Exchange Deploys MFE to Assist with Hurricane Recovery Efforts in Florida

This mobile field Exchange is set to arrive Oct. 15 at Florida’s Eglin AFB to help with recovery efforts at the severly damaged Tyndall AFB 90 miles away.

WACO, Texas – To assist with the recovery after Hurricane Michael, the Exchange deployed Oct. 14 a mobile field Exchange (MFE) from its Waco Distribution Center in Texas to Florida’s Eglin AFB, underscoring the organization’s commitment to military readiness and resiliency.

The 53-foot “Exchange on wheels,” which includes emergency supplies, toiletries, snacks and drinks, is set to arrive Oct. 15 at Eglin, where it will be staged to support Airmen and first responders to Tyndall AFB, which sustained catastrophic damage last week from Hurricane Michael.

“The Exchange’s motto is ‘We Go Where You Go.’ It is important that we have short-notice mobile Exchange capability,” said Col. Douglas Vallejo, the Exchange’s deputy logistics director. “Our Exchange main store and Express locations at Tyndall were severely damaged during Hurricane Michael as were retailers outside the gate.

“This MFE will be a force multiplier for Team Tyndall as cleanup efforts continue.”

The Exchange has 13 MFEs and two barber shops that can be deployed within 48 hours. In the past, MFEs have supported hurricane and wildfire relief efforts in the United States and major military exercises both home and abroad.

Last year, the Exchange deployed two MFEs to assist the Texas National Guard during Hurricane Harvey relief.

See scenes of damage at Tyndall AFB.

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KCEN-TV, Waco’s NBC affiliate, covered the MFE’s deployment to Florida. Watch here.