W/out more $, Tyndall work stops

Without additional congressional funding to repair hurricane-damaged Tyndall AFB in Florida, and flooded Offutt (Neb.) AFB, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson says it will be forced to stop all rebuilding work on Tyndall starting May 1. Without more rebuilding funds, the AF plans to cut 18,000 flight training hours Sept. 1. It has already deferred 61 initial projects across the service – including airfield and flight line repairs at Columbus Air Force Base and an entry gate road at Keesler AFB both in Mississippi - in order to reallocate funds for repairs, Wilson said in a March 26 speech at the Heritage Foundation. Without funds materializing by May or June, Wilson said additional decisions would have to be made. The 61 projects are across 18 states. AF officials estimate they’ll need $1.2B in FY 2019; and $3.7B spread over FYs-20/21 to make repairs at Tyndall and Offutt. Without the additional fund, adjustments will have to be made, some of which pose a risk to readiness recovery, the service said in a news release. (Source: Military.com 03/27/19)