What do you know about MacDill?

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  There are numerous interesting facts about MacDill Air Force Base, Florida that many people may be unaware of. Facts that help shed light on just how much this installation impacts the lives of its service members, retirees, civilians, dependents and ultimately the greater Tampa Bay community. Not to mention, the important role it plays in helping to carry out the Air Force's mission.

MacDill is located eight miles south of Tampa, Florida and sits on 5,767 acres of land. This land holds 572 family homes as well as 614 facilities that cover 5 million sq. ft. These facilities help make up the $8 billion that MacDill possesses in capital assets.

Additionally, MacDill's facilities help to employ approximately 9,876 active duty personnel and 4,073 civilians by providing more than 14,500 jobs and $1.96 billion in payroll.

These personnel work in various units that include U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. Within the mentioned units, strategies have been discussed and important decisions made in regards to some of our nation's more recent combat efforts.

By the way, did you know that Coalition Village, also located on this installation, is home to senior officers representing over 50 nations?

These nations have chosen, in response to the events of Sept. 11, to partner with the U.S. to help maintain the safety of the world and all those who inhabit it.

MacDill is also home to 19 Aircraft worth $1 billion. This includes 16 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft that help to carry out the Air Mobility Command's mission to "provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces."

MacDill's economic impact on the Tampa Bay community equates to approximately $2.3 billion with its military population; add in the retiree population and that number skyrockets to $4.9 billion.

Speaking of retirees, there are an estimated 40,000 residing in the Tampa Bay area. Each winter, MacDill plays host to incoming retirees, also known as "snow birds", from across the nation at its family camp ground.

So when you think of MacDill, don't just consider its KC-135s and air refueling mission, consider all that it contributes to its community and the world's greatest Air Force.