Pentagon operates smoothly through 5.9 earthquake

The National Military Command Center at the Pentagon "maintained the watch" to ensure there was no loss of communications capabilities during the dramatic magnitude 5.9 earthquake felt throughout the East Coast Aug. 23, reports American Forces Press Service.

Photos were knocked from walls, and a water pipe burst on the third floor, but plant engineers were able to halt the flow before it could cause major damage, the press service said.

Many offices evacuated the building, but employees were told it was safe to return inside after about 15 minutes.