assessing Tyndall Air Force Base’s airfield, Florida, Oct. 11, 2018. Special Tactics Teams can assess, open, and control major airfields to clandestine dirt strips in any environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Pick)

Special Tactics Airmen open Tyndall Air Force Base air field for operations

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airmen with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron access Tyndall Air Force Base’s airfield, Florida, Oct. 11, 2018. Special Tactics are prepared to assess, open, and control major airfields to provide support during humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Pick)

Special Tactics Airmen open Tyndall Air Force Base airfield for operations

Published Oct. 12, 2018
24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --

Air Force Special Tactics Airmen with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron assessed, opened and controlled air traffic at Tyndall Air Force Base, Oct. 11.

Special Tactics Airmen have the ability to assess, open, and control major airfields to clandestine dirt strips in any environment, including those that have been impacted by a natural disaster.

The Special Tactics Airmen cleared and established a runway at 7 p.m., Oct. 11, and received the first aircraft at 7:06 p.m.

Special Tactics Airmen are in control of the airfield and are prepared to support airfield operations at Tyndall Air Force Base until further notice. This will allow support to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Tyndall Air Force Base.

Tyndall Air Force Base received extensive damage in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

For any questions regarding Special Tactics Airmen, please contact Jackie Pienkowski at 850-884-3902 or 413-237-4466, or jaclyn.pienkowski@us.af.mil.