Tyndall’s 2nd industry symposium

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - John Henderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and energy, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to rebuild Tyndall AFB during a May 2 symposium – the second of three planned - with industry representatives at Florida State University-Panama City. Henderson told the more than 500 attendees that despite the absence of supplemental funding, the work to rebuild Tyndall, destroyed by Hurricane Michael in October, will continue forward in the near future. “The Air Force is committed … to rebuild Tyndall,” he said. “It was always a fighter base, and our intent is to keep it a fighter base … and for the communities that support our bases.” AF Secretary Heather Wilson had previously announced that effective May 1 all new rebuilding efforts at Tyndall AFB and Offutt AFB, Neb., which was inundated with historic flooding, would cease without more funding. She said the work stoppage would prevent new-start contracts, including new rebuilding efforts. The stoppage does not apply to contracts already funded for clean-up and repairs. At the first Industry Day on Jan. 31, attendees received briefings about base damages. Nearly 500 buildings on the installation were damaged, and AF leaders want to collaborate with the private sector to include best practices and current construction trends in rebuilding Tyndall as a state-of-the-art base of the future. While the Air Force waits for additional funding, long-term rebuild plans are moving forward. Funding will also provide for future weapons platforms in the decades that follow. A third industry day is tentatively scheduled for August, which will provide further updates on the innovative ideas submitted and the installation development plan. (Source: Air Force 05/06/19) The industry day presentations and videos will be posted on the website at:www.afimsc.af.mil/tyndallpmo.