Renowned contractors and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are shaping Tyndall Air Force Base’s future, fortifying it against extreme weather and preparing it for the future.
Project Overview:
- Location: Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City Beach, Florida
- Total Investment: Approximately $4.9 billion
- Rebuilding Zones: Divided into 12 zones covering various facilities and infrastructure
- Construction Support: Provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Natural Disaster Recovery Division (NDR) and additional private contractors
Debris litters Tyndall Air Force Base following Hurricane Michael in October 2018. Now the Air Force is rebuilding the base to be more resistant to future storms.
In 2018, Hurricane Michael severely damaged Tyndall Air Force Base. It affected 484 buildings and required the removal of 792,450 cubic yards of debris, equivalent to filling Washington DC’s Capitol Rotunda 16.5 times. But Tyndall didn’t just aim to rebuild; it set out to transform itself. With a significant investment of nearly $4.9 billion Tyndall is on its way to becoming a role model for sustainability and adaptability not only for the Air Force but for the entire Department of Defense.
Why Rebuild?
A team of nine U.S. Airmen from the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Civil Engineer and Medical Squadrons volunteered to help nudge Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida toward recovery after Hurricane Michael left the base in near complete destruction October 22-28. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy photo)
Tyndall Air Force Base is a critical asset for the nation’s defense strategy, providing access to the Gulf Range Complex—a vast training airspace over the Gulf of Mexico. This range is crucial for fifth-generation fighter readiness, interoperability, live-fire testing and training.
The USACE Partnership
USACE, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force mobilized to lead the rebuilding efforts. Before Hurricane Michael, USACE engineers existed on the base to implement a small number of construction projects on a limited basis. Their mission is to provide construction, maintenance and operation of key infrastructure projects that contribute to the nation’s economy, environment, safety and quality of life.
USACE has played a pivotal role in securing a groundbreaking $532 million construction contract to complete 11 projects directly supporting flightline operations for the F-35A Lightning II aircraft. This includes more than 40 military construction projects.
Opportunities for Skilled Workers
The Tyndall reconstruction is not just about rebuilding the base but also about creating opportunities for skilled workers. With numerous military construction projects underway this endeavor is poised to generate jobs and provide career opportunities for professionals in various construction-related fields.
Skilled laborers, engineers, technicians, concrete workers, carpenters, pipelayers, operators, welders, HVAC techs and other experts will play a crucial role in reshaping Tyndall into the Installation of the Future. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, Tyndall’s rebuilding initiative holds the promise of a thriving job market and the chance to contribute to this remarkable transformation.
Civil engineers from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and Eglin Air Force Base join contractors to watch a 3D printer apply layers of concrete for a building being constructed on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The building will replace a facility damaged by Hurricane Michael and help AFCEC determine whether advanced 3D printing technology can replace traditional methods of military construction and expeditionary construction projects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Goddin)
The Rebuilding Effort
The massive rebuilding project is divided into 12 zones, with staggered completion dates. Each zone encompasses a range of facilities, from F-35 hangars and flightline operations to administrative buildings and recreational facilities.
Tyndall is focused on creating a resilient and future-ready installation. The facilities are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 165 mph and accommodate future sea-level rise. They also incorporate smart building technologies.
Contractors Shaping the Future of Tyndall AFB
Renowned contractors have been awarded to support Tyndall Air Force Base’s recovery efforts. The Lane Construction Corp., an Italian-based Webuild Group subsidiary secured a $357 million contract aimed at fortifying Tyndall against future extreme weather. Their extensive project, slated for completion by mid-2026, includes vital elements such as roadways, fencing, lighting, parking, utilities and fire protection.
Similarly, Hensel Phelps in partnership with the F-35 Flightline Facilities project is set to design and construct new facilities including parking aprons, aircraft maintenance units and more. These efforts are transforming Tyndall into an installation prepared for the future, with construction beginning shortly and anticipated to conclude by January 2026.
Hensel Phelps is tasked with constructing eleven facilities for the Zone 1 F-35 Flightline, involving various aspects such as utilities, site improvements, pavements, detection/protection features, security enhancements, and other essential work for each facility.
The Flightline of the Future
Tyndall’s upcoming flightline facilities will directly support the 325th Fighter Wing and its new F-35 mission. Cutting-edge technology will enhance cybersecurity, perimeter defense and overall base safety.
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