The US Air Force has held a ground-breaking ceremony to begin the construction of F-35A Lightning II flight line facilities at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
The project will increase the base’s flight line activity once the facilities become available.
“Tyndall is going to evolve into a more lethal, ready, and resilient base,” US Air Force Air Combat Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Russ Mack said.
“The primary focus will remain on prepping the buildings, prepping this runway, and prepping this mission to support the F-35s.”
Tyndall Air Force Base Construction
The construction is part of a $532 million contract awarded by the US Army Corps of Engineers to Colorado-based construction company Hansel Phelps.
The contract involves 11 projects in Zone 1 of the site’s 12-zone rebuild. F-35A crew are expected to base in the area by September 2023.
“It starts with these 11 projects that they will begin breaking ground on as soon as possible so we can bring that mission right back here to Team Tyndall,” Mack said.
Zone 1 includes aircraft hangars, group headquarters, a corrosion control facility, a maintenance complex, aircraft parking aprons, and F-35A flight simulator training space.
‘High Tech and Robust’
The base is expected to transform into a “high-tech and robust” fighting wing that can serve the needs of current and future forces through its innovative designs, infrastructure, and novel technology.
“It’s our partnership we’ve forged here over the past three years that could deliver this moment today,” US Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District Commander Col. Jeremy Chapman explained during the ceremony.
“The hard work and dedication that I’ve witnessed up to today will be a critical attribute to achieving this Installation of the Future.”