Air Force wants F-35s based at Tyndall post-hurricane

By Tony Bertuca / December 7, 2018 at 2:53 PM

The Air Force Force is recommending Congress use supplemental funds to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, FL, in the wake of Hurricane Michael so it can become home to three F-35 Joint Strike Fighter squadrons.

"If this decision is approved and supplemental funds to rebuild the base are appropriated, F-35s could be based at Tyndall beginning in 2023," an Air Force statement reads. "Basing already announced in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin will not be affected by this decision."

The operational F-22s formerly at Tyndall can be transferred to other operational bases, increasing squadron size from 21 to 24 assigned aircraft, according to the service.

"We have recommended that the best path forward to increase readiness and use money wisely is to consolidate the operational F-22s formerly at Tyndall in Alaska, Hawaii and Virginia, and make the decision now to put the next three squadrons of F-35s beyond those for which we have already made decisions at Tyndall," Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said in the statement. "We are talking with congressional leaders about this plan and will need their help with the supplemental funding needed to restore the base.”

In October, Hurricane Michael damaged 95 percent of the buildings at Tyndall AFB, including aircraft hangars and flight operations structures.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said the service saw the situation as an "opportunity."

"We have been given a chance to use this current challenge as an opportunity to further improve our lethality and readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy," he said. "The F-35 is a game-changer with its unprecedented combination of lethality, survivability, and adaptability. Bringing this new mission to Tyndall ensures that the U.S Air Force is ready to dominate in any conflict."

200796