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The ground gave way, JB MDL’s readiness didn’t

Corey Kourtner, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron civilian heavy equipment and pavement technician, breaks and removes ground with a backhoe during a sinkhole repair at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 20, 2026. Crews also removed water at the site due to the damage from heavy rainfall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francine D. Martin)

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The ground gave way, JB MDL’s readiness didn’t

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Abou Suwareh, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment and pavement journeyman, clears debris and water from a drain during a sinkhole repair at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 20, 2026. Water was removed before potentially causing further expansion of the sinkhole. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francine D. Martin)

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The ground gave way, JB MDL’s readiness didn’t

A hydrovac truck vacuums rainfall to clear the road and prevent flooding during a sinkhole repair at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 20, 2026. A hydrovac truck is a specialized vehicle used to remove debris and water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francine D. Martin)

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The ground gave way, JB MDL’s readiness didn’t

Corey Kourtner, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron civilian heavy equipment and pavement technician, breaks and removes ground with a backhoe during a sinkhole repair at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 20, 2026. Kourtner removed the ground to further diagnose the severity of the sinkhole and determine necessary repairs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francine D. Martin)

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The ground gave way, JB MDL’s readiness didn’t

Published Feb. 20, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Francine D. Martin
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Corey Kourtner, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron civilian heavy equipment and pavement technician, breaks and removes ground with a backhoe during a sinkhole repair at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 20, 2026. Crews also removed water at the site due to the damage from heavy rainfall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francine D. Martin)