As planning efforts are underway to rebuild Tyndall AFB, the process of mapping the installation’s features in its current state—post-hurricane and pre-restoration—are shaping its future state. Analyzing the the pre-storm conditions and hurricane impacts lends a solid foundation for a data-driven, informed, and resilient installation design.

Hurricane Michael155-mph sustained winds
On 10 October 2018, Tyndall AFB was hit by Category 5 Hurricane Michael, the strongest sustained wind‐speed hurricane to hit the continental U.S. in more than 25 years. Originally classified as a Category 4, the National Weather Service upgraded the hurricane after the damage had been surveyed. Before the storm hit, 3,600 installation personnel and their families (more than 11,000 people) were evacuated – just 93 personnel remained on Tyndall AFB during the storm.

Sustained DamageFlightline facilities were damaged and interrupted flight operations
Every Tyndall AFB facility suffered some degree of damage from Hurricane Michael’s severe winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall. Recently built structures, historical facilities, and infrastructure, including utilities, roads, and pavement, were impacted. For example, Hangar 5, pictured above, was built during World War II. The extent of the damage on more than 200 buildings rendered them unsalvageable from an economic standpoint. Before the hurricane, the airfield supported multiple missions for both U.S. armed forces and foreign military forces, in addition to supporting the 325th Fighter Wing (325th FW) mission.

Recovery PlanOpportunity to implement several long-range planning objectives
Shortly after Hurricane Michael, multiple task forces were assembled to assist the 325th FW facilitate the installation’s recovery. Task forces were directed to assess damage to installation facilities and infrastructure, determine asset usability, and preserve future mission capability. Because of extensive hurricane damage, Tyndall AFB has an opportunity to implement several long-range planning objectives from its Installation Development Plan and its 21st Century Installation Concepts. The rebuilding of Tyndall AFB is underway, with initial planning to fund major investments moving forward. Several existing missions will continue, while others will move to different locations.