MacDill Air Force Base on High Alert After Suspicious Package Containing Possible Energetic Materials Found

On March 19, 2026, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa was placed on heightened alert after the FBI said a suspicious package discovered earlier this week outside a gate contained what investigators described as "possible energetic materials." The FBI Tampa office posted a statement on social media saying analysis of the material is not complete and that the investigation remains active.

Base officials ordered a shelter-in-place when a threat was received, a restriction that remained in effect for about two hours before being lifted; commanders said the installation continues to maintain elevated security. On Tuesday the base moved to FPCON CHARLIE, the second-highest force protection condition, enabling additional deliberate security measures. Personnel were advised to stay vigilant, follow directions from security forces and report any suspicious activity immediately.

MacDill hosts U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and portions of South Asia, and the installation has been on heightened watch since the outbreak of the war in Iran. Last week a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash claimed six crew members; officials said three of those killed were affiliated with the base's 6th Air Refueling Wing. The FBI did not provide further details about the package or the specific nature of the energetic material cited in its statement.