Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida has welcomed a newly constructed marina as part of its ongoing rebuild efforts following Hurricane Michael in 2018. The 13,025 square-metre (42,732 square-foot) facility is set to host its first event, Liberty Fest, on 3 July 2025.
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On 4 June, inspectors from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) Natural Disaster Recovery Division, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and construction contractors completed a final walkthrough of the facility. Following the inspection, Brian Stahl, deputy base civil engineer, and Lieutenant Colonel Allen Lewis, commander of the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, signed the acceptance documents for the $47 million USD project.
The facility offers indoor and outdoor dining areas, a bar, event space, 20 boat slips, pontoon boat and kayak rentals, recreational storage, fishing areas and covered shelters with grills.
Colonel Robert Bartlow, chief of the AFCEC Natural Disaster Recovery Division, commented: “This structure is built to withstand the worst Mother Nature can throw at it. It meets Miami-Dade hurricane construction standards and is designed to endure winds up to 165 mph [266kph] and storm surges from major hurricanes. I expect Tyndall Airmen and families will enjoy this marina for generations.”
The marina is part of a wider $5.3 billion rebuild programme led by AFCEC’s Natural Disaster Recovery Division, which includes 44 military construction projects and 260 facility sustainment, restoration and modernisation efforts. The rebuild addresses damage caused by Hurricane Michael, which directly impacted nearly 500 buildings across the base.
Liberty Fest on 3 July will be the first event held at the marina, providing personnel and their families an opportunity to use the new recreational space.
