ADVERTISEMENT
Military Installations
A Proud Military Community
For generations, the United States military has been an important part of Bay County's identity, economy, workforce, and community.
Today, Bay County is home to major Air Force and Navy installations supporting missions that range from advanced combat aviation and national defense to research, engineering, diving, mine warfare, and emerging technologies.
Thousands of active-duty service members, civilian employees, contractors, veterans, and military families live and work throughout the area. Their presence strengthens the local economy, supports a highly skilled workforce, and creates lasting connections between Bay County and the men and women who serve our nation.
For those relocating to Bay County—or simply looking to better understand the community—our military installations are an important part of what makes this region unique.
Tyndall Air Force Base
Projecting Airpower. Building for the Future.
Located approximately 12 miles east of Panama City, Tyndall Air Force Base has been part of the Bay County community for more than eight decades.
Tyndall's history dates to 1941, when the installation was established as Tyndall Field. Today, it is home to the 325th Fighter Wing, whose mission centers on projecting combat airpower for the United States.
Home of the F-35A Lightning II
Tyndall is at the forefront of the Air Force's transition to the F-35A Lightning II, the service's newest fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
The 325th Fighter Wing is transitioning into an operational F-35A fighter wing, with the installation preparing to support three F-35A squadrons. Tyndall also hosts numerous tenant organizations supporting a variety of military missions.
An Installation Built for the Future
After sustaining catastrophic damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018, Tyndall began an extensive reconstruction effort designed to transform the base into the Air Force's first 21st Century “Installation of the Future.”
The rebuilding of Tyndall represents more than recovery. It is a long-term investment in Bay County's military future and reinforces the installation's continuing role in national defense.
Naval Support Activity Panama City
Innovation Along St. Andrew Bay
Located along St. Andrew Bay, Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA Panama City) has supported Navy missions in Bay County since 1945.
Its origins are rooted in mine countermeasures research conducted during World War II. Over the decades, the installation has grown from its original 373-acre site to more than 650 acres and has developed into a center for research, development, testing, evaluation, diving, and other specialized military missions.
Today, NSA Panama City's primary mission is to provide safe and secure installation operations while delivering support and services to the Fleet, the Force, and military families.
Specialized Missions. National Impact.
Major organizations located at NSA Panama City include:
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
- Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center
- Navy Experimental Diving Unit
- U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division conducts research, development, testing, evaluation, and support across highly specialized areas including mine warfare, naval special warfare systems, diving and life-support systems, and amphibious and expeditionary warfare.
Together, the installation's missions bring military personnel, scientists, engineers, researchers, technical professionals, and civilian employees into Bay County's workforce.
U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City
Protecting Our Coast. Serving Our Community.
The U.S. Coast Guard is an important part of Bay County's military and maritime community. Coast Guard Station Panama City, located at Naval Support Activity Panama City, helps protect the waters surrounding Bay County and the Northwest Florida coast.
Station personnel support Coast Guard missions including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, homeland security, and recreational boating safety, responding when assistance is needed on the water and helping keep the region's waterways safe.
Ready When Called
With Bay County's extensive coastline, busy waterways, commercial maritime activity, and year-round recreational boating, the Coast Guard plays an important role in the safety and security of the region.
The men and women of Station Panama City serve alongside other military organizations and community partners throughout the area, adding another branch of service to Bay County's longstanding military heritage.
MILITARY & BAY COUNTY
More Than Neighbors.
Bay County's relationship with the military extends well beyond the gates of its installations.
Service members and military families are our neighbors. Veterans build businesses and careers here. Civilian employees and contractors contribute specialized expertise to the regional workforce. Local businesses support military missions, and educational and community organizations build partnerships that connect the installations with the broader community.
That relationship has developed across generations and remains an important part of Bay County's future.
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce works to help strengthen these connections through its Military Affairs Committee, which promotes communication and partnership among the military, business community, and local leaders.
Discover More of Bay County
Military installations are only one part of what makes Bay County a distinctive place to call home.
Explore our communities, schools, healthcare, recreation, arts and culture, and other resources as you discover what it's like to live, work, and build a future in Bay County.
ADVERTISEMENT