Tyndall Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Panama City, Florida
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Tyndall Air Force Base was established in 1941 and is located on a peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico near Panama City in the Florida Panhandle. The installation suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018 — a Category 5 storm that destroyed approximately 95% of the base’s structures. Since then, Tyndall has undergone a historic, multi-billion-dollar reconstruction effort to rebuild as a “base of the future” incorporating smart technology, resilient infrastructure, and modern facilities. Tyndall is home to the 325th Fighter Wing and serves as the primary F-22 Raptor training installation.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Conduct F-22 Raptor formal training unit (FTU) operations, training F-22 pilots and maintainers; support air defense and fighter excellence missions.
Major Units:
325th Fighter Wing (host wing — F-22 Raptor)
325th Operations Group (F-22 FTU)
325th Maintenance Group
325th Medical Group
601st Air Operations Center (ACC — Air Operations Center)
Air Force Civil Engineer Center (tenant)
Tenant Units: 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, 601st Air Operations Center, various Air Combat Command and DoD tenant organizations

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Panama City, FL (approximately 12 miles west)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) — approximately 25 miles west
Gate Access: Main gate (Highway 98) operates 24/7; visitor control center issues visitor passes for civilians; CAC required for unescorted access; Real ID-compliant ID required for civilians; post-reconstruction access controls have been modernized with advanced security systems

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,500-4,500 (fluctuates during ongoing reconstruction and unit returns)
Family Members: Approximately 4,000-6,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 2,500-3,500
Total Installation Population: Approximately 10,000-14,000 (growing as reconstruction completes)

Key Facilities

Medical: 325th Medical Group — rebuilt clinic providing primary care; specialty care referrals to Tricare network in Panama City area; dental clinic on site; full hospital capabilities were among facilities destroyed by Hurricane Michael and are being rebuilt
Commissary: Yes — rebuilt commissary; new facilities part of the reconstruction program
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — rebuilt BX; new exchange facility incorporated into the reconstruction plan with modern retail and food options
Fitness & Recreation: Rebuilt fitness center; new facilities designed to modern standards; outdoor recreation leverages the base’s Gulf Coast location with beach access, water sports, and nature trails; recreational facilities continue to come online as reconstruction phases complete
Schools: Bay District Schools serves dependent children; no DoDEA schools; bay County school system had widespread damage from Hurricane Michael and has been rebuilding alongside the base
Childcare: Child Development Center rebuilt and operational; contact CDC for current availability and waitlist status
Veterinary Services: Tyndall AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility — rebuilt as part of reconstruction; care for military working dogs and eligible beneficiary pets by appointment
Legal Assistance / JAG: 325th Fighter Wing Legal Office — legal assistance by appointment; contact office for current hours and services as facilities continue to expand post-reconstruction

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities — housing was comprehensively rebuilt after Hurricane Michael; new modern units designed for resilience; approximately 900+ units rebuilt or under construction
Average Wait Time: Contact housing office upon receipt of PCS orders; availability has improved with reconstruction but varies by bedroom count and grade
Off-Base Housing: Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, and Callaway are popular communities; average rent for 2-3 bedrooms ranges approximately $1,400-$2,200/month; coastal demand drives prices higher than inland Florida; Panama City Beach has recovered significantly since Hurricane Michael
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit well in advance of arrival; contact gaining squadron’s first sergeant or use MyPers sponsorship system; sponsor can provide updated info on which facilities are open given ongoing reconstruction
In-Processing: Report to the 325th FSS in-processing center; orientation briefings held regularly; note that some in-processing locations may have shifted during reconstruction — confirm current building locations with sponsor
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 325th Medical Group and Airman & Family Readiness Center; enrollment required prior to PCS; Panama City area offers limited specialty care compared to larger metro areas — assess family needs carefully and coordinate with EFMP office early

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical climate; hot and humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; mild winters; hurricane risk during Atlantic hurricane season (June through November); Gulf of Mexico beaches are a major quality-of-life asset
Cost of Living: Moderate — Panama City area is below the national average for most categories, though coastal areas (Panama City Beach) carry premium pricing; overall cost of living is favorable compared to other coastal assignments
Nearby Attractions: Gulf of Mexico beaches and Panama City Beach (world-class white sand beaches), St. Andrews State Park, Florida Caverns State Park (approximately 60 miles north), Destin and the Emerald Coast (approximately 60 miles west), fishing, boating, and water sports throughout the region
Spouse Employment: Panama City area job market is moderate; major employers include Bay Medical, Bay District Schools, Panama City tourism/hospitality sector, and defense contractors; market is growing post-Hurricane Michael recovery; remote work is increasingly viable

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.tyndall.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (850) 283-1113
MWR Website: https://www.tyndallservices.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — contact via main installation line (850) 283-1113 for current location and appointment scheduling as facilities continue post-reconstruction

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: www.tyndall.af.mil, ACC official resources, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, personal knowledge base through August 2025, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law