The Air Force announced yesterday that it is entering into negotiations with Tyndall Development Partners, LLC, for the transfer of a portion of the Lynn Haven Fuel Depot in Lynn Haven, Fla., to the company for private development. In exchange, Tyndall Development Partners will carry out military construction work for the service at nearby Tyndall Air Force Base. The Air Force has been working with Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.), in whose district these areas lie, and Florida State University to expand economic development in Lynn Haven by converting parcels of land on the fuel depot to new uses. The fuel depot comprises 184 acres. Already a parcel of approximately 40 acres has been designated for transfer to FSU for use as a new water-based research campus. A 50-acre parcel is a railroad right-of-way that will likely be used to improve access to the site, the Air Force said. The remaining 94-acre parcel is intended for private development. “This is an exciting opportunity to convert underutilized, vacant property into a productive development,” said Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Tyndall’s 325th Fighter Wing. Boyd said, “This is great news for Tyndall Air Force Base, FSU, the city of Lynn Haven and the people of Bay County.”
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.