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MacDill mum on security measures after Fort Hood shooting

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By HOWARD ALTMAN

haltman@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2009

Updated: 11/05/2009 08:31 pm

Officials at MacDill Air Force Base, home to Central Command and Special Operations Command, are not talking about what, if any, additional security measures they are taking after Thursday's shootings at Fort Hood.

"The Air Force takes the safety and security of its personnel seriously, and the Air Force is committed to protecting all service members, their families, civilian employees and anyone else that works or visits MacDill AFB," Col. Larry Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, said in a written statement. "MacDill Air Force Base has security measures in place at all times, however, The Air Force does not discuss specifics of our force protection measures."

Martin expressed solidarity with Fort Hood.

"Our condolences go out to the victims' families and friends of the Fort Hood shooting," he said.

At least 12 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in two shootings today at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas, the Army said. At least three soldiers were thought to be involved in attack, and one was killed, the military said.

The first shooting began at about 1:30 p.m. at a personnel and medical processing office, Army spokesman Lt. Col. Nathan Banks said. The facility, called a soldier rating and processing center, handles administrative details for soldiers.

Banks says the second shooting took place at a theater on the sprawling base.

An Army spokesman said the base was locked down after the shootings.

If you know anyone who is stationed at Fort Hood and would like to discuss Thursday's events for a story, please call 259-7920 or e-mail rreyes@tampatrib.com.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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