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

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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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