Beach and Bay Chamber Tour Tyndall Air Force Base

On Thursday, January 24, 2013 the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and Bay County Chamber of Commerce came together to support our local military base. A daylong tour of Tyndall Air Force Base introduced both local Chambers’ Board of Directors to the world of our Country’s servicemen and women. Tours of Tyndall’s multiple institutions presented a positive image for the Air Force and Bay County.

A morning mission brief, given by Col. William C. Grund, gave the group background information about the 325th FW Headquarters and the history of TAFB. An interesting fact of its history is it opened to students the same day as the attack on Pearl Harbor. Traveling then to Base Operations, the Board had the exceptional opportunity to view the F-22, while simultaneously witnessing them take off. Subsequent tours of the tower, state-of-the-art K-9 facility, and weapon simulation building were both educational and presented an unforgettable experience. The last stop of the day was the F-15 simulator, allowing the Board to experience a flight inside the commemorated fighter jet.

The day concluded with a social at the Heritage Club, sponsored by the Bay County Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. Several Commanders and airmen greeted both Chambers and provided meaningful conversation about other services that Tyndall provides. Col. David E. Graff and MAC Chairman, Al McCambry, thanked both groups for participating in the tour and supporting the base in our community.

TAFB will have a monumental impact on Bay County’s economy in the coming years. As a result of a recent Air Force decision, the aircraft and personnel for an operational F-22 Raptor squadron are now scheduled to transfer to Tyndall by Spring 2014. This transfer will bring about 900 active duty and Air Force Reserve families to our area. The Beach and Bay Chamber’s look forward to this consolidation and the impact it will have on our businesses, schools, and job creation.