WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that Tyndall Air Force Base has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to receive an additional squadron of F-22 Raptors, bringing 21 new F-22 fighter jets and nearly 600 additional personnel to the base. Tyndall received the maximum amount of F-22s possible and the most of any military installation in the nation.

“Ever since the introduction of the F-22 to Tyndall, the 325^th Fighter Wing has had the responsibility for training the Air Force’s F-22 pilots.  I am extremely proud to report that earlier this morning I received confirmation from the Air Force that Tyndall will be the recipient of an additional squadron of F-22 Raptors, ensuring the base will remain the preeminent air dominance training facility in our nation.” said Congressman Boyd.  “I want to thank the people of Bay County, particularly the Bay Defense Alliance, who have been partners with me as we worked together to protect the economic interest of our community and the security requirements of our country.  I also want to personally thank General Schwartz for his ongoing support for the airmen stationed at Tyndall and the citizens of our local community.  Working together, we have put Tyndall in a strategic position to be a key component of the Air Force’s next generation fighter infrastructure, and this achievement will help make long term enhancements to both our national defense capabilities and our local economy.”

“This is a remarkable achievement for our local community, and the members of the Bay Defense Alliance could not be more thrilled,” said Tom Neubauer, President of the Bay Defense Alliance.  “Many people contributed to this victory, but Congressman Boyd deserves particular mention.  At every step of the way, Congressman Boyd used his position on the Appropriations Committee and experience in forging relationships that benefit the people of North Florida to bring about this victory for our community.  He has been an integral part of supporting our local defense installations and the defense-related aspects of our economy.  We are proud to be a partner in this endeavor and look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman in the future.”

Since the retirement of the F-15 mission was announced by the Air Force, Congressman Boyd has worked closely with the Bay Defense Alliance and other community leaders to secure a viable replacement mission for Tyndall, one that would protect vital community jobs and preserve Tyndall’s status as the preeminent training ground for our fighter pilots.

Earlier this week, Congressman Boyd secured language in the FY11 Defense Appropriations bill directing the Secretary of Defense to “promptly replace aviation assets that have already been reduced.”  In an effort to further demonstrate Tyndall’s superiority over other bases under consideration for F-22 training, the language urged the Secretary to expeditiously complete a cost-benefit analysis to determine which bases possess inherent advantages to F-22 training.

Congressman Boyd has held numerous conversations with senior Air Force personnel over the past 18 months, and in June 2009 he hosted the Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley, and General Norton A. Schwartz, at Tyndall to see firsthand the tremendous support the base receives from the Bay County community, as well as the vital role Tyndall plays to our security.

Last year, Boyd included a provision in the FY10 Defense Appropriations bill that postponed the early retirement of F-15s from January 1, 2010 until April 1, 2010 to allow added time to secure a follow-on mission for the base.

Congressman Boyd concluded, “I am extremely proud of the multi-pronged efforts we’ve taken to preserve Tyndall’s operational future.  My partners at the Bay Defense Alliance and I will continue working to bolster Tyndall’s capabilities in every way possible so that Tyndall can continue to be a source of pride for Bay County residents and our region.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 29, 2010

CONTACT:
Christopher Cashman, 202-225-5235