Military

Eglin AFB removes dropped F-16 fuel tank, cleanup underway

Environmental teams have started cleanup efforts in a Niceville residential area where an F-16 fighter jet dropped its fuel tank earlier this week.

Jared Williams

Eglin Air Force Base personnel successfully removed the 300-gallon fuel tank on January 8, one day after it fell from a 96th Test Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon.

“Our environmental management team is working diligently to clean up the affected areas,” said Col. Michelle Sterling, 96th Civil Engineer Group commander. “We are communicating our efforts with the homeowners and want to assure the community we are engaged in clean up procedures.”

The 96th Civil Engineer Group’s Spill Response team is leading the cleanup operation, which officials expect to last several weeks.

An Air Force Safety Investigation Board continues to examine the cause of the incident, which occurred January 7 near Nathey Avenue and Monette Street. No injuries or property damage were reported.

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Dave commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”

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M C commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Typical government overreach.”

Joseph D Bishop commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Why so many boot lockers here”

“This is bs. They just allowed the county”

Elizabeth commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“There have been no parking signs for years. No one follows them.”

H. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Mr.Siegel, you say we own the Air Force? Keep it up with the negative sentiment, and watch the Air Force close off each side of 98 with fences topped with...”

Dude M. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“When I was A Deputy with the Sheriff's Office I was issuing county ordinance citations to people who were parking on the right-of-way along the area of the sea wall...”

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Eglin AFB removes dropped F-16 fuel tank, cleanup underway

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