A severe storm swept through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, causing significant damage to the southern side of the installation. The extent of the damage was mainly concentrated on the hangars, with photos posted by the base showing massive doors bent out of shape.

Colonel Travis Pond, the 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, emphasized the immediate focus on safety and damage assessment. He commended the swift response and hard work of the base's security forces, fire department, and civil engineer airmen in assessing the damage and developing a plan for restoration.

The base's museum, which owns three connected hangars collectively known as Hangar 4, also experienced some impact. Thankfully, no high-dollar artifacts, including a B-17 aircraft affectionately called "The Swoose" - which played a significant role in the Philippines during World War II - were damaged. However, broken windows were found in the hangar where the B-17 was stored.

A French wood-framed aircraft, the Bleriot XI, undergoing restoration, was heavily damaged, with debris poking through its fabric. Nevertheless, the museum spokesperson, Ty Greenlees, assured that the aircraft could be repaired and described the overall damage as "just some bumps and scratches on a few things."

Assessment crews are continuing to evaluate the extent of the damage to the base, while workers are currently restoring heat by sealing broken windows. The museum is making temporary arrangements to relocate artifacts to other hangars as necessary.

Outside the hangars, three aircraft, including an F-104 Starfighter, a T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer, and an A-26 Intruder bomber and attack aircraft, were also significantly affected. These aircraft, awaiting disposal, were reportedly "tossed around quite a bit" by the storm.

The incident at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base highlights the growing concerns within the U.S. military and among lawmakers regarding the impact of severe weather on military bases at home and abroad. In October 2018, Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Michael, leading to an ongoing and costly rebuild effort.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base serves as a critical hub for various operations, housing the Air Force Material Command headquarters, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, and the 445th Airlift Wing, among others. Fortunately, none of the nine C-17 Globemaster III airlifters belonging to the 445th AW were damaged during the storm.

With over 30,000 personnel working at the base, efforts are underway to restore operations and ensure the safety of all personnel. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust infrastructure to withstand severe weather events and safeguard national security.