Who outranks everybody in the military? The President? Nope, an ordnance officer at a flat sprint. Homestead Air Reserve Base, located in Miami-Dade County, Florida was evacuated on Wednesday, Dec. 14th at about 5 PM according to USAF officials for what they called an “ongoing incident”. According to local CBS4‘s Jim Defede and a “source briefed on the incident” an explosive device became loose and “rolled” into an area where it should not be. The evacuation of some 3.200 personnel at the Air Reserve Base followed shortly thereafter out of concern that the ordnance could explode. Roads were closed surrounding the military facility, extending into neighboring residential areas.
Base officials posting a statement to social media writing,
“Out of an abundance of caution, Homestead Air Reserve Base evacuated personnel from base due to an ongoing incident,” “Please avoid the area of SW 137 Ave to Waterstone Blvd from SW 288 St to 312 St. Residents within this area, please remain in your homes. We will provide updates as they become available.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department helped establish a traffic control area surrounding the affected area. The device was successfully secured by Airmen.
We are currently assisting @Homestead_ARB with traffic control in the surrounding areas. Please avoid the area of SW 137 Ave to Waterstone Blvd from SW 288 St to 312 St. Residents within this area, please remain in your homes. Refer to @Homestead_ARB for additional info. pic.twitter.com/gjFLiJXS44
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) December 16, 2021
Hours Later Evacuated Air Reserve Base Sounds The All-Clear
After almost three hours, Base officials updated the public via Twitter,
“Out of an abundance of caution, Homestead Air Reserve Base evacuated personnel from base due to an incident involving a damaged ordinance. Base emergency personnel coordinated with local law enforcement to clear the areas surrounding the base.
“Once the damaged ordinance was repaired, the all-clear was given. No one was injured in the incident.
“We will be providing additional information as it becomes available. The safety of HARB personnel and the local community is our top priority.
After the situation was resolved, an updated statement was released by the 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office,
“I want to thank our outstanding EOD professionals and first responders for their great work last night,” Col. David Castaneda, 482nd Fighter Wing commander said. “I’d also like to thank our local law enforcement for their support in keeping our local community safe. My top priority is the success of our mission and the safety of our HARB personnel and the local community.”