TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE – Tyndall officials have changed their controversial waterway proposal based on feedback from residents, officials wrote in a news release.
The proposal now clarifies that in the event of an implementation of a temporary restricted area the Tyndall Threat Working Group would re-convene at least every 48 hours to assess if the threat diminished enough to still warrant a restriction.
The TWG is a team of experts consisting of anti-terrorism, security forces and other base officials that provide recommendations to the wing commander regarding security concerns for the 23,000 active duty, civilian, retiree and dependent personnel that use the base and the more than 60 aircraft that will call the base home in the upcoming months.
"Tyndall is dedicated to the safety of our personnel and assets," said Col. Christopher D. Holmes, 325th Mission Support Group commander. "The base is in an unique situation with our beautiful natural resources and great recreational locations. As we move forward with this proposal, we will balance that security need with the lifestyle that makes Bay County such a wonderful place to live, work and play."
Two classified security assessments conducted at Tyndall AFB identified a "major concern" regarding the 129 miles of coastline surrounding the base. That identification prompted base officials to develop a plan for mitigating threats to that coastline.
In the event of a security threat to the installation that involves the coastline, the proposal allows base officials the ability, if necessary, to enact a temporary restriction in the threatened area of the coastline.
"This plan is completely threat driven," said Maj. Anthony McCarty, 325th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Should a threat arise, that Tyndall TWG would work with local law enforcement agencies. The group would take a look at that treat, analyze it and decide the best mitigating actions to reduce that threat. If the best mitigating actions were a temporary restriction of that threatened area, they would present this to the wing commander and reconvene at least every two days to ensure this action is still needed. "
During the restriction, all persons, military and civilian, will be asked to leave the affected water area, but a person can request authorization to stay in the threatened area.
"Day to day nothing would change, and we hope to never enact any part of the plan," McCarty said. "However, if someone's business or livelihood was affected by this temporary restriction, in accordance with the proposal, they may petition the wing commander to be allowed in the area. These requests will be handled on a case by case basis and balanced against the safety of all parties including our neighbors in Bay County during the threat."
The next town hall is scheduled for Jan. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mexico Beach Civic Center.
To view the most current draft after the proposal, click here.