New marina adds resilient recreation space to Tyndall AFB rebuild

Published July 2, 2025
By Christine Walker
Air Force Civil Engineer Center

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Tyndall Air Force Base has accepted a newly constructed marina, a resilient recreation addition to the installation’s ongoing rebuild, which is set to host its first event, Liberty Fest, on July 3.

Inspectors from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center Natural Disaster Recovery Division, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and construction contractors conducted a final walkthrough of the 42,732-square-foot facility on June 4. Following the inspection, Brian Stahl, deputy base civil engineer, and Lt. Col. Allen Lewis, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, signed the acceptance documents for the $47 million project.

men sign document — Brian Stahl, Tyndall AFB deputy base civil engineer, and Lt. Col. Allen Lewis, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, sign the official acceptance documents for the $47 million Tyndall Marina project, June 4, 2025. The signature marked the completion of a key milestone in the base’s hurricane recovery and modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christine Walker)

outdoor seating area — The Tyndall Marina restaurant offers additional outdoor seating and flexible event space. The project is one of several new amenities designed to support Airmen and their families as part of the Installation of the Future initiative. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christine Walker)

marina event space — The Tyndall Marina restaurant includes space for special events, recreational storage, fishing areas, and covered shelters with grills. The facility supports the base’s goal of building resilient, modern infrastructure as part of its $5.3 billion reconstruction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christine Walker)

The marina includes 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.

“This structure is built to withstand the worst Mother Nature can throw at it,” said Col. Robert Bartlow, chief of the AFCEC Natural Disaster Recovery Division. “It meets Miami-Dade hurricane construction standards and is designed to endure winds up to 165 mph and storm surges from major hurricanes. I expect Tyndall Airmen and families will enjoy this marina for generations.”

The project is part of a $5.3 billion rebuild effort following Hurricane Michael’s direct hit in 2018, which damaged nearly 500 buildings across the installation. AFCEC’s Natural Disaster Recovery Division is leading the reconstruction, which includes 44 military construction projects and 260 facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization efforts.

The marina supports the broader goal of creating a more resilient, ready, and modern installation to meet the needs of current and future Air Force missions. For more information, visit www.tyndall.af.mil/Rebuild.

New Tyndall AFB marina adds resilient recreation space