MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa under shelter-in-place order

MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa under shelter-in-place order
By: Military times Posted On: March 18, 2026 View: 1

Editor’s note: This is a developing story.

The home of U.S. Central Command is currently under a shelter-in-place order, according to MacDill Air Force Base’s social media.

According to the Wednesday post, a threat was made against the Tampa-based location.

“We take all threats seriously and are taking appropriate measures to prioritize the safety and security of our installation,” a MacDill Facebook post reads. “As a matter of policy, we will not release specifics on what security measures have been implemented.”

The shelter-in-place order comes days after a suspicious device was found at the visitors center at the Dale Mabry Gate on Monday, causing traffic to be diverted to the Bayshore Gate, according to a local NBC outlet.

After Monday’s incident, MacDill raised its security level to FPCON CHARLIE.

“This posture allows us to implement deliberate security measures proactively,” the base said on social media earlier this week. “All personnel should remain vigilant, follow the direction of security forces, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”

The base, home of CENTCOM, has been leading the United States’ military campaign against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, since the U.S. and Israel began their joint offensive on Feb. 28.

Claire Barrett is an editor and military history correspondent for Military Times. She is also a World War II researcher with an unparalleled affinity for Sir Winston Churchill and Michigan football.

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