In the wake of damage to Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB) caused by Hurricane Michael, the U.S. Air Force is recommending the base be rebuilt to house the F-35 Lightning II fighter.
Air Force officials are advocating Congress use supplemental funding for rebuilding the base, noting a preliminary evaluation confirmed the Florida base could accommodate up to three F-35 squadrons. The operational F-22 Raptors formerly at Tyndall AFB can also be housed at other operational bases increasing the squadron size from 21 to 24 assigned aircraft.
“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,” Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said. “We are talking with Congressional leaders about this plan and will need their help with the supplemental funding needed to restore the base.”
Hurricane Michael tore through the gulf coast on Oct. 10, causing damage to the region and damaging 95 percent of the buildings at Tyndall AFB, officials said.
“After working closely with the U.S. Air Force to ensure Tyndall Air Force Base is fully rebuilt, the Air Force is asking Congress for the funds necessary to rebuild and receive the F-35 fighter jet,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said. “This announcement is great news not only for national security but also for the people of Florida. I thank Secretary Wilson for her efforts, and I will continue working with my colleagues to get a disaster supplemental before the end of the year so that Tyndall and the communities in the Panhandle are fully restored in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.”