Tyndall AFB PMO makes every dollar count through community partnerships

  • Published
  • By Taylor Koopman
  • Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  As Tyndall AFB rebuilds from the ground up, the Tyndall AFB Program Management Office has one clear objective in managing the multibillion-dollar endeavor: make every dollar count.

The Air Force Community Partnership program is one way the base accomplishes this, through which Air Force and community leaders develop win-win partnerships focused on reducing costs by finding shared value.

“Tyndall (AFB) is committed to collaborating with community partners to achieve mutual economic goals and enhance mission effectiveness,” said Traycee Chapman, 325th Fighter Wing installation community planner and AFCP Program liaison. “Whether it is finding opportunities to reduce operating and service costs, or improving quality of life for Airmen and their families, we are continuously searching for innovative ways to obtain shared value and benefits here at Tyndall (AFB).”

Since January 2013, the AFCP program has motivated 62 installations and communities to partner across a wide range of issues, developing more than 1,000 initiatives, and signing over 400 agreements generating $68 million in Air Force benefits.

“At Tyndall (AFB), we now have the opportunity to re-look at how we might tap into the intellectual capital and innovative spirit of the base and community leaders,” said John W. Henderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy. “The relationships built here will be vital as Tyndall (AFB) is recapitalized as one of our most technologically advanced installations in the department.”

As the lead for Tyndall AFB’s AFCP Program, Chapman has expanded partnerships with several entities, including local area organizations such as the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Bay Defense Alliance and Bay Economic Development Alliance.

“Tyndall (AFB) and the PMO also work very closely with the cities surrounding the base,” Chapman said.

Tyndall AFB has completed many rewarding and valuable projects in collaboration with community partners over the past year, she added.

-- Bay County was recognized as one of the Class of 2019 Great American Defense Communities an award honoring the achievements and leadership in our defense communities and military installations across the United States.

-- In June 2019, Tyndall AFB and the Bay County Tax Collector's Office signed a Letter of Intent to establish a satellite tax collector's office in the new community commons on base. The office will provide services such as registering vehicles, obtaining hunting and fishing licenses, and registering to vote. The objective of this partnership is to reduce travel time for Airmen who are often unable to make it to the Bay County Tax Collector's Office during working hours.

-- Tyndall AFB approved an on-base site to expand business opportunities for local food truck operators. The expansion will help attract economic development in the area by providing vendors with up to 1,800 customers per day from those working on the base.

Beyond reduced costs for the Air Force, the community partnership program creates an invaluable forum for fostering strong relationships and promoting innovation.

“Having a supportive community is vital for the rebuild of Tyndall (AFB),” said Brig. Gen. Patrice Melancon, Tyndall AFB PMO executive director. “We are lucky to be part of one of the most loyal military communities in the nation. Working together to achieve our mutual goals not only furthers those good relationships but also moves us all forward with the multibillion-dollar rebuild of the base.”

Upon completion of the rebuild, Tyndall AFB will welcome its first F-35 Lightning II fighter jets in September 2023.

For more information on progress the Tyndall AFB PMO is making on the rebuild, visit https://www.afimsc.af.mil/TyndallPMO/ or https://www.facebook.com/TyndallPMO/