# Defense Department Cooling Systems Disrupted Cooling system outages at US military bases raise concerns. - **Source:** [Schneier on Security](https://brifing.si/source/7aee9996-c7c0-47f7-89ec-66a1ed95f8cc) - **Published:** 2026-08-31 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7a3cd88e-fe10-464e-a35f-804fd033d3df ## Cooling System Outages Various US military bases experienced cooling system outages. Bases such as Fort Irwin, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, and Fort Huachuca were among those affected. Defense Department officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the outages, but a possible cyber attack is being considered. ## Affected Bases The bases affected by the outages include Fort Irwin and Travis Air Force Base in California, F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, and Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Naval Station Newport and Columbus Air Force Base were also among the bases experiencing disruptions. ## Officials' Statements Defense Department officials avoided answering questions about the outages. However, a defense official mentioned a 'possible refrigeration disruption at some Defense Commissary Agency commissaries.' The official shared this information anonymously, without disclosing their name. ## Potential Cyber Attack The cause of the outages has not been officially disclosed, but experts are considering the possibility of a cyber attack. Such attacks can target critical infrastructure systems, causing widespread effects. The Defense Department is reportedly conducting a detailed investigation into the matter. ## Status of the Bases Following the outages, cooling systems at the affected commissaries on the bases were rendered inoperative. This situation has made it difficult to preserve food and other supplies, leading to logistical challenges. Personnel and their families on the bases have been negatively impacted. ## Defense Department's Response The Defense Department has not issued an official statement regarding the outages but has indicated that the matter is under investigation. Officials are continuing their efforts to determine the cause and effects of the disruptions, prioritizing the safety of personnel on the bases. ## Future Implications The long-term effects of the outages are still unknown, but such incidents may necessitate new measures regarding the security of military base infrastructure. The Defense Department is expected to develop more effective defense mechanisms against such attacks. ## Conclusion and Importance The cooling system outages at US military bases serve as a significant warning regarding the security of critical infrastructure systems. Such events can have serious implications for both national security and logistical operations. The Defense Department needs to find a swift and effective solution to this issue. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2026/08/is-someone-hacking-dod-refrigerators.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._