Exchanges Weather the Storm Following Tropical Storm Eta
The MacDill Air Force Base Exchange main store experienced only minor flooding and leaks after Tropical Storm Eta passed over Florida’s Gulf Coast Thursday morning.
“We are deeply grateful for the teams on the ground who continue to press forward with the Exchange mission, as well as the support we received from Exchange directorates,” South East Region Vice President Tony Pares said. “The fuel, Logistics, Merchandising and the Disaster Support Group teams have been invaluable in helping us prepare for not only Eta, but the many other storms we have experienced in 2020.”
All MacDill Exchange facilities closed Thursday before the storm, though the Express was expected to reopen later that day. Exchange facilities are expected to resume normal operations Friday.
Before being downgraded to a tropical storm, Hurricane Eta passed near the Soto Cano Air Base Exchange in Honduras last week. All Honduras Exchange teammates were quickly accounted for, and damage was limited to minor stockroom leaks. The Exchange closed three hours early Nov. 5 to allow associates to return home, but operations were otherwise unaffected.
“Luckily, the storm passed by a little south of the area around the base, so we didn’t really get the brunt of it,” said Soto Cano AFB Exchange General Manager Thea Sarver. “We’re just grateful all of our associates are safe and sound.”
As of Thursday morning, the storm was entering the Atlantic coast from Northeast Florida, with no other Exchanges in its path.
