MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Airfield construction is well underway at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. The construction started Oct. 20, 2016, to prevent foreign objects and debris (FOD) issues that could have placed aircrews and aircraft at risk.
MacDill is home to 16 KC-135 Stratotankers and three C-37 Gulfstreams used by both active duty and reserve service members who use MacDill’s flight line every day to provide unmatched aerial refueling and executive airlift support.
Shutting down the runway on an Air Force base causes disruptions to normal day to day operations.
However, a lot of progress has been made in a short amount of time. As of Oct. 25, 2016, milling, or the removal of a four-inch top layer of pavement, has been completed on MacDill’s entire runway.
The project is scheduled to be completed Dec. 20, 2016.
“Currently, the runway is receiving an asphalt paving to replace the removed material across the 9,421-foot long by 151-foot wide runway,” said Robert Moore, deputy director of the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron (CE). “Across the airfield, contractors have completed milling, paving, grooving, and grounding rod installation, smoothed the surface on MacDill's transient parking apron.”
Near the runway, a system overhaul of the barrier arresting kits, cable used for inflight emergencies, is taking place, which will replace the motor, wheels, and tension cables as part of lifecycle maintenance requirement.
Contractors have also completed sealant repairs to a high-use taxi lane leading into the north parking ramp. Although much has been accomplished, there is still a lot left to do.
“Remaining construction milestones include runway curing, runway striping layout, and runway grooving,” said Moore. “Repainting the airfield markings will also occur in areas of construction.”
Repairs are also expected to occur on the shoulders of the taxiway.
The project would not be possible without the support of MacDill Airmen, Tampa International Airport and Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
“The 6th Security Forces Squadron has provided around the clock explosive detection capabilities, screening all vehicles and equipment, conducting background checks on over 1,000 contractors and issuing base access credentials,” said Lt. Col. Chesley Dycus commander of the 6th Operations Support Squadron.
Operations at the Tanker Way gate have also been adjusted to cover 24/7 gate operations with the support of more than 80 augmentees from across the wing.
“Airfield management personnel monitor construction activity and the integrity of airfield criteria,” said Dycus. “Civil Engineers ensure quality assurance and monitor technical and design compliance. Lastly, contracting personnel facilitate communication and forward progress between the contractor and base personnel.”
MacDill is currently using Tampa International Airport and Joint Base Charleston to continue flying our KC-135’s and complete the mission.
Despite the construction, MacDill Airmen continue to execute their assigned tasks.
“We have approximately 90 personnel temporarily assigned to cover the closure,” said Col. William Stowe, the commander of the 6th OG. “Fourteen personnel are from the 6th OG, and 76 personnel are from the 6th Maintenance Group.”
There has been little to no change in MacDill’s operations since the closure. The only impact is that crews need extra time to drive to Tampa International Airport.
Overall, the runway work is a team effort, and MacDill and its partners continue to work hard to ensure mission requirements are met.