MacDill runway construction: minor effect on mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The MacDill runway, is scheduled for reconstruction by Danner Construction, October 20, 2016 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. This project is crucial for Airmen to safely and effectively support headquarters' taskings.

MacDill is home to 16 KC-135 Stratotankers, three C-37 Gulfstreams with both active duty members and Reservists who use the flightline, so it is extremely important that these repairs are made to maintain operational capability, including the executive airlift mission, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association, the air refueling mission and use by other Department of Defense entities. 

"The runway surface is deteriorating at an accelerating rate," said Robert Hughes, the director of the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron. "This runway construction is preventing foreign objects and debris (FOD) issues that may place aircrews and aircraft assets at risk."

Due to diligent upkeep and maintenance the runway has not caused issues for MacDill flying operations; however the runway had its last major repair in 2004 and has a 10-year life expectancy. 

The approximately $8.0M reconstruction project will include a mill and overlay will cover the asphalt sections of the runway that is approximately 150 feet wide by 9,400 feet long. The runway shoulders will be fog sealed to prevent FOD, which is approximately 78,149 square yards. 

"We plan to utilize Tampa International to the max extent possible, which would produce a minimal increase in operating cost," said Col. William Stowe, the commander of the 6th Operations Group. "The runway construction will have negligible affects to the wing mission. The major affect will be the logistics involved to and from Tampa International."

The reconstruction is scheduled to last approximately 60 days, in which most 6 AMW aircraft will be relocated to Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, in order to continue all flying missions.

The wing's flying mission will continue with no foreseen negative impacts and a plan to ensure that any logistics required will be properly coordinated.

Although a contracted construction crew will be performing the reconstruction, MacDill will provide the support for the construction work. 

"Our base engineering staff provided the contract requirements for the project and will provide technical support and inspection during construction," stated Hughes. "Along with the  fact that our base contracting section solicited the bids and will ensure the contractor adheres to the contract requirements while other base agencies, such as Safety and Security Forces provide support during construction."

Overall, the runway work is a team effort and MacDill and its partners will work hard to ensure mission requirements are met without runway shutdowns for unscheduled maintenance as that would impact the wing's mission.